Christmas Day is fast approaching, many of us will be dashing around the shops, making last minute purchases and preparations for the big day. With so much going on, it can be easy to forget to treat our dogs and cats, this festive season.
Thankfully, Battersea has shared some Christmas baking recipes for our furry friends to help pets and owners alike get into the festive spirit.
Using ingredients such as xylitol-free peanut butter, bananas and turkey, the recipes are not only fun to bake but are also cost-effective.
Rob Bays, Canine Behaviour and Training Manager at Battersea said:
“Christmas is always such a busy and costly time, and whether you’re looking to treat your pet to a last minute gift, or get them involved in the festive fun without breaking the bank, these tasty treats are the perfect solution.
“Christmas may be a time for us humans to indulge a bit, but it’s important not to let your pets do the same. All treats should be fed in accordance to a healthy and balanced diet.”
If you want to bake with Battersea, or find out how you can support rescue animals this Christmastime, head over to www.battersea.org.uk.
Christmas cat treats
Ingredients
- 100g rolled oats
- 100g cooked white meat turkey (no salt or seasoning added), chopped small
- 1 large egg
Method
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the oats in a food processor and pulse them into a flour. Alternatively, you can use ready-made oat flour. Add the turkey pieces to the food processor and pulse until well combined. Turn out into a bowl.
- Add the egg and mix well, then bring together with your hands to form a dough.
- Divide the dough into four equal balls and put three of them in the freezer to use another time.
- On a lightly floured work surface, take a small amount of the dough, roll into a ball and press flat using your finger into bite-sized biscuits.
- Place the biscuits evenly on a lined baking tray and bake at 180°C for 15-17 minutes, or until golden brown and dried out on the top. Once cooked, allow to cool completely.
Now it’s time to treat your cat! The Christmas cat treats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Festive dog treats
Ingredients
- 150g plain or wholemeal flour
- 85g xylitol-free peanut butter*
- 1 medium banana
- 4 tablespoons hot water
* It’s important to make sure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol as it is toxic to dogs. Not suitable for those with nut allergies.
Method
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Add the xylitol-free peanut butter and hot water to a bowl, and give it a good mix.
- Add the banana to the bowl and blend until smooth using a hand blender.
- Add the flour to the bowl and bring together with your hands to form a dough.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1cm thick. Cut out the biscuits using whatever shape you like.
- Place the biscuits on a lined baking tray and bake at 180°C for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. When they are thoroughly cooked through, remove them from the oven and leave to cool completely.
Once cool, you can treat your dog! The Christmas dog treats can be stored in a cool place in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
