Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you're probably thinking about how to make your furry friend feel included in the festivities. As it turns out, many dogs can be sensitive to common Thanksgiving foods, so it's essential to have some safe and healthy treats on hand.
Pumpkin is a great option for Thanksgiving dog treats because it's easily digestible and can help support your dog's digestive health. You can make a simple pumpkin treat by mixing cooked, mashed pumpkin with peanut butter and honey.
Some dogs have a hard time resisting the temptation of turkey, but it's not always the best choice for them. In fact, the skin and fat from turkey can be particularly problematic, so it's best to stick with plain, cooked turkey meat or even better, opt for a turkey-based dog treat.
If you're looking for a fun and easy way to make your dog's Thanksgiving treats, consider using a cookie cutter to create fun shapes. This can be a great way to make the treats feel more special and exciting for your furry friend.
Pumpkin Treats
Making your own dog treats is a great way to ensure they're healthy and safe for your furry friend. You can use leftover pumpkin puree from your pie or muffin baking to make delicious treats.
Pumpkin and peanut butter are a match made in heaven for dogs, and they're both found in popular recipes like the Spoiled Dog Cake and Dog Cupcakes. These treats are so easy to make and are a great way to use up leftover pumpkin.
The key to making great pumpkin dog treats is to use high-quality ingredients, and dog-safe ingredients like pumpkin puree, coconut oil, and oats are a great place to start. You can find these ingredients in recipes like the Pumpkin Pupcakes.
These treats are not only healthy, but they're also a hit with dogs. The author of the Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe notes that their dog inhaled the treats and was immediately back for more.
A fresh viewpoint: Nudges Dog Treats Healthy
Recipes
You can make delicious and safe treats for your furry friend with just a few simple ingredients. Pumpkin and peanut butter are a great combination, and you can use leftover pumpkin puree to make tasty Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats.
Many store-bought treats contain additives and preservatives, but making your own treats at home is a great way to avoid these unhealthy ingredients. I started making my own treats after realizing how many unhealthy additives are in store-bought treats, and my dog loves them.
Pumpkin is a great ingredient for dog treats because it's easy to digest and can help support your dog's digestive health. The high-fat content in gravy or stuffing can cause pancreatitis, so it's great to have a low-fat and healthy alternative like pumpkin treats.
You can also make Pumpkin Pupcakes using dog-safe ingredients like pumpkin puree, coconut oil, and oats that taste like pumpkin pie. These treats are a great way to satisfy your dog's sweet tooth and make them feel included in the Thanksgiving festivities.
The ASPCA warns that onions and garlic are toxic to dogs, so it's essential to choose recipes that are safe for your furry friend. Making dog-friendly versions of Thanksgiving dishes lets your pup join the festivities safely and introduces them to new flavors and textures they might enjoy.
For another approach, see: Horse Treats Safe
Ingredients and Safety
When choosing ingredients for your dog's Thanksgiving treats, it's essential to use safe and nutritious options. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods to your dog's diet, especially if they have food allergies or sensitivities.
For a tasty and healthy treat, consider using whole wheat flour, which is a great alternative to regular flour. Make sure to grab large size eggs and natural peanut butter, as these are the only safe options for your dog.
When it comes to pumpkin, use pure canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix, to avoid adding extra ingredients. You can also add some green beans, carrots, peas, apples (without seeds), and blueberries to their plate in moderation. These are all safe options that can make a great addition to your dog's Thanksgiving meal.
Here are some safe ingredients to include in your dog's Thanksgiving treats:
- Whole wheat flour
- Large size eggs
- Natural peanut butter
- Pumpkin puree
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Peas
- Apples (without seeds)
- Blueberries
Remember to avoid using onions, garlic, or foods with xylitol, as these ingredients are toxic to dogs. Always prioritize your dog's safety and health when choosing ingredients for their treats.
Safe and Nutritious Ingredients for Dogs
When shopping for ingredients for your furry friend, it's essential to choose safe and nutritious options.
Turkey is a great choice for your dog's Thanksgiving meal, but make sure it's plain, skinless, and boneless to avoid harm.
Pumpkin puree is an excellent addition to your dog's plate, as it's great for their digestion.
Sweet potatoes are another good choice, but serve them cooked without the marshmallows.
Green beans can make an excellent addition to your dog's plate if they're unseasoned.
Carrots, peas, apples (without seeds), and blueberries are also safe options you can include in moderation.
