Gingerbread for Dogs – Is There a Safe Alternative?

Is there such a thing as a safe gingerbread for dogs?

It's that time of year again when we start to get into the holiday spirit.

As you decorate your home, do holiday baking for friends and family, or wrap up Christmas presents, don't forget about our four-legged friends!

They deserve an extra special treat at this time of year too!

We all love gingerbread treats and so do our dogs!

Can My Dog Eat Gingerbread?

Gingerbread is not likely to be toxic for dogs, and ginger itself can be healthy in small amounts.

However, gingerbread often contains nutmeg, which can be dangerous for dogs in large quantities because it contains a toxin called myristicin that doesn’t agree with dogs’ stomachs. 

Also, gingerbread is high in sugar and fats, which are both harmful in large doses.

It is so important to keep our beloved pooches in shape and you can check out our post on just how much exercise dogs need and how to keep them in good condition.

Specifically, too much can cause pancreatitis in dogs, which can be painful or even fatal, so gingerbread is not a part of a healthy diet for any dog.

If your dog has eaten gingerbread and has an upset stomach, a bland diet of rice and unseasoned chicken or ground beef may help.

This recipe blog post is all about making dog friendly gingerbread treats.

Homemade Gingerbread for Dogs Recipe

These homemade dog treats are super easy to make and will help ensure your pup enjoys a happy holiday season too!

It's simple - only 5 ingredients needed and made in only half an hour!

Ingredients needed for Gingerbread Dog Biscuits

150g rice flour / brown rice flour / whole wheat flour / gluten free flour if your dog has a wheat allergy

90g grated apple - make sure you remove those pips!!

160g coconut yoghurt

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions!

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius

Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl

Put the mixture from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface

Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough

Use a festive cookie cutter to create your gingerbread men or if you have one - gingerbread bones!

Place on a baking sheet that has been coated in nonstick spray or lined with parchment paper and bake in the oven for 25 minutes

Take them out of the oven and place them on a wire rack to let them cool completely.

You now have some scrummy homemade gingerbread for dogs!!

Homemade Gingerbread Dog Treats with Carob Ice

You can also make them with a carob icing topping.

1. Melt ¼ cup of carob chips and ½ tsp. of coconut oil in a microwave safe dish for 20 seconds at time, stirring every time until completely melted.
2. Transfer melted carob to a plastic sandwich bag, snip off a small piece of the corner and use it like an icing bag.
3. Squeeze gently and apply to your cookies.
4. Allow the carob to harden and place cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for 2 months.