Thanksgiving Treats Your Dog Can Safely Enjoy

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, indulge in delicious food, and reflect on what we’re grateful for—including our loyal canine companions. While it’s tempting to share a bit of your Thanksgiving feast with your dog, many traditional holiday foods, like turkey bones, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, can be harmful to them. The good news is that there are plenty of safe and healthy ways to include your dog in the festivities.

With a little creativity, you can whip up dog-friendly treats that let your pup enjoy the holiday without any risks. From pumpkin biscuits to turkey-inspired snacks, these recipes are sure to have tails wagging and keep your furry friend feeling part of the celebration.

Why Thanksgiving Treats Should Be Dog-Safe

While we might enjoy rich gravies, spiced dishes, and sugary desserts, these foods can upset your dog’s digestive system—or worse. Common Thanksgiving ingredients like onions, garlic, grapes, and chocolate are toxic to dogs, while fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis or stomach upset.

Homemade dog treats are a safe way to let your pup join in on the holiday fun. By using simple, wholesome ingredients, you can craft treats that are both tasty and nutritious. Plus, you can avoid artificial additives and preservatives, ensuring your dog gets the best of the season.

1. Pumpkin Biscuits: A Thanksgiving Staple

Pumpkin is a star ingredient for Thanksgiving, and it’s also a superfood for dogs. Rich in fiber and loaded with vitamins, pumpkin supports healthy digestion and is a flavorful favorite among pups.

Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened and unspiced)
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the pumpkin, egg, and olive oil.
3. Gradually add the flour and oats, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is dry, add water one tablespoon at a time.
4. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
5. Place the biscuits on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and firm.
6. Let the biscuits cool completely before serving.

Why Your Dog Will Love It: These crunchy, pumpkin-flavored treats capture the essence of Thanksgiving while supporting your dog’s digestion and overall health.

2. Turkey Meatballs: A Festive Protein-Packed Treat

Turkey is a Thanksgiving classic, but not all parts of the bird are safe for dogs. Skip the skin and bones, and use lean turkey meat to create these flavorful, protein-rich meatballs.

Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey (lean preferred)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup mashed sweet potato (optional)
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley (optional for fresh breath)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the turkey, egg, sweet potato, oat flour, and parsley until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
5. Allow the meatballs to cool before serving.

Why Your Dog Will Love It: These bite-sized meatballs are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a satisfying and festive treat.

3. Apple Cinnamon Donuts: A Sweet, Seasonal Snack

For a sweet but healthy treat, these apple cinnamon donuts are a perfect choice. They combine wholesome ingredients like applesauce and oat flour to create a treat that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Apple Cinnamon Donuts

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan or muffin tin.
2. Mix the applesauce, egg, and water in a bowl.
3. Stir in the oat flour, whole wheat flour, and cinnamon until combined.
4. Pour the batter into the pan, filling each mold halfway.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the donuts cool before serving.

Why Your Dog Will Love It: The warm, sweet flavors of apple and cinnamon are a seasonal favorite, while the oats aid digestion.

4. Carrot and Parsley Pupsicles: A Refreshing Treat

For something a little different, these carrot and parsley frozen treats are ideal for dogs who enjoy crunching on cold snacks. They’re packed with vitamins and perfect for a refreshing break after a busy holiday.

Carrot and Parsley Pupsicles

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup carrot juice (or finely grated fresh carrots)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)

Instructions:

1. Combine the carrot juice, parsley, and yogurt in a bowl.
2. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays.
3. Freeze for 4 hours or until firm.
4. Pop the frozen treats out of the molds and serve.

Why Your Dog Will Love It: These frozen delights are a hydrating, nutritious snack that’s perfect for dogs who love icy treats.

5. Sweet Potato Bones: A Crunchy Classic

Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving favorite for humans and dogs alike. They’re loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for your pup.

Sweet Potato Bones

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato (peeled and cooked)
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mash the sweet potato in a bowl and mix in the egg and oat flour.
3. Roll out the dough and cut it into bone shapes using a cookie cutter.
4. Place the bones on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and firm.
5. Cool completely before serving.

Why Your Dog Will Love It: These crunchy, naturally sweet treats are a perfect way to let your dog join in on the Thanksgiving fun.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is all about sharing and gratitude, and your dog deserves to be part of the celebration. With these homemade dog-friendly treats, you can include your furry friend in the festivities safely and deliciously. From pumpkin biscuits to turkey meatballs and sweet potato bones, these treats are a healthy way to show your pup just how thankful you are for their companionship.

This holiday season, give your dog a taste of Thanksgiving they’ll love, and watch their tail wag in delight!