The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and delicious food—not just for humans, but for our four-legged family members too! While it may be tempting to sneak a bite of your holiday meal to your dog under the table, many festive foods aren’t safe for pets, especially those on a raw diet.
But here’s the good news: there are plenty of holiday-themed treats you can make or buy that complement a raw diet and keep your pup healthy, happy, and included in the festivities. At Paw on Raw, we believe in feeding real, natural food—and that includes seasonal treats that don’t compromise your dog’s health.
Why You Should Be Careful With Holiday Foods
Before we dive into the treat ideas, let’s talk safety. Many traditional holiday dishes contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as:
- Onions and garlic (common in stuffing)
- Chocolate and artificial sweeteners (like xylitol)
- Raisins and grapes (found in desserts)
- Cooked bones (they can splinter and cause internal damage)
- High-fat, salty table scraps (can lead to pancreatitis)
For raw-fed dogs, introducing overly processed or cooked foods can also disrupt their digestion. That’s why it’s important to stick to whole, species-appropriate ingredients, even during the holidays.
Holiday Treat Ideas for Raw-Fed Dogs
Here are some healthy, festive treats that are raw-diet friendly and packed with nutrition:
1. Frozen Turkey & Cranberry Bites
Ingredients:
- Raw ground turkey (from a trusted source like Paw on Raw)
- Unsweetened, fresh cranberries (small amounts)
How to Make:
Mix the turkey and finely chopped cranberries, form into small balls, and freeze them into silicone molds or as meatballs. Serve straight from the freezer for a refreshing treat.
Great for protein and antioxidants.
Avoid cooked turkey skin or gravy.
2. Pumpkin & Liver Holiday Cubes
Ingredients:
- Raw beef or chicken liver (Paw on Raw offers high-quality organ meats)
- Pure, plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
How to Make:
Blend pumpkin and raw liver together, pour into ice cube trays, and freeze. These can be used as meal toppers or treats.
–Supports digestion and provides essential vitamins A, B, and iron.
-Pumpkin is gentle on the stomach—ideal after a busy day.
3. Raw Goat Milk with Cinnamon Sprinkle
Ingredients:
- Raw goat milk (available at many pet food stores)
- A dash of Ceylon cinnamon (not Cassia!)
How to Make:
Pour a small bowl of goat milk and lightly dust with cinnamon. Serve chilled.
Great probiotic boost, promotes gut health and immunity.
Avoid sugar or nutmeg—those are toxic to dogs.
4. Holiday Raw Meaty Bone (Supervised Treat)
Nothing says celebration like a special raw bone. Surprise your pup with a Paw on Raw meaty bone—perfect for chewing, dental health, and entertainment.
Popular picks:
- Raw beef marrow bones
- Duck necks
- Chicken feet
Wrap it (safely!) and put it under the tree—dogs love the excitement! Always supervise your dog when giving bones and choose size-appropriate options.
5. Festive Veggie Medley Mash
Ingredients:
- Raw finely chopped spinach, carrots, and broccoli
- Raw egg (including the shell for calcium)
- A drizzle of omega-3-rich fish oil
How to Make:
Mix together and serve on top of their regular raw meal or shape into festive cookie cutters and freeze.
A colorful, nutrient-rich treat with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats.
Bonus: Make a Raw-Fed Holiday Doggie Platter
Want to go all out? Create a holiday platter just for your pup using a mix of:
- A portion of their usual raw meal (e.g., Chicken & Veggie Mix)
- A side of pumpkin-liver cubes
- A frozen turkey-cranberry bite
- One holiday bone to chew
Garnish with parsley (safe in small amounts) for a little holiday flair—and don’t forget a festive bowl or placemat for the photos!
Healthy Holiday Habits for Raw-Fed Dogs
Here are a few tips to help your dog enjoy the holidays safely:
- Stick to their feeding routine – Avoid disrupting their digestive system.
- Don’t over-treat – Even healthy treats can add up.
- Keep toxic foods out of reach – Remind guests not to share food with your dog.
- Stay hydrated – Raw-fed dogs typically get more moisture, but offer extra fresh water during the holiday bustle.
- Exercise after meals – A winter walk or play session helps digestion and keeps stress down.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to skip the fun this holiday season—your raw-fed dog can absolutely join the celebration with safe, nutritious treats designed just for them. Whether it’s a frozen turkey bite or a crunchy marrow bone, the key is to keep it natural, species-appropriate, and locally sourced.
At Paw on Raw, we’re here to help you nourish your pup year-round with high-quality raw food that’s made right here in Canada. This holiday, give your dog something to wag about—with treats that love them back.
Shop Holiday-Ready Raw Treats at Paw on Raw
Check out our full product lineup for fresh, raw dog food and bones that are perfect for festive treat-making.
Healthy dogs. Happy holidays.