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Because Thanksgiving is a time to share love, laughter, memories, and a whole lotta food with friends and family, you’ll probably want to slip your dog a few bites under the table. Resist! Instead, offer a Thanksgiving dog treat that’s safer and healthier than human food.
We’ve gathered some of our favorite Thanksgiving treats formulated especially for dogs. DIY dog treats are a safe, healthy, and loving way to let your dog share in the holiday. Plus, many of these recipes use up your leftovers—or ingredients you already have on hand.
Homemade Thanksgiving dog treats for the win! Now, on to the recipes.
Leftover Turkey Meatballs for Dogs
Use up that leftover turkey in a way your dog will love! Serve these hearty meatballs to your dog as a special treat. You can also add to a meal; just cut back on the kibble to adjust for added calories.
These meatballs last for about five days in the fridge or freeze beautifully.
Dehydrated Green Bean Thanksgiving Dog Treat
healthy dehydrated veggie treats for dogs HERO
It wouldn’t be an American holiday meal without the classic green bean casserole, but all that fat, sodium, and seasoning isn’t easy on a dog’s tummy. Instead, offer up some wholesome dehydrated veggies. Green beans are a healthy non-fat treat that dogs love to eat fresh OR dried.
Sprinkle on top of a meal or serve as a low-calorie treat.
Hearty Sweet Potato Casserole for Dogs
Use ingredients you have on hand for holiday cooking to make something special—and healthy—for your dog. This sweet potato and kidney bean puree is the perfect meal topper, KONG stuffing, or frozen treat base for the holidays.
Pup-kin Pies for Dogs
This adorable treat includes healthy pumpkin, a dog-friendly crust, and plain yogurt for protein. Bonus: So easy, a puppy can make them! See the video for evidence.
Pro tip: use plain pumpkin rather than the sweetened pie filling. Your dog won’t care about the flavor profile, and the plain version is much easier on them.
Got a dairy-free dog? Use canned coconut milk to create a tasty whipped topping
Coconut Whipped Cream for Dogs
Pumpkin Pie Dog Biscuits
Give this pumpkin pie dog biscuit recipe a try and you’ll have a DIY Thanksgiving dog treat you can store on the counter. If you’re feeling extra festive, use a Thanksgiving-themed cookie cutter to get into the holiday spirit.
Pumpkin helps with dog digestion and is a well-regarded cure for stomach upsets.
Apple Pie Thanksgiving Dog Treats
These tempting, bite-size Thanksgiving dog treats are tasty enough you might just eat one yourself!
They’re also gluten-free, which is a plus for dogs with wheat sensitivities.
No-Bake Coco Nutter Pumpkin Dog Treats
Throw together these no-bake pumpkin balls and you’ll have a Thanksgiving treat for all your canine guests. We love how easy, simple, and attractive the final result is.
Turkey Bone Broth for Dogs
Jazz up your pet’s mealtime with a big splash of this hearty and healthy bone broth. You can make this recipe by adding your turkey carcass and veggie ends (no onions or garlic please!) for a free and seasonal flavor boost.
Holiday Foods to Avoid for Dogs
Because safety always comes first, be sure to check out this list of foods to avoid to ensure safe and healthy snacking for your pet. Many of our holiday favorites are more likely to cause simple digestive upset for dogs, but a few foods are downright dangerous. These include:
- Raisins and grapes
- Turkey bones
- Chocolate
- Macadamia nuts
- Raw bread dough
Finally, for the easiest option of all, plenty of dog food and treat brands are selling fun, Thanksgiving-themed choices this year.
Do you have a go-to Thanksgiving dog treat recipe? We’d love to hear about it.
