Holiday Dog Treat Recipe: Snowballs

Christmas is a time for joyful feasting—and your dog, as a cherished member of the family, deserves a festive, safe, and delicious treat too. Between holiday gatherings, travel, and daily responsibilities, finding time to bake can be tough. That’s why we created this simple, healthy, no-bake recipe: Snowball-shaped dog treats that are as fun to make as they are to serve.

A close-up of snowy white dog treats rolled in shredded coconut, arranged on a festive holiday tray

What You’ll Need

  • Food processor
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring cup
  • A willing canine taste-tester (highly recommended!)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond meal
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (alcohol-free, pet-safe)
  • ¼ cup water (plus a splash more if needed)
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped almonds (unsalted, no seasoning)
  • Extra shredded coconut for rolling

How to Make Snowballs

  1. In your food processor, combine the almond meal, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and water. Pulse until the mixture forms a soft, pliable dough. If it feels too dry, add water—one teaspoon at a time—until it holds together when pressed.
  2. Transfer the dough to a small bowl and fold in the chopped almonds.
  3. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll each into a smooth, compact ball using your palms.
  4. Roll each ball generously in extra shredded coconut to create a soft, snowy exterior.
  5. Place finished treats on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Hands rolling dough into small balls, with shredded coconut visible nearby

Storage & Serving Tips

Store Snowballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—or freeze them for up to 1 month. Thaw frozen treats in the fridge for 1–2 hours before serving. This recipe yields 22 treats, totaling approximately 1,115 calories (about 51 calories per treat).

A festive holiday-themed serving dish filled with snowy white dog treats, garnished with a sprig of rosemary

Important note: Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods—even healthy ones—to your dog’s diet. Some dogs may have sensitivities to ingredients like almonds or coconut, and portion size should be adjusted based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level.

This recipe was developed in collaboration with certified canine nutritionists at FurPetVo, a trusted resource for science-backed, pet-first nutrition guidance. For more vet-approved recipes and feeding advice, visit furpetvo.com.

A happy dog gently holding a snowball treat in its mouth, with soft holiday lighting in the background