It’s that time of year when you can spoil your pups, make fun fall memories, and whip up a batch of these delicious, sweet ginger cookies and gingerbread treats for your dog!
Are ginger cookies safe for dogs?
Ginger is safe for your dog, but the store-bought human cookie bag may not be. To ensure you give your pup a healthy treat, I’m sharing these two dog-safe ingredients recipes that are healthy alternatives for your puppies. These gingerbread recipes are made with wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. As you gear up to prepare for the colder season with your family and friends, you can make these gingerbread dog treats so your furry friend(s) can also partake in the festive spirit!
As you may know, Happy and Zaku are my golden retrievers. They are large dogs that eat large amounts of treats. I usually buy treats in large quantities, which are neither cheap nor healthy. So I decided to do DIY, and I found a great recipe for gingerbread cookies that is easy to make and affordable natural homemade gingerbread cookies.
Homemade treats are not only less expensive but also a healthier option. They do not contain the preservatives and chemicals that store-bought treats might have, and they are made with love, which is better for your four-legged friend’s health.
Ginger dog cookies recipe as a small sweet treat
I would use this recipe if it’s your first time making ginger cookies. It’s much easier to create little balls than a whole gingerbread man shape. I also use the recipe to create lots of mini treats for training purposes.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Wire racks or cooling rack
- cookie sheets
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter
- ¼ cup molasses
- One egg
- Two ¼ cups whole wheat flour (or almond flour)
- Two teaspoons of dry ginger or four teaspoons of fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- You can add peanut butter for a fun twist
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Add egg, butter, and molasses to a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer until combined.
- Mix together flour and spices in a small bowl until evenly distributed. Fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until dough forms.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a cookie sheet.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet between ½” to 1” apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Dog Gingerbread Cookies for the Holiday Season
You can make little gingerbread men for your four-legged friends if you want. These are perfect for the holiday season and/or as a gift to another pet parent.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 2 ¼ cups whole wheat flour (or almond flour)
- Two teaspoons of dry ginger or four teaspoons of fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- optional: a little water (if the dough is too dry)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Add egg, butter, and molasses to a medium mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer until combined.
- Mix the whole wheat flour and spices together in a smaller mixing bowl until evenly distributed. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until the dough forms.
- Lightly floured surface of a large cutting board and roll the dough out to about ¼” thick. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Reroll the scraps and continue cutting into shapes.)
- Place cookies on a baking sheet between ½” to 1” apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
Equipment Needed: Gingerbread men cookie cutter or dog bone cookie cutter, cookie sheets, Mixing bowls, Wire racks or cooling rack, Parchment paper (optional)
How To Store Dog Biscuits
Some people used Greek yogurt to decorate their homemade dog treats, if you do store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Otherwise, they can sit in an airtight container in the pantry.
Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is not just delicious in your special treat. Gingerol, a natural component of ginger root, benefits gastrointestinal motility ― the rate at which food exits the stomach and continues along the digestive process. Eating ginger encourages efficient digestion, so food doesn’t linger as long in the gut.1 It is also famous for motion sickness. Please remember that we are making gingerbread treats, not medication.
Serving Size/How many dog treats should you give?
The serving size will depend on your dog’s weight, age, and the size of your Ginger treats. To start, I recommend half a small dog treat for smaller dogs and a complete one for larger dogs.
As always, please check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog in case they have an allergic reaction or upset tummies.
Not sure that your dog will digest all that?
This blog contains recipe information that is considered suitable for pets. However, consult with your veterinarian before offering your pet any of the ingredients contained in this recipe if you are concerned.
Can a human eat these homemade dog treats?
Yes, these delicious dog ginger cookies can be a treat for dog and are safe for humans to eat. They will definitely be plainer than your usual ginger snaps because they lack spices, which are not necessary as dogs have a stronger sense of smell. But ask your furry friend first! I have a real human recipe for ginger cookies on the blog. After making a batch for the pups, it smelled so good that I made a batch for us. Here’s the recipe for human!
Footnotes
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