Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and if you're putting your menus together be sure to add these fun and easy-to-make DIY Thanksgiving dog treats.
We know what it's like when you've sat down for your Thanksgiving meal and your pup is sitting next to giving those big puppy dog eyes, waiting for a piece of your meal. While we know that there are some surprising things dogs can eat besides dog food, most Thanksgiving foods are off-limits for dogs.
You can always err on the side of caution by serving up some of the best dog food, but why not have some festive fun for your pup this year and try out these DIY Thanksgiving dog treats? They are quick and easy and your pup is sure to love them.
Turkey meatballs
Can dogs eat turkey at Thanksgiving? Technically, yes but you'll want to be sure that it is free from bones, skin, and seasoning. Alternatively, you can try out these fun turkey meatballs.
Your pup is sure to love these meatballs, and they're a great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. You can also make these meatballs year-round using ground turkey. You'll need a food processor for this recipe.
Recipe credit: The Dog People
You'll want to avoid using any toxic ingredients such as garlic and onions as they are foods that dogs should never eat.
Ingredients:
- 1lb of leftover turkey (bones and skin removed)
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- 2 tbsp of plain yogurt
- 1 cup mixed veggies (peas, carrots and green beans)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F
- Add turkey pieces to food processor and pulse a few times to break up the meat
- Add in the oats and pulse until all ingredients look well combined
- Add egg and yogurt and pulse until mixture starts to hold together
- Move your mixture into a large mixing bowl
- Add in cooked veggies and mix through with your hands
- Roll into 1" balls and bake for 20 mins or until golden brown
Thanksgiving dog biscuits
These Thanksgiving-themed dog treats are sure to be a favorite Thanksgiving day addition. These are a twist on the DIY dog treats we covered before, you'll just swap out the bacon for turkey slices. Be sure the skin and bones are removed.
Recipe credit: Sally's Baking Addiction
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- 3/4 cup of fat-free milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 2-3 slices of turkey
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl combine peanut butter, milk, and eggs. Then add the flour and baking powder. Finally, mix in the oats and turkey.
- With a floured rolling pin, roll out the mixture and use your choice of cookie cutters to make different shapes.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes then remove from oven and flip treats over baking for another 10-12 minutes.
- Allow them to cool completely before serving to your pup.
- Enjoy!
Cran-Apple sauce frozen paws
We saved the best for last with these adorable frozen paws. This is a fun way for your pup to have their own cranberry addition to Thanksgiving. These frozen paws are quick to whip up and you can make batch to have on hand whenever your dog wants a frozen treat.
Recipe credit: Red Dog Blue Kat
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of chopped apples
- 1/2 cup of cranberries
- 1/2 cup of water
- Sprig of fresh rosemary
Instructions:
- Boil all ingredients until apples and cranberries are soft.
- Remove the rosemary
- With a potato masher, turn fruits into a paste-like texture.
- Spoon or pipe your mixture into your ice molds and freeze.
- Enjoy!
Enjoy this feature? Check out Thanksgiving food do's and don'ts for your dog this holiday season!