🐶🐾 How to Create a Festive Holiday Barkuterie Board for Your Dog 🎄🦴

The holidays aren't just for people your pup deserves a seat at the snack table too. Enter the barkuterie board: a festive (and totally drool-worthy) platter loaded with dog-friendly treats perfect for parties, photo ops, or just showing your dog a little extra love this season.

Ahead, we’ll walk you through creating your own holiday dog charcuterie board that’s as safe as it is celebratory. Whether you’re hosting a howl-iday gathering or just feel like spoiling your furry BFF, this is one treat spread that’ll get tails wagging.

As with any human food, pet parents looking to incorporate new foods in their dog’s diet should consult with their veterinarian beforehand.

Holiday Barkuterie Board Recipe

This recipe is for a celebratory spread, not a meal replacement.

Yield: One barkuterie board (serves several dogs) Serving size: Varies; treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories Prep time: 10–15 minutes Bake time: None (unless including homemade treats)

What You’ll Need

• A serving board or platter

• Small bowls or ramekins

• A mix of drool-worthy dog treats (homemade and/or store-bought)

• Dog-safe dips or spreads

Instructions

1. Start with Dips: Place your bowls or ramekins on the board and fill them with pup-approved spreads like xylitol-free peanut butter, pure pumpkin puree, or plain Greek yogurt.

2. Add Treats: Surround the bowls with a festive variety of dog treats! Think dog-safe fruits and veggies (like strawberries, cranberries, apple slices, green beans, and mozzarella), homemade goodies, and tasty store-bought bites (such as gingerbread-flavored biscuits or chicken jerky cuts).

3. Style It Up: Use larger treats to anchor your design, then fill in with smaller snacks. Play with color, texture, and height for a board that’s as bark-tastic as it is balanced.

4. Serve: Present the board to your four-legged guests and watch the tails wag. Just remember: Treats are special, not supper.

How Much To Serve Your Dog

Every dog is different, and when it comes to serving treats especially festive ones it’s best to keep portions small.

• Treats should make up no more than 10% of your pup’s daily calorie intake (and even less if they’re watching their weight).

• A good rule of thumb: For a 600-calorie daily diet, treats shouldn’t exceed 60 calories.

• Always check with your vet before introducing anything new to your dog’s diet. Sudden changes can cause tummy trouble, and we’re aiming for holiday cheer not holiday vet visits!

How To Store Leftovers

If you’ve gone all out with your barkuterie board and find yourself with extras, don't worryleftovers can still be a treat.

• Homemade Treats: Store any homemade cookies in an airtight container in the fridge and serve within three to four days. To save them for later, freeze them in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to one month.

• Store-Bought Snacks: Follow the storage instructions on the packaging.

• Odds and Ends (jerky, cheeses, produce): Use an airtight container to keep things fresh and organized.

Store-Bought Holiday Dog Treats

Looking for more tasty treats to gift, stuff into your pup’s stocking, or wrap and place under the Christmas tree? Consider:

• Soft and chewy limited ingredient treats (like peanut butter and vanilla flavor).

• Holiday-themed biscuits, such as gingerbread or turkey and sweet potato flavors.

• Jerky cuts.

Key Takeaways

• A barkuterie board is a fun, dog-safe take on a charcuterie board, featuring festive treats, fruits, veggies, and pup-friendly dips for the holidays.

• Always use dog-safe ingredients, like xylitol-free peanut butter, pumpkin puree, plain Greek yogurt, and dog-approved snacks.

• Keep portions small. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories to avoid tummy troubles or weight gain.

• Store leftovers properly. Keep homemade treats in the fridge for three to four days or freeze for up to a month; follow package instructions for store-bought snacks.