9 DIY Thanksgiving Dog Treat Recipes

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Because Thanksgiving is a time to share love, laughter, memories, and a whole lotta food with friends and family, it’s tempting to slip your dog a few bites under the table. Resist! Instead, offer a Thanksgiving dog treat that’s safer and healthier than human holiday food.

We’ve gathered some of our favorite Thanksgiving treats formulated especially for dogs. These DIY snacks 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 for turkey day.

1. 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.

You’ll need:

• 1 lb of leftover turkey, with bones and skin removed
• ½ cup rolled oats
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp plain low-fat yogurt
• 1 cup dog-friendly mixed veggies (we used carrot, peas, and green beans)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley

2. Dehydrated Green Bean Thanksgiving Dog Treat

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.

You’ll need:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1/2 pound green beans
• 2 red bell peppers
• A dehydrator OR an oven

3. 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.

You’ll need:

• ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 2 sweet potatoes
• 2 large carrots
• 1 apple
• 1 can low-sodium drained and rinsed kidney beans (or prepared from dry to avoid excess sodium)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• OPTIONAL: 1 tsp turmeric & ½ tsp ginger

4. Pup-kin Pies for Dogs

This adorable treat includes healthy pumpkin, a dog-friendly crust, and plain yogurt for protein. They’re so easy, a puppy can make them! See the pie-making video for evidence.

Pro tip: use plain pumpkin rather than the sweetened pie filling. Your dog won’t care about the flavor profile, and plain pumpkin is much easier on dog stomachs.

Got a dairy-free dog? Use canned coconut milk to create a tasty whipped topping.

You’ll need:

• 1 3/4 cup oat flour (pulse rolled oats in a food processor to a floury consistency)
• 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 banana
• 3/4 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree
• OPTIONAL: Low-fat plain yogurt for topping

5. Coconut Whipped Cream for Dogs

Coconut whipped cream is the perfect topping for dogs who can’t handle dairy. It works as a topping to your other dog-friendly Thanksgiving confections, or you can serve it all on its own for a delightful holiday pup-cup.

You’ll need:

• 1 can coconut milk
• A whipped cream maker, a mixer, or a whisk and some arm strength

6. 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.

You’ll need:

• 1 1/3 cup oat flour
• 1 cup tapioca flour
• 2/3 cup coconut flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• pinch of allspice
• pinch of clove
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 egg
• 1 cup pumpkin
• 2 tsp molasses

7. 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.

You’ll need:

• 2 apples, cored and diced
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• 2 cups AP flour (oat flour works great too)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 Egg
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated parmesan or cheddar

8. 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.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (mashed sweet potato or butternut squash works too)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter (no xylitol!)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp honey (maple syrup also works)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened dried coconut flakes

9. 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.

You’ll need:

• OPTIONAL: 3 turkey necks or 6 feet
• 1 turkey carcass
• 4 celery stalks
• 2 carrots or 1 cup baby carrots
• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley or 1/4 cup dried
• 2 tbsp dried sage
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Water

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 human holiday favorites are more likely to cause digestive upset for dogs, and a few foods are downright dangerous. These include:

• Raisins and grapes
• Turkey bones
• Chocolate
• Macadamia nuts
• Raw bread dough

Do you have a go-to Thanksgiving dog treat recipe? We’d love to hear about it.