These Cranberry Oatmeal Dog Biscuits are the perfect homemade treat for your pup during the holidays—or any time you want to add a touch of festive flavor to their snack jar. Made with wholesome oats, unsweetened cranberries, and a hint of peanut butter, they’re naturally sweet, crunchy, and full of nutrients.
Cranberries bring a splash of color and a subtle tartness, while oats create a hearty texture that dogs love to crunch. Easy to make, easy to store, and tail-waggingly delicious—these biscuits make healthy, homemade goodness simple.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
These biscuits have the satisfying texture dogs crave with ingredients that are gentle on the stomach. The oats give a hearty crunch, while cranberries add natural sweetness and antioxidants. The peanut butter ties everything together with a flavor dogs can’t resist.
Perfect for holiday gifting or everyday snacks, these treats smell incredible as they bake—warm, toasty, and slightly fruity. Even picky pups will be begging for more.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups rolled oats (or oat flour)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, Ceylon preferred)
- 1–2 tablespoons water (as needed)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for color
- 1 tablespoon shredded carrot for extra fiber
Pro Tips
- Chop cranberries finely so each bite has a touch of flavor without large chewy pieces.
- Avoid sweetened cranberries—they often contain sugar or unsafe additives.
- Use natural peanut butter with no salt or sweeteners.
- Roll the dough evenly for consistent baking.
- Cool completely before storing to keep the biscuits crunchy.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor (optional, to grind oats)
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Cookie cutters (bones, hearts, or festive shapes)
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Use brown rice flour or whole wheat flour if your dog tolerates gluten.
- Cranberries: Substitute with blueberries or finely chopped apple.
- Peanut butter: Replace with sunflower seed butter or pumpkin puree.
- Applesauce: Swap for mashed banana or plain yogurt.
- Soft treats: Reduce baking time for a chewier texture.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the dough up to 48 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and roll out as usual.
Baked biscuits freeze well for long-term storage, making them great for holiday gifting. Double or triple the batch and store extras—you’ll always have a healthy treat on hand for your pup or visiting dogs.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, applesauce, and the egg. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in oats, chopped cranberries, and optional cinnamon. Mix until a thick dough forms. If it’s too dry, add water a tablespoon at a time until workable.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape into bones or festive forms like stars and trees.
Step 5: Bake
Place biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and firm. For extra crunch, turn off the oven and let them sit inside for another 10 minutes as it cools.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Let biscuits cool completely on a wire rack before storing or gifting.
Serving Suggestions
- Offer as a special holiday treat
- Use as training rewards or post-walk snacks
- Add to homemade gift tins or jars for friends’ dogs
- Serve alongside a bowl of warm bone broth for a cozy winter snack
- Pack them in small bags for pet stocking stuffers
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Grain-free: Replace oats with coconut flour (use 1/3 cup less; add extra applesauce).
- Dairy-free: Naturally dairy-free recipe.
- Egg-free: Replace egg with 1/4 cup mashed banana or a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Nut-free: Use pumpkin puree instead of peanut butter.
- Low-fat: Reduce peanut butter to 1/4 cup and increase applesauce slightly.
Leftovers and Storage
Cool treats fully before storing to preserve texture.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 2–3 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed bag or airtight container.
- Re-crisping tip: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh if they soften.
If you’re gifting them, let biscuits air-dry overnight before packaging to ensure they stay crisp.
Nutrition & Benefits
These Cranberry Oatmeal Dog Biscuits aren’t just festive—they’re packed with nutrients that support your dog’s health.
- Oats provide gentle fiber for digestion and lasting energy.
- Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and support urinary tract health.
- Peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats for muscle and coat strength.
- Applesauce keeps the dough moist and adds natural sweetness.
Together, they create a treat that’s balanced, wholesome, and festive. There’s no added sugar, salt, or preservatives—just real ingredients your dog’s body will thank you for.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Yes—just chop them finely and reduce applesauce slightly to balance moisture.
Q: Are these safe for puppies?
A: Yes! They’re soft enough for puppies if baked a few minutes less. Break into small pieces for easier chewing.
Q: Can I make mini versions?
A: Absolutely. Use smaller cutters or roll into small balls and flatten slightly before baking.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t like cranberries?
A: Replace them with blueberries, chopped apples, or pumpkin bits for similar nutrition.
Q: Can humans eat them?
A: Yes—they’re made from safe ingredients, though they’re not sweetened for human taste.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Cranberry Oatmeal Dog Biscuits are the perfect balance of festive flavor and everyday nutrition. They’re crisp, colorful, and full of wholesome ingredients that make your dog feel included in the holiday fun.
Whether you’re baking them for your own pup or packaging them as thoughtful gifts, these biscuits bring joy, warmth, and a little holiday sparkle to every tail wag.