Thanksgiving Dog Treats Recipe

By Rich November 17, 2024 Dog Food Recipes 0 Comments

Thanksgiving isn’t just a time for humans to enjoy a feast—our furry companions deserve a little holiday treat, too! Below is a comprehensive recipe for making homemade Thanksgiving dog treats that are safe, healthy, and perfect for dogs of all sizes. These treats incorporate seasonal flavors like pumpkin, cranberry, and turkey. Let’s get started!

Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
Yield: About 24–30 medium-sized treats

Ingredients

Base Dough

2 cups whole wheat flour (If your dog has a wheat allergy, substitute with oat flour or coconut flour.)
1/2 cup rolled oats (provides fiber and a chewy texture)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (adds natural sweetness)
1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
1 egg (acts as a binder and adds protein)
1/4 cup peanut butter (make sure it’s unsweetened and free of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (adds moisture)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for flavor; some dogs love it)
1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil (for a healthy coat and to make the dough easier to roll)

Thanksgiving Flavors Add-Ins

1/2 cup shredded cooked turkey (make sure it’s plain and boneless)
1/4 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened and chopped; be careful with serving size as too many can upset a dog’s stomach)
1/4 cup finely grated carrots (adds a touch of sweetness and texture)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (optional; freshens breath and supports digestion)

Optional Toppings

Drizzle of plain Greek yogurt (can be piped for decoration)
Dog-safe sprinkles (like crushed dehydrated sweet potatoes or carrots)

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters (bone-shaped, turkey-shaped, or simple circles)
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Cooling rack
Pastry brush (for brushing the tops with a little water or chicken broth)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and rolled oats. Stir in the cinnamon if you’re using it. These will form the base of your treat dough.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, and peanut butter until smooth.
Slowly add in the low-sodium chicken broth or water, mixing until the wet ingredients are fully combined.

Step 4: Create the Dough

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring as you go. The dough should come together as you mix.
If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s firm and easy to handle.
If it’s too dry, add a splash more broth or water until it reaches the right consistency.

Step 5: Add Thanksgiving Flavors

Fold in the shredded cooked turkey, chopped dried cranberries, grated carrots, and parsley. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Thicker treats will take longer to bake but are chewier, while thinner treats will be crispier.

Step 7: Cut Out the Treats

Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
If desired, you can brush the tops lightly with water or a bit of chicken broth to help them brown slightly.

Step 8: Bake the Treats

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the treats are firm to the touch.
For extra-crispy treats, turn off the oven and leave the treats inside to cool slowly.

Step 9: Cool the Treats

Once baked, transfer the treats to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. This ensures they harden up for a satisfying crunch.

Step 10: Optional Decoration

If you’d like to add a special touch, drizzle cooled treats with a bit of plain Greek yogurt. Use a piping bag or plastic bag with a corner snipped off to create designs.
Top with dog-safe sprinkles or crushed dehydrated vegetables for added color and texture.

Storage Tips

Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.
If frozen, thaw the treats at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Safety Considerations

Ingredients to Avoid

Onions, garlic, nutmeg, and certain spices like allspice are toxic to dogs, so make sure any Thanksgiving foods used are plain and dog-safe.
Avoid using sweetened cranberries, as added sugar can harm dogs.
Never use xylitol (a common sugar substitute found in some peanut butter and other products) as it’s highly toxic to dogs.

Tailoring the Recipe

Feel free to swap ingredients depending on your dog’s preferences and dietary restrictions. Use sweet potato instead of pumpkin or chicken instead of turkey if that’s what your dog prefers.
For a grain-free version, substitute whole wheat flour with coconut flour or almond flour. Keep in mind that these flours absorb more moisture, so you might need to adjust the liquid content.

Make the Treats Softer or Crunchier

For softer treats, bake for a slightly shorter time (20 minutes) or add a little more moisture to the dough.
For crunchy treats, extend the baking time by a few minutes or let the treats cool in the oven for an extra-crispy finish.

Nutritional Benefits

Pumpkin is great for digestive health, providing fiber and beta-carotene.
Turkey is lean and full of protein, making it an excellent source of energy.
Carrots offer a natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamin A.
Cranberries (in moderation) are antioxidants, supporting urinary health.
Parsley can help freshen breath and has mild anti-inflammatory properties.

Serving Size

Depending on your dog’s size, adjust the portion size of the treats. Smaller dogs should get smaller portions, while larger dogs can handle bigger servings. Use treats sparingly as a supplement to their regular diet.

This Thanksgiving dog treat recipe is a fun way to include your dog in the holiday festivities. With wholesome ingredients that echo the flavors of the season, your furry friend can join in the celebration without any of the risks that come with human holiday foods. Not only are these treats delicious, but they also make for a fantastic gift to share with fellow dog parents. Just be mindful of portion sizes and always introduce new treats gradually, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your four-legged family members!