- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
It’s always tempting to share your holiday cookie tray with your best friend—but most human cookies aren’t safe for dog stomachs, and that’s especially true of shortbread. So we came up with some toasty, crumbly, dog-friendly shortbread cookies that are perfect for the pups in your life.
Here’s the truth about sharing shortbread with dogs, followed by a dog-approved shortbread recipe that makes a great gift for pups and pup-loving friends.
Can Dogs Eat Shortbread Cookies?
As Dr. Jo Myers, DVM, a veterinarian at Vetster, explains, “Shortbread cookies are not a good choice to share with dogs.” Though a small piece is unlikely to send you to the emergency vet, the cookies’ butter, sugar, and refined flour can all upset a dog’s stomach.
Especially concerning is the high fat content. “Small or toy breeds, dogs that are overweight, and those with a history of pancreatitis are more likely to become sick from rich, fatty foods. For these dogs, even a single cookie can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or a painful flare of pancreatitis.”
The other danger to keep your eye on is additives like chocolate, macadamia nuts, and xylitol—all of which are toxic to dogs.
If your dog gets into the shortbread and shows symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or lethargy, don’t wait to reach out to a vet, who can help you assess the situation and decide if an emergency trip is in order.
Dog-Safe Shortbread Cookies
But don’t worry—just because you can’t share your shortbread doesn’t mean your dog can’t have a festive treat.
Chef Kiki Kane has created a dog-safe option for the cookie tray, a combination of stomach-friendly toasted coconut and coconut flour that creates a seasonal dog treat with a warm, house-filling aroma. The dried cranberries add a chewy textural surprise with just a hint of tart.
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Cranberry Coconut Shortbread Treats for Dogs
Coconut is a popular ingredient for dogs and people. It boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as making your dog’s coat shine. Cranberries are packed with healthy antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 24 large treats 1x
- Category: Winter Treats
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dried coconut
- 3/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1/3 dried cranberries (look for unsweetened or low-sugar)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325ºF.
- Toast dried coconut for 5-10 minutes or just until golden on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- Cream coconut oil for about 2 minutes in a stand mixer or just until fluffy.
- Add the flours and baking powder and continue to mix on low.
- Add egg and vanilla.
- When a nice ball of dough is formed, mix in cranberries and toasted coconut until just combined.
- Roll out dough about 1/4 of an inch thick. It will be delicate to work with until baked and cooled.
- Cut into simple shapes, use a spatula to transfer to baking tray if necessary.
- Bake for 18 minutes or until just starting to brown around the edges.
The shortbread will be delicate until cooled, so let the treats cool on the baking tray.
