Thanksgiving is a time to indulge in delicious food, and your dog shouldn’t have to miss out on the festivities! While we know it’s tempting to share a bit of turkey or mashed potatoes, many Thanksgiving foods aren’t safe for dogs. The good news is, you can easily make dog-friendly treats that allow your furry friend to join in the holiday fun. Here are three simple, healthy, and tasty dog treat recipes that will have your pup begging for more!
1. Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits
Why It’s Great:
Pumpkin is not only a quintessential Thanksgiving flavor, but it’s also packed with fiber and vitamins that are good for your dog’s digestive health. When paired with peanut butter, this treat becomes both a nutritional and delicious snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not spiced)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol)
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional, for a little extra holiday flavor)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin, peanut butter, egg, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes (use a dog bone-shaped cutter for extra fun!).
- Place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Let the treats cool completely before serving.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer shelf life.
2. Sweet Potato & Apple Chews
Why It’s Great:
Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of vitamins, and apples are a healthy, low-calorie treat for dogs. This simple recipe is chewy, satisfying, and perfect for pups who love a little extra texture in their snacks.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet potato
- 1 small apple (remove seeds and core)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Peel and thinly slice the sweet potato into rounds or strips (about 1/4-inch thick).
- Cut the apple into thin slices, avoiding seeds and core.
- Place the sweet potato slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and drizzle with a little honey for sweetness, if desired.
- Arrange the apple slices on the same sheet (or on a separate one).
- Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are crispy and the apple slices are dried out and chewy.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
Storage:
Store in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer-lasting chews.
3. Turkey & Cranberry Mini Meatballs
Why It’s Great:
Turkey is often the star of the Thanksgiving table, and your dog can enjoy a turkey treat that’s both festive and healthy. Cranberries add a tart flavor and are known for promoting urinary tract health in dogs.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (make sure it’s lean and plain)
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries (finely chopped or mashed)
- 1/4 cup carrot, finely grated
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/4 tsp parsley (optional, for fresh breath)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped cranberries, grated carrot, egg, flour, and parsley.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden and cooked through.
- Let them cool before serving.
Storage:
These meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
These dog-friendly Thanksgiving treats are a great way to include your pup in the holiday celebrations. Not only do they taste great, but they’re also made with safe, healthy ingredients that support your dog’s well-being. So, while you’re enjoying your turkey and pumpkin pie, make sure your furry friend gets to indulge in their own special Thanksgiving snack!
Happy Thanksgiving, and don’t forget to snap a pic of your pup enjoying their holiday treats!
Click here for more dog treat recipes.