Avoid using onions, garlic, or foods with xylitol, as these ingredients are toxic to dogs.
Here's a list of safe ingredients for your dog's Thanksgiving meal:
- Turkey (plain, skinless, and boneless)
- Pumpkin puree
- Sweet potatoes (cooked without marshmallows)
- Green beans (unseasoned)
- Carrots
- Peas
- Apples (without seeds)
- Blueberries
Make sure to check with your vet before introducing any new ingredients to your dog's diet, especially if they have food allergies or sensitivities.
Notes
When using leftover sweet potatoes, make sure they are completely plain, without any added spices, butter, marshmallows, or other seasonings.
A 10-ounce bag of frozen, cubed sweet potatoes can yield enough for a double batch of dog biscuits.
Be cautious when using leftover turkey or chicken, and avoid including any bones or fatty skin with spicy seasonings or excess salt.
You can pre-measure chopped leftover meat and store it in a labeled, zippered freezer bag for later use.
Drop the batter by level spoonfuls onto parchment-lined baking sheets to shape the dog treats into round biscuits.
Flatten the dog treats slightly with the back of a spoon before baking.
Baking time will depend on the size of the biscuits, with about 12-14 minutes needed for tablespoon-sized biscuits and 11-12 minutes for teaspoon-sized biscuits.
You can crowd the biscuits together on the baking sheet since they spread very little during baking.
Tips and Gift Ideas
These dog biscuits freeze beautifully and can last for weeks when stored in an air-tight zippered bag in the freezer.
Freezing is a great way to keep them fresh for a longer period, making them perfect for stocking up or as a make-ahead DIY gift.
Bake up a batch or two after Thanksgiving and store them in the freezer for a couple of weeks until the holidays, making them an adorable little DIY gift for family, friends, and neighbors who have dogs.
Tips & Answers
If you're short on storage space, consider making many batches of homemade dog treats at once and storing them in the freezer for later use.
You can substitute white wheat flour or all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour if needed, just be sure to feed them to your pup in moderation.
Keep your homemade dog treats in an air-tight container or zipped bag to maintain freshness.
Easy Make-Ahead Gift
These dog biscuits freeze beautifully, and I've found that they last for weeks and weeks when stored in an air-tight zippered bag in the freezer.
You can bake up a batch or two after Thanksgiving and store them in the freezer for a couple of weeks until the holidays.
They make for an adorable little DIY gift for family, friends, and neighbors who have dogs, and the best part is that they're incredibly easy to make.
These easy, 4-ingredient Homemade Dog Treats perfectly use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey (or chicken).
These treats are perfect for stocking up or for make-ahead DIY holiday gifts, and they're a great way to use up leftover food.
They're a thoughtful and practical gift idea that's sure to be appreciated by dog owners in your life.
Introducing New Foods to Your Dog
Introducing new foods to your dog can be tricky, but with some careful consideration and planning, it doesn't have to be difficult. Mix a small amount of the new food into their usual meal.
The small amounts let them get used to the taste gradually. Always consult with your veterinarian about what is best for your dog.
Keep an eye on your furry friend for any signs of discomfort or allergies, such as scratching more than usual or changes in stool consistency. If you notice anything off, stop giving the new food and consult your vet immediately.
The goal is slow and steady change over time – this helps avoid stomach upsets and allows you both time for the new food to adjust. Patience is key when introducing new foods to your dog.
Remember, it's okay to start with small amounts and gradually increase the serving size. Your dog will thank you for the gentle transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stuffing is safe for dogs on Thanksgiving?
For a safe and healthy Thanksgiving, use plain bread, turkey broth, and dog-friendly vegetables to make a dog-friendly stuffing. This alternative stuffing avoids common ingredients toxic to dogs.
What part of Thanksgiving can dogs eat?
Dogs can safely enjoy turkey meat, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin on Thanksgiving, but it's essential to avoid other potentially hazardous foods
Sources
- https://www.petlandflorida.com/thanksgiving-day-dog-treats-for-your-puppy/
- https://www.lovefromtheoven.com/pumpkin-dog-treats/
- https://twohealthykitchens.com/leftover-turkey-homemade-dog-treats/
- https://www.dinnerwithjulie.com/2016/10/11/leftover-turkey-dinner-dog-treats/
- https://www.veryimportantpaws.com/dog-friendly-thanksgiving-recipes/
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