Seasonal Recipes for You and Your Dog: Enjoying the Holidays Together

Year in and year out, we look forward to the holiday season. It’s a time of warmth, joy, and, of course, scrumptious food. We get to spend time with family and friends or cozying up with our furry friends by the fireplace, it's the perfect time to enjoy delicious seasonal dishes. But why not make the festivities even more special by creating seasonal recipes for both you and your pup? After all, they’re part of the family too!

In this post, we're exploring some yummy and festive recipes for humans and dogs, ensuring that your holiday celebrations are filled with flavor and fun for everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike. And, of course, we’ll share some tips on keeping your dog’s meals safe and healthy, so they can enjoy the holidays as much as you do!

1. Pumpkin Spice Delights for Humans and Dogs

Pumpkin is a staple flavor of the season, and it’s not just for your pumpkin pie! It’s a versatile ingredient that humans and dogs enjoy. Rich in vitamins and fiber, it’s also a dog-safe food often included in homemade dog treats.

For You: Pumpkin Spice Latte

Who doesn't look forward to pumpkin spice latte season? We know we do. Enjoy the cozy vibes of the season with this simple recipe to make this treat:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of milk (or your preferred milk substitute)
• 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• 1 shot of espresso or strong coffee
• Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Heat gently while stirring until it’s smooth and warm.
2. Brew your coffee or espresso and pour it into a mug.
3. Pour the pumpkin milk mixture over the coffee, stir, and top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.

For Your Dog: Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

While you enjoy your delicious homemade latte, your pup can enjoy some freshly baked biscuits. Dogs love pumpkin as much as we do! These simple pumpkin dog biscuits are easy to make and filled with dog-friendly ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• 2 cups of whole wheat flour (or oat flour for sensitive dogs)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter (unsweetened, without xylitol)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until you have a dough-like consistency.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into shapes using a cookie cutter.
4. Place the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Let them cool before serving to your pup.

2. Holiday Roasts: A Feast for You and Your Dog

A hearty roast is the perfect holiday hero, and you can easily prepare a version of it that both you and your dog can enjoy. But it’s important to remember that while some ingredients are safe for dogs, others, like garlic and onions, can be harmful. Always keep your dog’s food separate and safe!

For You: Herb-Crusted Roast Beef

A succulent roast beef, crusted with fragrant herbs, is a holiday classic. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb beef roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Rub the roast with olive oil, and then coat it with the rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the roast in a roasting pan and cook for 15 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for another 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending on desired doneness).
4. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

For Your Dog: Simple Roast Beef Stew

This dog-friendly roast beef stew is packed with nutrients and can be enjoyed as a meal or a topper for your dog’s regular food.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean roast beef, cubed
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 potato, cubed
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth (make sure it’s dog-safe)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the roast beef, carrots, potato, and green beans.
2. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Let it simmer for 45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through.
4. Allow it to cool before serving to your dog. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Sweet Treats: Dessert for Everyone

No holiday meal is complete without a sweet treat to finish it off. From pies to cookies, these recipes will satisfy both your sweet tooth and your dog’s cravings (without the harmful ingredients)!

For You: Apple Cinnamon Crumble

This warm and comforting dessert is perfect for a cozy, cold evening.

Ingredients:

• 4 apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice and cinnamon. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter until it forms a crumble.
4. Sprinkle the crumble over the apples and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
5. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

For Your Dog: Cinnamon Apple Dog Treats

A dog-friendly version of the apple cinnamon flavor we all love! These treats are healthy and safe for your pup.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the applesauce, water, cinnamon, and egg.
3. Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes using a cookie cutter.
5. Place the treats on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and crisp.
6. Let them cool before serving.

4. Feeding Your Dog High-Quality Food

We absolutely love treating our dogs to special homemade meals, but it's important that their diet supports their health all year round. If you're looking for a premium dog food option that’s gentle on your dog’s stomach and made from human-grade ingredients, consider California Dog Kitchen. Their novel protein human-grade dog food is a great option for pups with sensitive stomachs and food sensitivities.

Check out californiadogkitchen.com to find a selection of high-quality, tasty options for your pup, ensuring they get the best nutrition, even during the holiday season.

Conclusion

The holidays are a time for celebration and shared meals. Let your dog join in on the fun this year! By making seasonal recipes that are safe and delicious for both you and your furry friend, you’ll create memorable moments and keep them feeling loved and included. 

Whether you’re baking pumpkin treats, roasting beef, or sharing a sweet dessert, your dog will appreciate the thought and care you put into their special meals. Here's to enjoying the holidays together, one tasty dish at a time!