Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating family, friends, and delicious food – and that includes your dog! While you’re enjoying turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, why not whip up some homemade, dog-safe treats that mimic your favorite Thanksgiving dishes? Not only are these treats fun and festive, but they’re also made with wholesome ingredients that are perfect for your dog’s palate and health.
Below, we’ll share some simple, Thanksgiving-themed dog treat recipes inspired by traditional dishes like turkey and gravy, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, and more. Plus, these recipes are quick, easy, and free from harmful ingredients like onions, garlic, sugar, and excess salt – so your pup can enjoy the feast safely!
Disclaimer: I am not a certified professional; all information provided is based on my personal experience and research. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your dog, please contact your vet or a certified trainer. This post may include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase from these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchases.
Turkey & Gravy Bites
These mini treats replicate the savory goodness of turkey and gravy, without any harmful ingredients. They’re protein-packed and sure to have your dog drooling!
Ingredients:
- Ground turkey (lean)
- Unsalted chicken broth
- Oat flour (optional for consistency)
Directions:
- Cook the ground turkey thoroughly and let it cool.
- Blend or chop the turkey finely.
- Slowly add unsalted chicken broth to the turkey until the mixture forms a paste-like consistency.
- Shape into small balls and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, or until firm.
Cranberry & Sweet Potato Chews
Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and fiber, while sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins. Together, they make a healthy and delicious dog treat!
Ingredients:
- Fresh cranberries (unsweetened)
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Oat flour
Directions:
- Blend the cranberries into a puree.
- Mix the cranberry puree with mashed sweet potatoes.
- Add a little oat flour if the mixture is too wet.
- Shape into small patties and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Dog-Friendly Mac & Cheese
While traditional mac and cheese isn’t safe for dogs, this version skips the dairy and uses dog-safe ingredients to create a creamy, cheesy flavor.
Ingredients:
- Cooked quinoa or whole grain pasta
- Pumpkin puree
- Nutritional yeast (gives a cheesy flavor)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta or quinoa and let it cool.
- Mix the pasta with pumpkin puree and a small amount of nutritional yeast.
- Spoon into a silicone mold and freeze for a quick, no-bake treat.
Pumpkin Pie Bites
Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving classic, and it’s perfect for dogs! Pumpkin is great for digestion and provides essential vitamins.
Ingredients:
- Pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- Peanut butter (unsalted, no xylitol)
- Oat flour
Directions:
- Mix the pumpkin puree and peanut butter together.
- Add oat flour to create a dough-like consistency.
- Roll into balls and freeze, or bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Apple Pie Cookies
Apples are a great source of vitamins for dogs, and these apple pie-inspired treats will make your dog feel like they’re part of the holiday festivities.
Ingredients:
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Oat flour
- Cinnamon (a pinch – optional)
Directions:
- Mix the applesauce and oat flour into a dough.
- Add a small pinch of cinnamon for flavor.
- Roll into small cookies and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Bonus Treat Ideas:
- Sweet Potato Pie Bites: Combine mashed sweet potatoes with a little coconut oil, and bake or freeze for a rich, creamy treat.
- Stuffing Biscuits: Use oats, shredded carrots, and ground turkey to make a stuffing-inspired biscuit for your dog.
- Mashed Potato Treats: Mash boiled potatoes (no butter or salt!) and mix with pumpkin puree or unsweetened applesauce for a soft treat your dog will love.
Conclusion
By creating these simple, delicious treats, you’ll not only make your dog feel part of the Thanksgiving fun but also ensure they’re getting healthy, nutritious snacks that benefit their well-being. Whether you’re baking a batch of pumpkin pie bites or whipping up turkey and gravy treats, these homemade recipes are sure to make your pup’s tail wag!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your four-legged friend!