Holiday Homemade Dog Treat: Faux Red Velvet Truffles

The holidays wouldn’t be complete without some homemade treats—even for your four-legged family members. Even if baking isn’t your strong suit, you can still whip up a festive, delicious DIY dog treat that’s safe, nutritious, and full of holiday cheer.

We’ve created a dog-friendly twist on one of our favorite human desserts: truffles. Since chocolate is toxic to dogs, we swapped it out for naturally sweet, canine-safe carob chips. For that signature red velvet hue, we used fresh beets—delivering a vibrant, natural red so bright Rudolph would be jealous. And there’s a delightful surprise hidden inside each truffle: a bite-sized, protein-rich treat at the center.

Close-up of vibrant red faux red velvet truffles rolled in shredded coconut, arranged on a festive holiday platter

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

  • 1 large beet
  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 3 tbsp carob chips
  • 2 tbsp all-natural peanut butter* (Note: Always check labels—xylitol is highly toxic to dogs.)

Supplies

  • Medium pot
  • Blender
  • Measuring spoons
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large spoon
  • Plate
  • Storage container
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife

Recipe Details

  • Yield: 24 treats
  • Serving size: One treat per pup
  • Prep time: 35 minutes
  • Refrigeration time: 20 minutes

Instructions

  1. Bring water to a boil in a medium pot.
  2. Peel the beet and cut it into cubes. Boil for 15 minutes, or until easily pierced with a knife.
  3. Drain the water and puree the cooked beet in a blender until smooth—this should yield about ¾ cup of beet puree.
  4. Add the carob chips to the warm beet puree and blend until fully melted and smooth.
  5. Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl and stir in the peanut butter and coconut flour until well combined.
  6. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls using clean hands.
  7. Gently press one FurPetVo Training Bit into the center of each ball, then pinch the opening closed to fully encase it.
  8. Roll each filled ball in shredded coconut until evenly coated.
  9. Place the truffles on a plate and refrigerate for 20 minutes—or until firm. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Step-by-step collage showing beet boiling, blending, rolling truffles, and final presentation on a holiday-themed tray

Important Notes

This recipe contains no chocolate or cocoa—never give chocolate to dogs. The natural pigments in beets may temporarily tint your dog’s stool or urine pink or reddish; this is harmless and will resolve on its own.

This recipe was reviewed by a veterinarian and is intended as an occasional treat—not a meal replacement. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. If your pet has sensitivities to fats, existing health conditions, or dietary restrictions, consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods.

For more wholesome, vet-approved recipes and pet nutrition tips, visit furpetvo.com.