Homemade Thanksgiving Dog Treats Your Pup Will Love

Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and, of course, food! While you’re enjoying your holiday meal, why not include your furry friend in the celebration with homemade Thanksgiving dog treats? This easy, dog-safe recipe will let your pup join in the festivities without any worries about harmful ingredients.

Why Make Homemade Treats?

Homemade treats are not only fun to make but also ensure that your dog is getting healthy, safe ingredients. Many Thanksgiving foods we enjoy, like turkey and mashed potatoes, can be unsafe or unhealthy for dogs due to added spices, salt, or butter. A DIY treat allows you to control what goes into your dog’s snack, ensuring it’s both delicious and nutritious!

Homemade Thanksgiving Dog Treats

This simple recipe uses wholesome ingredients that are often already part of a Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked, plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup cooked turkey, finely shredded (plain, no seasoning)
1 egg
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, turkey, egg, and applesauce. Stir until well mixed.
Gradually add the flour and optional cinnamon to the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use Thanksgiving-themed cookie cutters (like leaves, pumpkins, or turkeys) to cut out shapes.
Place the treats on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden.
Cool completely before serving to your dog. Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Tips for a Safe and Fun Treat Experience

Use Dog-Safe Ingredients: Stick to plain, unseasoned turkey and avoid onion, garlic, or nutmeg, which are toxic to dogs.
Portion Control: Even healthy treats should be given in moderation, especially during a holiday filled with excitement.
Involve the Family: Let kids help cut out shapes or decorate the treats with a small smear of plain peanut butter.

Other Dog-Safe Thanksgiving Foods

Want to share more of the holiday with your dog? Here are some foods your pup can safely enjoy in small amounts:

Cooked green beans (plain)
Sweet potatoes (no butter or sugar)
Plain cranberry sauce (unsweetened)
Small bites of turkey (without skin or seasoning)
Here are a few more recipes for Thanksgiving dog treats

A Holiday to Remember

With this DIY Thanksgiving treat recipe, your dog can feel just as much a part of the holiday as the rest of the family. Not only will you be giving them something special, but you’ll also be creating memories that make Thanksgiving even more meaningful.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us to you and your four-legged friend! 🐾