Homemade Venison & Cranberry Holiday Dog Treats

How I Discovered the Secret to Pampering My Pups

Imagine this: I was sitting on my kitchen floor, surrounded by my furry little minions—because let’s face it, they do consider themselves the rulers of the household—when I had a revelation. It was around the holidays, and like many pet parents, I thought, why shouldn’t my adorable furballs get something special, too? Thus began my quest for a dog treat that wasn’t just a treat but a celebration of flavors, health, and happiness.

I wandered into my pantry, armed with a mischievous grin and a willingness to experiment. After some trial and error (let’s just say, my first attempt at peanut butter banana bites ended up more banana mush than anything resembling a treat—sorry, puppies!), I hit upon the right combination of venison and cranberries. Now, I must clarify that it isn’t just any venison; it is as though I summoned the spirit of Gordon Ramsay himself to create these treats. Who knew those iconic “Holidays” could be about spoiling my dogs while contemplating whether it’s socially acceptable to try some of the treats myself?

Of course, after the first taste test (both I and my dogs, of course), I was hooked. The tail-wagging frenzy and puppy eyes that followed made every minute spent in the kitchen worth it, and soon my kitchen transformed into a veritable bakery—one dedicated solely to my pups. The best part? Now, every time I whip up these homemade venison and cranberry holiday dog treats, I can’t help but recall the joyful chaos of that initial experience. I mean, who wouldn’t want to harness that kind of magic for their furry friends each year?

Reasons Why This Dog Food Recipe is Simply Paw-some

• It’s ridiculously easy to make – Less time cooking means more time for cuddles! No culinary university degree required here; just a pinch of love and a dash of enthusiasm. Even your kitchen newbie friends could pull this off, probably while handling a puppy with the other hand!
• It’s impressively delicious – If my dogs could talk, they’d hire a marching band to announce that I’m the best chef ever. You may even feel the need to serve these to human guests—I won’t judge if you do! Just make sure you don’t let them in on your secret; after all, dogs deserve their own scrumptious treats.
• It’s comforting – This recipe will warm your heart while making tails wag, because everything is better made from scratch! When you boil the ingredients together, it’s like a little hug in a bowl (for both you and your pups)!
• It’s packed with nutrients – Venison is like that cool kid in school – lean, friendly and oh-so-good for them. Plus, cranberries are nature’s superheroes with antioxidants suited for keeping those furry friends healthy!
• It’s customizable – Can’t find venison? Substitute with chicken or turkey. Feeling fancy? Slide in some pumpkin purée for that festive touch. Trust me, the culinary world is your oyster when it comes to these treats!

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 20-25 servings (dependant on the size of the treats)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 50 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 4g
• Fat: 2g

Ingredients You Need

Alright, my fellow dog enthusiasts, here’s the fun shopping list for your weekend culinary adventure—let’s get those tails wagging!

• 1 pound of ground venison – Deliciousness straight from the mountains (or your friendly butcher).
• 1 cup of rolled oats – The backbone of these tasty treats.
• 1/2 cup of mashed sweet potato – Because sweet potatoes are like a warm hug for pups!
• 1/2 cup of dried cranberries – The festive flair all year round, just like a good holiday sweater!
• 1 egg – For binding everything together like a loving doggie hug on a cold day.
• 1/4 cup of parsley, chopped – The green that says, “I totally planned this”—trust me, it’s a finicky ingredient!”

Ingredient Highlights & Variations

Let’s chat a bit more about those ingredients, shall we? Each has a fun little story to tell, and believe me, they’re worth sharing!

• Ground Venison: This lean protein powerhouse is like the Brad Pitt of dog food. It’s low in fat, high in protein, and easy on their tummies, making your dog’s meals exciting and healthy. Did you know it’s less common than beef and chicken, making it a unique treat? Like your dog’s VIP card for gourmet dining!
• Dried Cranberries: Those little jewels not only bring a pop of color but are superhero fruits packed with antioxidants. They help promote good urinary health for our furry pals. Plus, they add a sweet-tart twist to every nibble!
• Mashed Sweet Potato: Nature’s adorable orange delight! Beyond its adorable looks, it’s also a great source of vitamins A, B6, and potassium—talk about a nutrition treasure chest!
• Rolled Oats: The unsung hero! They provide a whole grain boost to your recipes. And….let’s be honest, they are full of fiber! So, you’re not just feeding your dog; you’re making sure their tummy thanks you!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now onto the fun part! Here’s how you can create drool-worthy treats for your pups that they’ll flip for!

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A warm kitchen is the perfect way to start!
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground venison, oats, and mashed sweet potato. Give it a good mix—your hands are your best tool and it’s totally worth it!
3. Step 3: Add in the dried cranberries and the egg. Chop chop till it’s well combined.
4. Step 4: Once well-blended, form small balls or flat shapes—whatever your heart desires. If your dogs are like mine, any shape will do—they’re just excited to have the taste, really!
5. Step 5: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place your treat shapes on it. Bake for around 30 minutes or until golden brown—your house will smell heavenly!
6. Step 6: Let the treats cool down completely before serving them up to your furry family!

How to Serve It

You’ve made it, and now to indulge those puppers properly, shall we? Here are some fun serving ideas that’ll make those tails wag even more:

• Serve it on their favorite personalized dog dish—nothing too basic here!
• Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or even a drizzle of peanut butter if you’re feeling *extra*. Your Instagram feed is practically begging for it!
• Pair these treats with a cozy cuddle session and a new squeaky toy, because who could say no to an adventure?
• Deliver them with dramatic flair, perhaps a bowtie on your pup goes a long way in elevating snack time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s address the burning questions! I assure you humor is included with each answer:

• Can I use ground beef instead of venison? Sure, if you want those furry friends to feel less gourmet than they truly are! They won’t mind, but the flavor is like comparing a snooze-fest to a party!
• What if I don’t have sweet potato? No problem! You can swap it with pumpkin puree or even some mashed carrots. Who knows? You could create a life-changing recipe!
• Can I substitute cranberries? Certainly! Try blueberries for an equally delightful treat or even chopped apples—just be careful of the seeds, please!
• Will my dog eat these if they are a picky eater? Fear not! If bacon were somehow involved, I’d say they’d come running. Otherwise, a few goodies sprinkled in around their regular food might entice them!

Draw Your Dogs into the Kitchen with You

Ah, dear reader! I hope you feel inspired to bring a little of the magical chaos that is my kitchen into your own. You see, when I bake my homemade venison and cranberry holiday dog treats, I’m not just feeding my furry family—I’m creating memories. If my pups could talk, they’d share countless tales of those cozy nights in the kitchen, the mess we make, and the fabulous tail-wagging moments that follow dinner time. I look forward to hearing your adventures in the dog treat-making realm! What funny stories will you share with me? Don’t keep me in suspense; I want to hear about those quirky variations you might add! Happy cooking and spoil those dogs a little extra—they deserve it. Your kitchen can be the next doggy treat wonderland!