Ah, it’s that time of year again when we all gather around the table with the people we love and eat way too much. Thanksgiving is about family and giving thanks, but it’s also definitely all about the food. When you’re chowing down this holiday season, don’t forget to make something yummy for your pet, too. Here a few recipes sure to satisfy your pet’s Thanksgiving cravings.
Turkey and cranberry cookies
Nothing screams Thanksgiving like turkey and cranberries. Here’s an easy treat you can bake up for your canine companion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole cranberries
- 1 cup cooked white meat turkey
- 3-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup water as needed
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350° and grease two cookie sheets.
- Combine the flour and baking powder in a mixing bowl.
- Blend the cranberries, turkey, egg, olive oil, and water together in a food processor or blender. It’s easiest to blend the turkey, egg, oil and water first, then add the cranberries until it reaches smoothie-like consistency.
- Pour the blended mixture into the mixing bowl with the dry ingredients to create a thick dough.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out flat.
- Use fun cookie cutters to cut out the treats, then place them on the greased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 25 minutes and let cool before you give them to your hungry pup!
Thanksgiving meatballs
For a dog treat that has all the Thanksgiving essentials, check out this video from Gone To The Snow Dogs.
Turkey treats for dogs and cats
Dogs and cats love a good protein-packed turkey treat. These ones are super simple and need just 3 ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz. cooked white meat turkey
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cp ground quinoa or oatmeal
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°.
- Blend the turkey and carrots in a food processor until smooth.
- Next, add in the ground quinoa or oatmeal.
- Roll the dough into balls that are the appropriate size for your pet (anywhere from 1/4 inch to 1 inch)
- Bake for 15 minutes, let cool, and let your pet enjoy.
Pup-kin pies
Don’t forget about dessert! Your dog will love these little personal pies, and they’re the perfect way to top off Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1-1/3 cup oat flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 banana
- 1 cup pure unsweetened pumpkin purée
- Low-fat plain yogurt
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°.
- Combine the flour and applesauce together to make a dough.
- Roll this dough into small balls and press into a mini muffin pan to form a crust.
- Bake the crust for 8 minutes.
- As the crust cools, make the filling by combining a mashed banana and the pumpkin.
- Fill the cooled crusts with the pumpkin mixture and top with a small dollop of yogurt. Then just sit back and watch your pup gobble it up.
All of these are great pet-friendly treats for the holidays. If you do happen to give your pet some people food as a treat, make sure it’s something they can easily digest. Examples of good foods include plain sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, and turkey. Foods that pets should not have are bones, onions, garlic, salt, nuts, chocolate, bread dough, or alcohol.
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