Deck the halls with festive dog treats! Coconut and cranberries combine to make an irresistible and jolly homemade cookie for dogs who have been nice this year.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! It’s not snowing here – yet – so to get into the wintery mood, I decided to make it snow in my kitchen with shredded coconut! My Winter Coconut and Cranberry Dog Treat Recipe is wrapped up in coconut flakes and dried cranberries – both of which are great for dogs. Cranberries are an awesome way to keep his urinary tract health intact, while coconut is an excellent source of fiber. This also makes a wonderful holiday gift for all the furry friends on your list.
Winter Coconut and Cranberry Dog Treat Recipe
Makes 24 dog cookies
Ingredients:
½ cup dried, shredded coconut (unsweetened)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon vegetable or coconut oil
2 cups flour
¼ cup of peanut or almond butter
1 egg
½ cup bran
½ cup water (as needed)
Directions:
I used Wilton’s candy melts for a little holiday flair. It’s safe for dogs, but contains sugar. Feel free to use another icing or leave off the treats.
There is no arguing the fact that cranberries trigger all the winter and holiday vibes. But there may be a deeper reason to bake up a holiday treat for your dog. When offered to your dog in moderation, cranberries offer some great health benefits. If you’re still up in the air about baking with cranberries, this may convince you.
Cranberries are a low-calorie, high-nutrition treat. In terms of calories, ½ cup of cranberries will only amount to 25 calories. At the same time, they are packed with vitamins B1, B2, C, E, and K. They are also a great source of antioxidants and dietary fiber. What does all this mean for your dog?
Vitamin C, just as with people, is a great option for boosting your dog’s immune system. It can help fend off illnesses and infections. Vitamins B1, B2, and E are important nutrients in terms of your dog’s heart health. They also encourage healthy growth in younger dogs and puppies as well as help to regulate the metabolism and prevent unwanted weight gain. Vitamin K helps to address any issues in terms of blood clotting.
The high volume of dietary fiber is going to help your dog feel full longer. This is great for dogs that are trying to lose a few extra pounds. It will also help to move food through your dog’s system efficiently, encouraging healthy digestion.
Antioxidants are, arguably, the biggest benefit to cranberries. By fighting free radicals and protecting your dog’s body at the cellular level, they can slow the development of some forms of cancer and completely prevent others. They are also effective in slowing the cognitive decline that many older dogs will experience, preventing dementia as they age.
