National Cookie Day on December 4 is a day that gives you an official excuse to eat lots of cookies! But why keep it all to yourself? Share the day with your dog and get them a dog-safe cookie treat so the two or more of you can share a treat together. Just make sure to keep the cookies with chocolate out of their reach and make the day a safe one. But if they do get into the chocolate cookies while you’re not looking, call the veterinarian in Bend for help as soon as possible.

In the meantime, make sure you have plenty of dog-safe cookies for the dog, enough human cookies for yourself, a hot or cold beverage, and share the enjoyment of National Cookie Day with your dog. And if you’re wondering what goes into a cookie for dogs, here’s a look at their ingredients and what to watch out for when making them.

Dog Cookies or Treats?

The use of the words dog cookies can cover dog treats that you buy at the pet store or specialty cookies made with ingredients that are safe for dogs. Dog treats usually have a meat flavor of some kind while dog cookies have flavors that are associated with sweet and savory bakery goods. Ultimately, dogs don’t care what they’re called or how they taste as long as they’re delicious. National Cookie Day is a good excuse to give your dog a treat for no good reason other than to sit and enjoy each other’s company. Just be sure that the ingredients in the dog treat are safe for your dog

What to Consider When Making Your Own Dog Treats

Do something fun for you and your dog by making a sheet of fresh cookies for you and your dog. Many of the ingredients used in human cookies are safe for use in dog treats and cookies. Make sure to use honey and real sugar in your recipes and avoid the use of sugar alcohols like xylitol. Sugar alcohols are toxic to dogs and will guarantee a trip to the veterinarian in Bend for you and your dog.

Wheat flour is safe for use in dog cookies and treats, but if your dog is sensitive to gluten (yes, that’s really a thing for dogs), substitute with almond or rice flour. You can even make icing as long as the ingredients are safe for dogs. If you make icing for your dog cookies, you can use food coloring to give it an extra spark. Peanut butter is an eternal favorite with dogs and can be combined with oats. In fact, if you make a simple peanut butter oatmeal cookie for yourself, you can share it with your dog. Banana, cinnamon, apples and blueberries can also be used in oatmeal cookies for dogs.

Dogs are omnivores and capable of safely eating and digesting fruits and most grains. There will always be dogs who have sensitivities to these ingredients, but if you’re familiar with your dog’s digestive issues, you can still make dog cookies and treats sans the troublesome ingredients. Your dog is sure to show their pleasure and satisfaction with the treat no matter the flavor or ingredient.