5 Essential Safe Holiday Treats Your Cavalier Will Love

Discover safe holiday treats your Cavalier can enjoy this season. Learn festive, healthy options to keep your pup happy, nourished, and protected during the holidays.

Festive Fun: Safe Holiday Treats Your Cavalier Can Enjoy

The holiday season brings cozy nights, sparkling lights, and delicious smells coming from the kitchen. If you have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at home, you know they love to be part of family moments. They especially enjoy being around when food is involved!

However, not all festive foods are safe for dogs, and Cavaliers in particular can have sensitive stomachs. This guide will help you celebrate safely. It covers five safe holiday treats for your Cavalier. You will also find bonus tips to keep your pup healthy, happy, and part of every joyful moment.

Whether you’re baking homemade cookies, preparing frozen goodies, or looking for store-bought options, you’ll find festive ideas your pup will absolutely adore.

1. Homemade Holiday Dog Cookies

Holiday baking is a cherished tradition in many homes, and your Cavalier will love participating in the fun. Homemade dog cookies are not only easy to make, but they also let you control ingredients—perfect for avoiding harmful additives, artificial sweeteners, or unhealthy fillers.

Safe Ingredients to Use

         Pumpkin purée (great for digestion)

         Oat flour (gentle on sensitive tummies)

         Natural peanut butter (must be xylitol-free)

         Banana for natural sweetness

         Unsweetened applesauce

These wholesome ingredients create festive treats your dog will happily devour. For inspiration, check out this helpful collection of dog-safe recipes from Taste of Home.

Why Cavaliers Love Them

Cavaliers thrive on routine and bond closely with their families. Including them in holiday baking not only gives them a tasty snack—it also creates meaningful shared experiences that strengthen your connection.

2. Frozen Yogurt & Berry Bites

If your Cavalier loves cool treats—or if you live somewhere warm during winter—frozen yogurt and berry bites make a refreshing and festive holiday snack.

These colorful bites look adorable when made in snowflake or Christmas tree molds and offer a nutritional boost thanks to antioxidants and probiotics.

Ingredients

         Plain Greek yogurt

         Blueberries, cranberries, or strawberries

         Festive silicone molds

Health Benefits

         Greek yogurt supports gut health

         Berries offer vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber

         Cold treats can be soothing for teething puppies

Before making fruit-based treats, you can double-check fruit safety for dogs from the ASPCA.

3. Dehydrated Sweet Potato Chews

Sweet potato chews are a holiday favorite because they’re simple, healthy, long-lasting, and completely natural. Cavaliers love their chewy texture, and owners appreciate that these treats are easy on sensitive stomachs.

How to Make Them

1. Slice a sweet potato into ¼-inch strips.

2. Place slices on a baking sheet.

3. Bake at 200–250°F for 2–3 hours.

4. Let cool before serving.

Benefits for Cavaliers

         High in fiber to support digestion

         Naturally sweet—no added sugar

         Low in fat and ideal for dogs prone to weight gain

         Great for keeping puppies occupied during busy holiday moments

These chews also make fantastic additions to dog-themed holiday gift baskets or stocking stuffers.

4. Single-Ingredient Meat Treats

Sometimes the simplest treats are the best. Single-ingredient meat snacks—such as dehydrated chicken, turkey jerky, or beef strips—are perfect for Cavaliers with sensitive stomachs or picky eating habits.

Why They’re Great

         High in protein

         Limited ingredients reduce allergy risks

         Easy to break into small training-sized pieces

If you're purchasing store-bought options, look for treats without preservatives, fillers, or added flavors. For guidance on choosing healthy treats, check out these Vet recommendations from PetMD.

These savory bites pair perfectly with training sessions and holiday family gatherings when your pup needs a tasty reward for good behavior.

5. Holiday-Themed Dental Chews

Dental chews that come in festive shapes—such as candy canes, snowflakes, or gingerbread men—add extra cheer to your Cavalier’s holiday routine while promoting good oral hygiene.

What to Look For

         VOHC-approved (Veterinary Oral Health Council) options

         Moderate calorie count

         All-natural, grain-free varieties for sensitive pups

Benefits

         Helps reduce plaque and tartar

         Offers a safe chewing outlet during busy gatherings

         Adds seasonal joy to your dog’s day

These treats keep your Cavalier entertained while supporting long-term dental health, which is important for this breed since Cavaliers can be prone to dental issues.

Holiday Treat Safety Tips for Cavaliers

Cavaliers are small, affectionate dogs who love following their families everywhere—including the kitchen. With so many tempting foods around during the holidays, it’s important to keep your pup safe by avoiding common hazards.

Foods to Avoid

         Chocolate

         Raisins or grapes

         Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and desserts)

         Nutmeg (in pumpkin pie and holiday baking)

         Macadamia nuts

         Alcohol, eggnog, or caffeinated drinks

         Rich table scraps or fatty meats

         Stuffing, gravy, and foods seasoned with garlic or onions

Smart Holiday Safety Tips

         Introduce new treats slowly to prevent stomach upset

         Keep holiday plants like mistletoe and poinsettia out of reach

         Secure the trash to prevent sneaky scavenging

         Avoid giving too many treats during gatherings

         Maintain a consistent feeding and potty routine despite holiday chaos

Being extra cautious helps prevent holiday vet emergencies and ensures your Cavalier enjoys a safe, peaceful celebration.

How to Make Treat Time a Holiday Tradition

Including your Cavalier in seasonal traditions brings joy to both your family and your pup. You can create special holiday routines such as:

         Baking a batch of dog cookies every December

         Creating a festive “treat calendar” with daily safe snacks

         Preparing special treats on Christmas Eve

         Letting your pup unwrap a dog-safe stocking

         Taking holiday photos while your Cavalier enjoys a festive snack

These small rituals make the season memorable and strengthen the bond you share.

Celebrate the Holidays With Joy, Health & Tail Wags

The holidays are a time to slow down, savor the moment, and create meaningful memories with the ones you love—including your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. With safe, tasty treats and a little preparation, you can keep your pup happy, nourished, and included in every celebration.

Whether you’re baking cookies, crafting frozen snacks, or selecting healthy store-bought goodies, these festive options help ensure your Cavalier stays safe and joyful all season long.

Thinking About Welcoming a Cavalier Puppy Into Your Home?

Cavaliers bring warmth, companionship, and year-round joy—especially during the holidays. To learn more about upcoming litters or adoption opportunities, visit Cavaliers by Crumley.