Thanksgiving Treats for Dogs So Easy to Make
Your furry family member deserves to join the Thanksgiving celebration too! These homemade thanksgiving treats for dogs are wholesome, drool-worthy, and incredibly simple to make. Did you know that many traditional Thanksgiving foods can actually be dangerous for dogs?
That’s why creating special dog-friendly versions ensures your pup stays safe while enjoying the festivities. These treats are perfect for busy pet parents who want to spoil their four-legged friends without spending hours in the kitchen—most recipes take under 30 minutes!
Just like our popular Pumpkin Dog Biscuits recipe, these thanksgiving treats for dogs use wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making them budget-friendly and tail-waggingly delicious.
What Are Thanksgiving Treats for Dogs?
Ever wondered why we call them “thanksgiving treats for dogs” instead of just turkey biscuits? Well, these aren’t your average dog treats! They’re special celebration snacks that capture all the cozy, autumn flavors of Thanksgiving dinner—minus the ingredients that could upset your pup’s tummy.
Think sweet potato, pumpkin, and yes, even a little turkey! After all, the way to a dog’s heart is definitely through their stomach. Why should humans have all the holiday fun when your loyal companion has been such a good boy or girl all year? Give these recipes a try and watch those tails wag with pure joy!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Treats for Dogs Recipe
Wholesome Ingredients Your Dog Will Devour
These thanksgiving treats for dogs are packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potato, and lean turkey. Your pup will go absolutely crazy for the savory aroma that fills your kitchen!
Unlike store-bought treats that often contain mysterious preservatives and fillers, these homemade goodies let you control exactly what goes into your dog’s mouth. You’ll save money too—commercial dog treats can cost $15-20 per bag, while these homemade versions cost just a few dollars to make.
Flavorful and Festive Combinations
The beauty of these treats lies in their incredible variety. From crunchy pumpkin biscuits topped with a peanut butter drizzle to soft sweet potato chews, there’s something for every canine palate.
If you loved our Apple Cinnamon Dog Cookies, you’ll absolutely adore these thanksgiving-inspired variations. The warm spices and seasonal flavors make these treats extra special for the holiday season.
Easy to Make and Customize
Most recipes require just 5-7 ingredients and basic kitchen tools. No fancy equipment needed! Plus, you can easily adjust ingredients based on your dog’s size, dietary needs, or allergies.
Ready to become your pup’s favorite chef? Let’s get those tails wagging with these irresistible thanksgiving treats for dogs!
How to Make Thanksgiving Treats for Dogs
Quick Overview
These thanksgiving treats for dogs are surprisingly easy to whip up, even if you’ve never made homemade dog treats before. They’re deliciously wholesome and feature simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, whole wheat flour, and dog-safe seasonings.
The best part? Your pup gets to enjoy real Thanksgiving flavors without any harmful ingredients.
Preparation Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30-40 treats (depending on size)
- Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly
Key Ingredients for Thanksgiving Treats for Dogs
For Pumpkin Turkey Biscuits:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for grain-free option)
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup cooked ground turkey (unseasoned)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For Sweet Potato Chews:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
For Turkey & Cranberry Balls:
- 1 cup cooked turkey (shredded, unseasoned)
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries (unsweetened)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
Important Safety Note: Always use unsweetened, unsalted ingredients. Avoid onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, chocolate, and xylitol—these are toxic to dogs!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Recipe 1: Pumpkin Turkey Biscuits
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Gather all your ingredients and a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients In a large bowl, combine 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup cooked ground turkey, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons peanut butter. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. The pumpkin should be evenly distributed throughout.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients Gradually add 2 cups whole wheat flour and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to your wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a thick dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water.
Step 4: Roll and Cut Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use bone-shaped cookie cutters (or any shape you like) to cut out treats. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection Bake for 25-30 minutes until the treats are golden brown and firm to the touch. For crunchier biscuits, turn off the oven and let them cool inside for an additional 30 minutes. This helps them harden nicely.
Step 6: Cool Completely Remove from the oven and transfer treats to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before serving to your eager pup—hot treats can burn their mouth!
Recipe 2: Sweet Potato Chews
Step 1: Prep Sweet Potatoes Wash 2 large sweet potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Do not peel them—the skin contains valuable nutrients!
