Holiday Dog Treat Recipe: Chocolate-Free Red Velvet Cookies

The gift your pup truly wants this holiday season? More treats! And our favorite holiday dog treat is a homemade one.

This year, we’re making our pups the dog-friendly version of red velvet cookies. That means, no chocolate (because chocolate is toxic to dogs).

Instead, these vet-approved cookies are made with just four simple ingredients: kibble (we used American Journey®), one egg, sliced beets (that have no salt and no added sugars), and a little bit of cornstarch. The cookies are then decorated with dog-friendly toppings, like unsweetened shredded coconut and icing made with organic cream cheese.

Here’s how to make these drool-worthy holiday dog treats.

As with any human food, pet parents looking to incorporate new foods in their dog’s diet should consult with their veterinarian beforehand.

• Yield: 12 treats
• Serving size: 1/2–1 treat, depending on the size of your dog
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Bake time: 20 minutes

For cookies:

• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sliced canned beets with no salt, no added sugars
• 1 cup American Journey Protein & Grains Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food (or your dog’s kibble)
• 1 large egg

For toppings:

• 1–2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp organic cream cheese, softened

• Food processor or blender
• Mixing bowls
• Mixer/whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Puree the beets, including juice, in the food processor. Add the kibble and process until it’s smooth, adding more beet juice if you need it, 1 tbsp at a time. Then, add the egg and cornstarch, and puree.
3. Scoop and form about 12 dough rolls into 2-inch cookies that are round and flattened. Evenly space the cookies on the sheet pan. Bake 20 minutes.
4. To make cookie icing, mix cornstarch and water in a bowl until dissolved. Add softened cream cheese and mix until smooth. Allow to sit at room temperature while the cookies bake, or chill if making icing well in advance.
5. Allow cookies to stand until cool enough to handle. If decorating with dog-friendly frosting, allow cookies to cool completely, then decorate. Sprinkle the cookies with shredded coconut.

As you would with any other treat, serve your pooch a small amount.

Treats should only constitute a small percentage of your pet’s daily dog food. We’re talking no more than 10 percent of your pet’s diet (and if your pet is overweight, even less than that). Feeding too many treats can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

For example, if your pet needs 600 calories per day, they should have no more than 60 calories from treats.

For this recipe, each red velvet cookie is approximately 40 calories.

If your pet has health issues or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering any new treats. Any sudden changes to your pet’s diet can cause digestive upset.

To ensure proper food safety, refrigerate prepared cookies and consume within three to four days or transfer to a freeze-safe container and store for up to one month.

These homemade dog treats keep well in an airtight dog food storage container. 

Looking for more tasty treats to gift, stuff into your pup’s stocking, or wrap and place under the Christmas tree?

Here are some of our favorite store-bought holiday dog treats:

More holiday DIYs

• Martha Stewart’s Holiday Dog Cookie Recipe
• Recycle Your Chewy Shipping Box Into Christmas Ornaments

This recipe was reviewed by a veterinarian. It is intended as a treat or snack.