The holidays are a perfect time to spoil good dogs with real, seasonal flavors. This guide brings Easy DIY Thanksgiving Dog Treats to American kitchens with simple, step-by-step ideas anyone can follow. Expect clear directions, quick prep tips, and smart swaps that fit a busy week. Every recipe leans on human-grade dog treats and gluten-free dog biscuits so sensitive pups can join the celebration.
Pumpkin dog treats are great for fiber and gentle gut support. Turkey dog treats add lean protein. A splash of bone broth boosts aroma and hydration. Coconut oil, pumpkin seeds, and almond flour support skin and coat health. Cranberries offer a bright, tart taste. These holiday dog recipes bake well, freeze well, and make smart use of leftovers.
Safety is key. Only use plain pumpkin puree. Add dog-safe spices like cinnamon and turmeric in small amounts. Keep portions small and adjust regular meals to prevent overfeeding. With these tips, making homemade dog treats for Thanksgiving becomes easy, affordable, and fun. It’s perfect for adding extra love to the table.
Why Pumpkin and Turkey Make Pup-Approved Thanksgiving Flavors
Dogs adore the smells of the holidays, and choosing right is key. Pumpkin adds soft fiber, and turkey brings lean protein good for dogs. Combined with simple ingredients, these flavors help keep pets healthy.
Nutritional perks of pumpkin for gut health and fiber
Plain pumpkin helps dogs stay regular and supports calm digestion. It’s rich in soluble fiber, aiding in firm stools and boosting gut health. Choose pumpkin puree without extra sugar or spices for a mild, beneficial treat.
Lean protein benefits of turkey and bone broth
Turkey is great for light, protein-rich treats. Turkey bone broth enhances flavor and adds beneficial collagen and minerals. This combination is especially liked by older dogs and those of smaller breeds.
Skin and coat support from coconut oil, pumpkin seeds, and almond flour
During colder months, healthy fats are vital. Coconut oil keeps dogs’ coats from getting dry. Pumpkin seeds add a crunch and nutrients, while almond flour promotes a shiny coat.
Choosing human-grade, gluten-free ingredients for sensitive pups
Simple, quality ingredients are best for dogs with sensitive tummies. Gluten-free, human-grade choices avoid unnecessary fillers. Ingredients like oat and almond flour are gentle and combine well with pumpkin and turkey, making treats safe for most dogs.
Easy DIY Thanksgiving Dog Treats
When it’s busy in the kitchen, keep dog treat recipes easy. First, gather your tools. This makes holiday treat-making smooth. Use silicone mats for baking sheets. Also, have two bowls ready: one for dry ingredients and one for wet. Chop cranberries and pumpkin seeds beforehand. Use leftovers like shredded turkey or mashed sweet potatoes to save time.
For perfect dog biscuits, roll the dough on wax paper with a little flour until it’s 1/4 inch thick. Use metal cutters to shape them quickly. If you make a double batch, bake one now and freeze the other. You can bake or give away the frozen ones later.
Pick dog-friendly spices like cinnamon and turmeric, but only a little. Stick with plain ground cinnamon and turmeric. Avoid nutmeg and mixed spices like pumpkin pie blends. Don’t add sugar or fake sweeteners, and watch out for xylitol in peanut butter. A small amount makes treats smell great without being too much for your dog.
Think about the size of the treats based on your dog’s size before you start. For tiny dogs, make treats 1/4 inch thick or break larger ones into small pieces. Small and medium dogs can handle 1.5-inch treats well. This size helps keep snack portions consistent. For big dogs, use larger cutters or give them more pieces, but keep an eye on their caloric intake.
Remember to adjust your dog’s meals when you give them extra treats. If they had more snacks, cut back on their dinner kibble. This helps keep their weight in check while you make holiday dog treats with love.
Pumpkin, Cranberry & Turkey Oven-Baked Biscuits
These dog biscuits mix cozy holiday tastes in a gluten-free recipe. They bake until crisp and golden. Using turkey bone broth adds aroma and moisture.
Ingredient lineup
The recipe uses 2 1/2 cups oat flour and 2 cups almond flour. Add 1/4 cup dried cranberries and 1/4 cup turkey baby food or shredded turkey. Then, mix in 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, 1/3 cup pumpkin puree, and 1/4 cup turkey bone broth. Finish with 1 tbsp melted coconut oil.
This mix creates biscuits that are tender with a crunch. Plus, the ingredients are clean.
Step-by-step method
Start by heating the oven to 350F and prepping a tray with a silicone mat. Mix both flours in a big bowl. Chop pumpkin seeds and cranberries before stirring them into the flour.
Next, blend pumpkin puree, turkey, coconut oil, and bone broth in a small bowl. Mix this wet blend into the dry ingredients. Knead the dough with hands for 1–2 minutes.
Roll the dough on wax paper to 1/4 inch. Use a cookie cutter for shapes. Bake at 350F for 25 minutes. Allow them to cool completely.
Smart substitutions
You can swap out cranberries; use a tiny bit more if they’re fresh. Without turkey baby food, add more pumpkin puree and bone broth for flavor. If using shredded turkey, just keep it to 1/4 cup. Increase the bone broth to 2/3 cup for the right texture.
