5 Mouthwatering Desserts to Make for You and Your Dog This Holiday Season

Just like people, dogs love sweet treats. And even though they shouldn't have too much sugar, there's no shame in allowing your pup to indulge in a little dessert from time to time, as long as you use the right ingredients.

In fact, it’s even possible to create tasty desserts that both you and your dog can enjoy together. Dare we say, dessert can be a bonding moment between parent and pet. And when you have a dog by your side, eating a pint of ice cream alone is no longer so lonely. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some delicious and healthy dessert recipes for dogs and their parents.

Remember - always consult your vet before feeding pets anything new or outside their standard diet. When in doubt, they'll know what's best for your individual dog or cat.

1. 3-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies

While oatmeal cookies are often considered the disappointing version of chocolate chip, we simply can't get behind that slander. These classic treats are a favorite of many kids and adults across the globe, and we think your soulful sidekick might just love them, too!

In general, oats are great for dogs and humans alike. They're high in vitamin B and healthy fats, which can improve skin health in people, and are great for your pup's coat. Plus, oatmeal cookies are pretty darn versatile, as you can mix in any ingredients you like - just be sure they're pet-friendly.

What you’ll need

• Two large ripe bananas

• 1 cup rolled oats

• Chocolate chips (human cookies only)

• Dried cranberries (optional)

• Cookie cutters (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Mix the banana and oats in a bowl. Divide "dough" in half. Add chocolate chips to half the batch for your human companions, and optional dried cranberries for your pup's batch. Use some fun cookie cutters to make shapes and transfer to a lined baking sheet and bake for around 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Recipe adapted from One Clever Chef

2. Yogurt Berry Parfait with Honey

If you want to share a sweet treat with your dog, honey is one of the best sweeteners to use. It contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and is dog-safe when fed in moderation. And when you mix it with vitamin-packed fruits and low-fat yogurt, you can whip up a recipe that will have both you and your pup licking your chops.

Note: stay away from sugar-free yogurts for this one. Artificial sweeteners are toxic to pets.

What you’ll need

• Four cups pet-safe mixed fruit (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)

• One cup low-fat yogurt (unsweetened)

• One tbs honey

Simply prepare the fruit into bite-sized slices, then pour over your bowl of yogurt! Drizzle with honey, mix together, and enjoy!

3. Sweet Potato Pops

While popsicles are typically considered a summer treat, the inclusion of sweet potato makes this dessert a festive winter recipe. According to AKC, "sweet potatoes are... low in fat and rich in vitamins A, B6, C, calcium, potassium, and iron" - all minerals which help support your pup's overall health and wellness.

What you’ll need

• 12 oz honey-flavored greek yogurt

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato

• 1/4 cup fat-free milk

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• Festive popsicle molds

Add first four ingredients to blender or food processor and blend together. Pour into molds and freeze until firm. Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home

4. Banana Pudding with Merangue

As you can probably tell, when it comes to sharing desserts with your dog, fruit-based treats are our favorite options. Bananas are particularly useful due to their naturally sweet nature, and like other fruits and veggies, they're full of healthy vitamins and minerals.

What you’ll need

• Three bananas

• Four eggs

• 1/2 cup honey

• Three tbs of flour

• Two cups milk

To make this dish, first separate three of your egg yolks from the whites. Mix the yolks together with the whole of the fourth egg. In a saucepan, mix honey and flour, before adding the egg yolks and milk. Cook the mixture on medium heat for around 10 minutes.

Next, slice your bananas and place the slices in layers in a casserole dish, pouring over some of the pudding. Beat the egg whites from earlier to make a meringue to put on top of your pudding and bake the whole thing for around five minutes or until the meringue is browned.

5. Peanut Butter Banana Waffles

There's nothing more delicious than waking up on a cold winter morning to the smell of waffles. Sweet, healthy, and easy to make - these treats can be eaten in the AM or as a mouthwatering after-dinner snack.

What you’ll need

• 1 cup oatmeal

• 1 banana, very ripe

• 1 egg

• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (be sure to use a natural kind that does not contain extra oils, sugars, or Xylitol)

• Coconut oil to grease the waffle maker

Heat your waffle iron and mix all ingredients except coconut oil together in a medium size bowl. When the iron is hot, grease with oil and scoop about 2 Tbsp. of batter into the iron. Cook about 4 minutes or until golden brown. Remove, let cool, and cut into smaller squares for you and your pup to enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Live More with Kenmore

How often can I feed my dog treats?

When it comes to the healthiest balance for pets and their diet, we recommend the 90/10 rule. Ninety percent of your dog’s daily calories should come from their vet-recommended dog food, which leaves the remaining ten percent for treats!

Bonus - looking for more dog-friendly holiday recipes? Check out Figo's Scarf'd series here.

Lizz Caputo is a Content Strategist at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.