Gingerbread for Dogs: The Best Gingerbread Dog Treat Recipe

Serena Faber Nelson Founder & Pet Lifestyle Writer

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.

Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.

In delicious news, we’ve found the best gingerbread dog treat recipe to spoil your pup this Christmas.

Yes, it’s a ~spicy~ claim to make…but why not let your pooch be the judge!

Healthy, easy to make, dog-safe and utterly scrumptious, these homemade gingerbread cookies for dogs are a great way to celebrate the season with your best friend.

Whether it’s the warm spice or molasses flavour – or how cute the little gingerbread men shapes are – gingerbread always brings a festive and nostalgic feel to the holidays. 

And is there anything better than the smell of warm gingerbread, fresh from the oven, filling your house with festive cheer? Gingerbread sure has a lifelong place in our hearts (and our pups hearts too!)

So if you’re looking for a fun, festive and simple Christmas dog treat recipe, you can’t go wrong with dog-friendly gingerbread!

RELATED: Holiday Dog Treats: PB & Ginger Snaps

Can dogs eat gingerbread?

Is gingerbread safe for dogs? No – because a popular ingredient used in regular gingerbread is actually a no-no for dogs.

Which ingredient is the culprit? Nutmeg. Beneath its warm, nutty flavour is a toxin called myristicin which is harmful to dogs, especially in large quantities.

So, while ‘human’ gingerbread isn’t safe for dogs, this gingerbread dog treat recipe is completely dog-friendly as it contains no nutmeg and only pooch-safe ingredients!

However as we always say, these homemade dog treats are just that – treats only – and should not replace your dog’s regular meal plans. 

Always check with your vet about any major changes to your dog’s diet, or if you have any questions or concerns about what you are feeding your pup.

Is ginger good for dogs?

Yes, ginger is safe for dogs! Dogs can eat ginger in small quantities on a regular basis, as it contains anti-viral, non-toxic, and anti-fungal properties.

Ginger is also gentle on dog’s stomachs and promotes healthy bowels. It’s one of the many reasons why ginger is especially a great healthy herb for senior dogs.

Gingerbread for Dogs: The Best Gingerbread Dog Treat Recipe

A seasonal favourite amongst pet parents and sure to be a hit at all your dog-friendly holiday gatherings…here’s how to make your own homemade gingerbread dog treats!

Ingredients:

1 and 1/4 Cups Water
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Molasses
2 Tablespoons Honey
3 Cups Organic Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
1 Tablespoon finely chopped Fresh Ginger

You’ll need:

2 Large Bowls
Mixing and measuring utensils
Rolling Pin
Gingerbread Cookie Cutter

How to make dog-safe gingerbread:

1. Get two large bowls. In one bowl combine the water, olive oil, molasses and honey. In the second bowl combine the flour, cinnamon, cloves and finely chopped ginger.
2. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet. Mix until all are combined.
3. Divide the dough into two, wrap and refrigerate for minimum 3.5 hours.
4. Once chilled, remove dough from fridge and roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness (less than a centimetre).
5. Pre-heat oven to 180 C (350 F).
6. Use your Gingerbread Cookie Cutter to cut out the biscuits. Place on baking tray. Bake for 10-15 minutes.

Can I freeze gingerbread treats?

Yes! These gingerbread dog treats can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

More handy hints!

* Makes around 20 Large treats.
* I actually found leaving 1/2 cup of the water aside made it easier to mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Then as they combined to form a dough, I added the remaining water to ensure the mixture didn’t become too wet and sticky.
* The dough needs to be chilled for a minimum 3.5 hours but can be chilled up to 5 hours.
* Once the biscuits are cooled you can decorate with drizzled carob or yoghurt drops if desired. I rolled the off-cuts into little buttons for the Gingerbread men!

Recipe variation: Gingerbread houses for dogs

If you love the idea of gingerbread houses for dogs, this recipe can be used for that too!

Instead of using a Gingerbread man cookie cutter, you can either cut the house shapes out yourself, or use a cute Gingerbread house cookie cutter like this top-rated one by Ann Clark.

Then, simply attach the pieces together using peanut butter, white carob drops or low-fat cream cheese, which can be used to decorate your houses too.

Enjoy and happy holidays!