Have a Merry canine Christmas

Serve up a festive treat for your four-legged friend with these delicious recipes from the experts

We all love to indulge in some tasty treats at Christmas – but don’t forget that some of our festive favourites are bad for doggy digestive systems, and can even be dangerous (check our list, below right). That’s why our Wagony Aunts have created this hearty – and healthy – Christmas menu for dogs for you to cook up at home. Bon appetit!!

Mistletoe & Mutt’s Egg Nog

Ingredients

250g minced turkey / 140g wholemeal flour / 2 eggs, beaten

1 Boil the turkey in 1.4ltr water for 20 mins or according to pack instructions – it should be cooked thoroughly until white and opaque. Remove from water to cool.

2 Add the flour to the turkey water and beat out any lumps.

3 Add the beaten eggs and cook on a low heat until the mixture thickens.

4 Stir the turkey back into the mixture.

5 Add more water if needed. Leave to cool, then serve.

Cranberry & Turkey Gobble Gobble Festive Stew

Ingredients

250g minced turkey / 225g potatoes, peeled / 225g carrots, peeled / 110g celery / 2 tbsp plain flour / A few fresh cranberries (no more than five)

1 Boil the turkey in 1.4ltr water as in the previous recipe. Remove from water (retain the water).

2 Meanwhile, dice the veg and boil for 3-5 mins until softened. Drain, then add the drained, cooked turkey.

3 Whisk the flour into 240ml of the turkey water and add to the pan with the turkey and veg. Simmer for 10 mins, stirring occasionally.

4 Stir in the cranberries and cool to room temperature before serving.

Blitzen’s Banana Biscuits

A perfect festive treat for your dog. Makes at least 20 small biscuits. Only give your dog one biscuit a day.

Ingredients

2 tbsp flax seeds / 100g rolled oats / 240g wholewheat flour / small pinch of cinnamon / 1 large banana, mashed / 35ml vegetable, sunflower or olive oil

1

Put the seeds, oats, flour and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.

2 Add the mashed banana, oil and 60ml water, and mix well.

3 When the mixture is thick, roll it out to 1-2cm thick on a chopping board using a rolling pin.

4 Use a cookie cutter to create your shapes, and pop on a baking tray.

5 Bake at 175°C for 20 mins.

6 Wait for them to cool before serving.

The Dogs Trust team have really enjoyed creating this fabulous festive menu, and the ingredients have been checked by their veterinary elves, so please don’t adjust the quantities.

Remember that these should only be a treat and that not all dogs cope well with changes to their diet. On the day your dog has these treats, feed him less of his normal food. Some dogs could have sensitivities to certain ingredients, so they may not be suitable for all pooches. If you have any concerns, or if you think your dog has eaten something he shouldn’t, please contact your vet.