Step 2: Slice Evenly Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, cut the sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Add Coconut Oil Lightly brush both sides of each sweet potato strip with coconut oil. This helps them crisp up nicely and adds healthy fats.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet Place the strips in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets. Don’t overlap them or they’ll steam instead of getting chewy.
Step 5: Slow Bake Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2.5-3 hours, flipping halfway through. The low temperature dehydrates them slowly, creating that perfect chewy texture dogs love.
Step 6: Cool and Store Let them cool completely. They’ll firm up even more as they cool. Store in an airtight container.
Recipe 3: Turkey & Cranberry Balls
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients Finely chop 1/4 cup fresh cranberries. Make sure your turkey is fully cooked and shredded into small pieces. Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Combine Everything In a food processor, pulse together shredded turkey, cranberries, rolled oats, egg, and Greek yogurt until the mixture is sticky but holds together. You may need to pulse for 20-30 seconds.
Step 3: Form Balls Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake Bake for 18-20 minutes until the balls are firm and lightly golden. They should hold their shape when touched.
Step 5: Cool Thoroughly Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. These treats are soft and chewy—perfect for senior dogs or puppies!
What to Serve Thanksgiving Treats for Dogs With
While these treats are delicious on their own, here are some pawsome pairing ideas:
Fresh Water Station Always serve treats alongside fresh, clean water. Your pup will work up a thirst enjoying these tasty morsels!
Interactive Toy Stuffing Crumble some of these treats and stuff them inside a Kong or puzzle toy for extended entertainment during Thanksgiving dinner.
Homemade Dog-Friendly “Gravy” Create a simple gravy by mixing low-sodium chicken broth with a bit of pumpkin puree. Drizzle over treats for an extra special presentation.
Veggie Sticks Pair treats with fresh carrot sticks or green beans for a complete, balanced snack experience.
Special Thanksgiving Bowl Create a mini Thanksgiving feast with a small portion of plain turkey, a spoonful of pumpkin, and one of these treats for the ultimate celebration meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Thanksgiving Treats for Dogs
Choose the Right Flour Whole wheat flour works perfectly for most dogs, but if your pup has grain sensitivities, substitute with oat flour, chickpea flour, or coconut flour. Note that coconut flour is more absorbent—use only 1/4 cup for every 1 cup of whole wheat flour called for.
Test for Doneness Dog treats should be firm and slightly hard when done. Press the center of a treat—if it springs back, it’s ready. For crunchier treats, leave them in the turned-off oven to dry out further.
Size Matters Cut treats according to your dog’s size. Small breeds need petite treats (1-inch), while large breeds can handle bigger pieces (3-inch). This prevents choking and helps with portion control.
Avoid Common Mistakes Never use pumpkin pie filling—it contains sugar and spices harmful to dogs. Always use plain pumpkin puree. Also, check your peanut butter label carefully; xylitol is deadly to dogs even in tiny amounts.
Adjust Cooking Time Thicker treats need longer baking time. If you roll your dough to 1/2-inch thickness, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Use a toothpick to test—it should come out clean.
Customize for Allergies If your dog has poultry allergies, substitute lean ground beef or salmon for turkey. For peanut allergies, use sunflower seed butter or skip the nut butter entirely.
Make Them Extra Crunchy For dogs who love a good crunch, bake treats at 325°F for 35-40 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave treats inside for 2-3 hours. This removes extra moisture.
Perfect Your Rolling Technique Roll dough between two pieces of parchment paper for easier handling and less mess. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Storage Fully dried, crunchy treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing to prevent condensation.
Refrigerator Storage Soft or chewy treats (like the turkey balls) should be refrigerated. Store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. The cold actually makes them extra refreshing for your pup!
Freezer Storage for Long-Term These thanksgiving treats for dogs freeze beautifully! Place treats in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours. Then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Label the bag with the date and treat type so you remember what you made.
Thawing Instructions Remove the desired number of treats from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. Alternatively, give them frozen for a cool, crunchy snack on warm days—many dogs love frozen treats!
Reheating (If Needed) There’s no need to reheat these treats, but if you’d like to warm them slightly to enhance the aroma, place them in a 200°F oven for 5 minutes. Let them cool before serving.
Signs Your Treats Have Gone Bad Discard treats if you notice any mold, off smells, or unusual texture changes. When in doubt, throw it out—your pup’s health comes first!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my dog regular Thanksgiving food instead of special treats? Some human Thanksgiving foods are safe in small amounts—plain turkey, sweet potato, green beans, and plain pumpkin. However, avoid stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce with sugar, onions, garlic, mashed potatoes with butter, and anything with grapes or raisins. These homemade treats are safer because you control all ingredients.
