When Thanksgiving rolls in at my house, my pup starts hovering around the kitchen like a furry little sous-chef. The smells, the warmth, the excitement he wants in on the fun just as much as we do. That’s why these Thanksgiving Dog Treats are such a happy tradition. They smell amazing, use simple real-food ingredients, and keep your dog’s belly feeling good during the holiday excitement. If your pup loves turkey day as much as mine, this recipe will earn instant tail wags.
Table of Contents
- Why These Thanksgiving Dog Treats Are So Good
- Safety First for Holiday Ingredients
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Serving Sizes by Dog Weight
- Health Benefits in Each Bite
- Easy Swaps & Variations
- FAQs About Thanksgiving Dog Treats
- Final Tail-Wagging Takeaway
Why These Thanksgiving Dog Treats Are So Good
These treats pack classic holiday flavors that are safe and healthy for dogs. The mix of turkey, cranberry, and sweet potato creates a yummy, festive bite your dog can enjoy while everyone else digs into the big feast.
- Turkey gives lean, tasty protein.
- Cranberries bring antioxidants for immune and urinary support.
- Sweet potato adds cozy fiber and natural sweetness for gentle digestion.
Safety First (Holiday Edition)
To keep your dog happy and safe during the holiday chaos:
- Avoid onions, garlic, chocolate, raisins, and nutmeg.
- Use unsweetened cranberries only.
- Make sure the turkey is plain with no skin, bones, salt, or seasoning.
- Introduce new ingredients slowly.
- Keep treats to under 10% of daily calories.
- Ask your vet first if your dog has pancreatitis, kidney concerns, or allergies.
- Check ingredient safety at trusted sites like the AKC and PetMD.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked turkey breast (plain, no skin/bones), finely chopped | 1 cup |
| Mashed cooked sweet potato (plain) | 1 cup |
| Fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped (unsweetened) | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Oat flour or whole wheat flour | 1 3/4 to 2 cups |
| Ground flaxseed (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Olive oil or coconut oil (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Ceylon cinnamon (optional) | Pinch |
| Water | As needed |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Finely chop the cranberries. Larger pieces will give the treats a natural red-speckle effect.
- Combine turkey, sweet potato, cranberries, egg, oil, flaxseed, and cinnamon in a bowl and mix until blended.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of flour. Add more until the dough becomes soft and easy to handle. Add 1–3 teaspoons of water if it is crumbly.
- Roll the dough between parchment sheets to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into small shapes or squares.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.
- For crunchier treats, flip and bake 8–10 more minutes or lower the oven to 300°F for 15 minutes to dry.
- Cool completely on the pan so the treats firm up.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw a few treats at a time for easy use.
Serving Sizes by Dog Weight
| Dog Weight | Serving Per Day |
|---|---|
| Under 20 lbs | 1–2 small treats |
| 20–50 lbs | 2–3 small treats |
| Over 50 lbs | 3–4 small treats |
| Adjust based on your dog’s activity level and health needs. |
Health Benefits in Each Bite
- Turkey: Lean protein that supports strong muscles.
- Cranberries: Natural antioxidants that support urinary and immune health.
- Sweet potato: Fiber, beta-carotene, and gentle digestion support.
- Flaxseed: Optional boost of plant-based omega fatty acids.
- Oat or whole wheat flour: Provides steady energy and structure.
Each small cookie averages about 35–50 calories depending on size.
Easy Swaps & Variations
- Gluten-free: Use oat flour.
- Grain-free: Mix almond flour with a little coconut flour and add water to adjust texture.
- Softer treats: Bake for a shorter time.
- Crunchy treats: Bake longer or dry them in the oven.
- Air fryer method: Cook at 320°F for 8–10 minutes and check early.
FAQs About Thanksgiving Dog Treats
FAQs About Thanksgiving Dog Treats
Yes, as long as it is plain, with no bones, skin, or seasoning.
2. Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
No, because it usually contains sugar or syrup. Stick to fresh or frozen unsweetened cranberries.
3. Can I use canned sweet potato?
Only if it is plain with no added butter, sugar, or spices.
4. How many treats can my dog have?
Keep treats under 10% of daily calories.
5. Can I swap the flour?
Yes. Oat, whole wheat, or coconut flour all work with small moisture adjustments.
Final Tail-Wagging Takeaway
These Thanksgiving Dog Treats bring warm holiday flavor, simple steps, and healthy ingredients your pup will love. It is an easy way to make your dog feel included in the Thanksgiving celebration.