How to Make Custom Christmas Gifts for a Canine

A custom Christmas gift is one way to help your dog feel included in the holiday celebration. While a handmade dog sweater or a new collar are nice gifts, your canine companion would probably appreciate an edible gift even more. Instead of feeding your dog people food, which could cause stomach distress or illness, bake him up a custom batch of dog-safe Christmas cookies to enjoy.

Things You'll Need

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup white flour
2 tbsp. cornmeal
2/3 cup powdered milk
1 cup oats
2 tbsp. beef or chicken bouillon
Large mixing bowl
3/4 cup water
1 egg
1/2 cup oil
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters
2 cups carob chips
Microwave safe bowl
Wax paper
Crushed nuts, optional

Instructions

- 1
  Combine 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup white flour, 2 tbsp. cornmeal, 2/3 cup powdered milk, 1 cup oats and two tbsp. beef or chicken bouillon in a large mixing bowl.
- 2
  Stir in 3/4 cup water, 1 egg and 1/2 cup oil. You can use any type of vegetable oil or substitute 1/2 cup of melted bacon or beef fat for the oil.
- 3
  Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands. The dough will be similar in consistency to cookie dough.
- 4
  Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it approximately 1/2 inch thick with a rolling pin.
- 5
  Cut the dough with Christmas-themed cookie cutters in the same manner you would cut sugar cookies for people.
- 6
  Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for approximately seven minutes. Pay close attention to the cookies to avoid burning them and take them out as soon as the edges are golden brown.
- 7
  Measure approximately two cups of carob chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Carob is a safe chocolate alternative for dogs.
- 8
  Microwave the carob chips on high at 30-second intervals, stirring after every each interval, until the carob is smooth.
- 9
  Dip your cool canine Christmas cookies into the melted carob and place them on wax paper to dry.