Storage and yield
You’ll get about 52 biscuits from this recipe. Once they’re cool, store them in a sealed container in the fridge. They’ll stay crisp and fragrant for a week, perfect for the holiday season.
Leftover Turkey Dog Treat Ideas for Post-Feast Cooking
Use holiday leftovers for dogs in simple ways that are tasty and healthy. Make dog treats from leftover turkey, focusing on real ingredients. Always take out bones and skin, and don’t add strong spices.
Turkey meatballs with oats, eggs, yogurt, mixed veggies, and parsley
Make protein-packed turkey meatballs for dogs. Mix 1 lb chopped turkey, 1/2 cup oats, 2 eggs, 2 tbsp yogurt, 1 cup chopped carrots, peas, and beans, and 1/4 cup parsley. Roll them into small balls and cook until they’re safe to eat. You can add these to meals or give as special treats.
These turkey treats are good for dogs’ stomachs and not hard to make more of. Keep the taste simple, avoiding onions or strong spices. Always let them cool before you store them.
Sweet potato and turkey combo treats that freeze well for gifting
Mix mashed sweet potato and shredded turkey for soft, easy-to-shape treats. Shape them into small discs or use molds, then bake. They cool down and keep well in the freezer. It’s a great holiday gift for dogs.
Freeze them in small amounts for easy storage. Dog owners like getting treats made from clean ingredients. Sweet potatoes add fiber and a bit of sweetness without sugar.
Portion control and adjusting regular meals to avoid overfeeding
Limit treats to 10% of a dog’s daily food intake. Adjust the amount of regular food on days they get extra treats. For smaller dogs, give less; for bigger ones, make sure not to overfeed. Reducing their usual food a bit can help keep things balanced.
Freezing some treats helps them last longer and keeps feeding routines consistent. Smart planning and simple recipes mean turkey treats can be a healthy, enjoyable part of a dog’s diet.
Pumpkin-Forward Treat Variations Your Dog Will Love
Get your dog ready for fall with easy-to-make treats. They have cozy flavors and use dog-safe pumpkin. You can make these treats for any size dog. The ingredients are easy to find.
Pumpkin carrot bites with a crunchy outside and chewy center
To make quick pumpkin carrot dog treats, start by mixing 3/4 cup of plain pumpkin puree with a beaten egg. Next, mix in 1/4 cup of shredded carrots and 1 cup of whole wheat flour. Shape the mixture, then bake until the edges are crisp.
These treats are crunchy outside and chewy inside. They’re great for taking on walks. Let them cool before storing. You can break them up for small dogs or give a whole one to larger dogs.
Mini “pumpkin pie” style treats that are gluten-free and optionally dairy-free
These treats are like mini gluten-free pumpkin pies for dogs. They have no sugar. Mix pumpkin, eggs, coconut oil, and a little cinnamon or turmeric. Use mini molds to keep the sizes even. You can leave out the dairy for dogs that can’t have it.
They’re soft and tender, perfect for older dogs or picky eaters.
Nutty add-ins for special occasions
For a fun twist, use peanut butter or Sunbutter. Add some chopped bacon bits for a special treat. Avoid sweeteners and use bacon sparingly.
Pick brands without xylitol or added salt. SunButter is great for dogs that can’t have peanuts. It’s just as tasty.
Ingredient safety notes
Only use plain pumpkin puree, not pie filling. Don’t add sugar or artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Use cinnamon and turmeric in small amounts and avoid nutmeg. For dogs on a gluten-free diet, use the right type of flour.
Store treats in the fridge. Give your dog small amounts at first. This helps you make sure they stay safe and enjoy these pumpkin treats.
Conclusion
This guide combines the best seasonal flavors into easy, healthy dog treats you can make at home. You’ll find recipes ranging from pumpkin & turkey snacks to festive biscuits. Each one uses human-grade, gluten-free ingredients and smart ways to use leftovers.
Pumpkin is great for digestion. Turkey and bone broth add lean protein. Ingredients like coconut oil, pumpkin seeds, and almond flour support healthy skin and coat. A few cranberries offer urinary tract support, making these recipes a balanced treat for Thanksgiving.
For oven-baked biscuits, roll the dough until it’s 1/4 inch thick. Then cut out shapes, 1.5 inches each, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. You’ll get about 52 pieces. Keep them in a tight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Make mini pumpkin “pies,” pumpkin carrot bites, and turkey meatballs for a DIY pet treat holiday plan. Extra batches freeze well, perfect for gifts. These treats are budget-friendly and easy to make, even in a busy kitchen.
When making these treats, remember safety first. Use plain pumpkin puree and be moderate with cinnamon and turmeric. Avoid added sugar or unsafe ingredients. Also, adjust your dog’s regular meals to prevent overfeeding. This keeps the treats tasty and stomach-friendly.
Try a variety: bake biscuits, make meatballs, press mini “pies,” and create carrot bites for a mix of treats. This gives you a festive spread from simple ingredients. It’s a heartwarming, practical way to enjoy a DIY pet treat holiday. Plus, your dog gets special, nourishing snacks.
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