Thanksgiving Leftover Puppy Pleasers!

Who says holiday leftovers are just for people? Your furry friends can enjoy them, too! If you find yourself with an abundance of leftover turkey, consider turning it into homemade meals for your pooch or irresistible treats for their friends. Just remember to remove any seasonings from the roast turkey before you get started, as some spices can be harmful to dogs.

Leftover Turkey Dog Treats

For a simple yet delicious treat, combine chopped turkey with nutritious extras like leftover cranberries or pumpkin. These ingredients not only add a burst of flavor but also provide essential nutrients for your pet, like fiber and antioxidants.

Ingredients:

2 cups Buckwheat Flour
1 1/2 Cooked Turkey cut into small pieces (skin removed)
1/4 cup Dried Cranberries
1 Egg
1/4 cup Pumpkin Puree
1 1/4 cup Stella and Chewy's Freeze-dried morsels or Honest Kitchen's Whole Grain Veggie & Fruit Base Mix
1/4 cup Bone Broth

 

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cut or shred the turkey into small pieces. Put turkey, pumpkin puree, and broth into a food processor or blender and blend into a paste.
  3. Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix into a stiff dough. Add more broth if needed.
  4. Roll out dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to ½-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on baking sheets.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes. If you want a crunchier cookie, turn the oven off and let the cookies sit for an additional 30 minutes.
  6. Cool on a wire rack for 3-4 hours. Store in the refrigerator in a sealed, tight container.

Wholesome Turkey Meatloaf

Feeling a little more adventurous? Why not whip up a dog-friendly meatloaf? Combine your turkey with oats, eggs, and pet-safe vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes. You can even serve this tasty dish with quinoa, brown rice, or a side of mashed sweet potato for a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal that supports your pet's overall health.

Ingredients:

1 lb. cooked Turkey, chopped (or ground)
1 Egg (large)
1/3 cup Old fashioned oats
1/3 cup Sweet potatoes, cooked
1/2 cup Carrots
1/2 cup Green beans, asparagus, broccoli or spinach, diced
1 1/2 cup Quinoa or brown rice, cooked

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. 
  2. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine all ingredients. Spread mixture into a 5 x 7-inch loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes.
  3. Slice and chop into bite-sized pieces. Store covered in the refrigerator, or freeze.

These creative, nutritious recipes are more than just a way to use up your leftovers—they're a testament to your commitment to your pet's health and happiness. As a bonus, don't miss last year's post-Thanksgiving recipe, "For the Love of Leftovers". The best part? Watch your dog's tail wag with joy as they enjoy their special treat. Trust us, your dog will thank you!

 

Recipe and Photo Source: SkinnyMs, and The Honest Kitchen