How many thanksgiving treats can I give my dog? Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For a 20-pound dog, that’s about 2-3 medium treats per day. For a 50-pound dog, 4-5 treats. Always adjust their regular food accordingly to prevent weight gain.
Are these treats safe for puppies? Yes! These thanksgiving treats for dogs are safe for puppies over 8 weeks old. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces to prevent choking. The soft turkey balls are especially good for teething puppies.
Can I use canned pumpkin for these recipes? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Check the ingredients label—it should only say “pumpkin.” The pie filling contains sugar, spices, and preservatives that aren’t good for dogs.
What if my dog has food allergies? These recipes are highly customizable! Swap turkey for beef, chicken, or fish. Replace wheat flour with oat or coconut flour. Skip peanut butter if needed. Always introduce new ingredients one at a time to monitor for reactions.
How do I know if my peanut butter contains xylitol? Always read the ingredients label carefully. Xylitol might also be listed as “birch sugar” or “birch bark extract.” Safe brands include Jif, Skippy, Peter Pan, and most natural peanut butters. When in doubt, choose a brand that specifically states “xylitol-free.”
Can senior dogs eat these treats? Yes! The soft turkey cranberry balls are perfect for senior dogs with dental issues. You can also soak the harder biscuits in low-sodium broth to soften them before serving.
Do these treats help with my dog’s digestion? Pumpkin is known for supporting healthy digestion in dogs. It’s high in fiber and can help with both constipation and diarrhea. Sweet potatoes also provide digestive benefits and are gentle on sensitive stomachs.
Can I make these treats grain-free? Absolutely! Replace whole wheat flour with: oat flour (ground oats), coconut flour (use less—it’s very absorbent), chickpea flour, or almond flour. Your grain-sensitive pup will thank you!
How long do homemade dog treats really last? Properly stored, crunchy treats last 2 weeks at room temperature, 1 week refrigerated for soft treats, and up to 3 months frozen. Always check for mold or off odors before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Treat – Pumpkin Turkey Biscuits)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 35-40 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5g |
| Fat | 1.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.5g |
| Fiber | 0.8g |
| Sugar | 0.5g |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and vary based on treat size and specific ingredients used.
Bonus Tips for a Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving
Create a Safe Space With all the Thanksgiving chaos, designate a quiet room where your dog can retreat when overwhelmed. Include their bed, favorite toys, and some of these special treats.
Thanksgiving Morning Walk Give your pup extra exercise before guests arrive. A tired dog is typically calmer and better behaved during festivities.
Portion Control is Key It’s tempting to spoil your dog during holidays, but overfeeding can lead to upset stomachs or pancreatitis. Stick to appropriate portion sizes.
Watch for Dangerous Foods Keep trash cans secured and remind guests not to feed your dog from the table. Many common Thanksgiving foods are toxic to dogs.
Take Photos! Capture your pup enjoying their special thanksgiving treats. These moments make wonderful memories and adorable social media posts!
Include Them in Traditions Let your dog be part of family traditions. Whether it’s wearing a festive bandana or having their own mini Thanksgiving plate (with safe foods), inclusion makes them feel loved.
Why Homemade Beats Store-Bought
Making thanksgiving treats for dogs at home gives you complete control over ingredients. You’ll avoid:
- Artificial preservatives and colors
- Mystery meat byproducts
- Excessive sodium
- Hidden allergens
- Questionable sourcing
Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll save money while giving your pup the very best!
Final Thoughts
These thanksgiving treats for dogs are more than just snacks—they’re a way to show your furry family member how much they mean to you. With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and tons of tail-wagging flavor, these recipes will become your go-to for holidays and beyond.
Remember, our dogs give us unconditional love every single day. This Thanksgiving, return that love with homemade treats made from the heart. Your pup’s enthusiastic response will be all the thanks you need!
Happy baking, and happy Thanksgiving to you and your beloved four-legged companion! 🦃🐾
Did your pup love these treats? Share your photos with us on Instagram using #ThanksgivingTreatsForDogs! We love seeing happy pups enjoying homemade goodies.
Pin this recipe for later and check out our other dog-friendly treat recipes for every season!
