Festive Feasts: Delicious and Safe Thanksgiving Recipes for Pets
Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the table and enjoy delicious food with loved ones. But pets usually get scraps—which aren’t always the best choice.
Instead of focusing on feeding the right turkey and sweet potato scraps, why not make your pet some tasty treats that are just for her?
The team at Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital has rounded up four delicious recipes you can make for Fido and Kitty.
4 Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes for Pets
1. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
Pumpkin is a staple ingredient for many fall dishes, and it’s not just for humans! Pumpkin is great for your dog’s digestion. It’s full of fiber and low in fat. This recipe combines the digestive benefits of pumpkin with the protein and healthy fats from pet-safe peanut butter. That’s why we love it.
And while cats don’t need pumpkin, peanut butter, or oats in their diet, they can enjoy one of these tasty treats during the holidays.
Even better, these treats take just three ingredients to make, are easy to store, and last for several days.
Yes, this means Thanksgiving leftovers for everyone in your household. Furry friends included.
Recipe Link: Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats
2. Turkey Meatballs for Cats and Dogs
If you’re cooking up a big Thanksgiving turkey, why not share a little with your pets? This simple meatball recipe uses unseasoned turkey and vegetables to create a protein-rich snack that’s safe for both cats and dogs.
Turkey is lean and healthy, and when you combine it with pet-friendly veggies, it makes for a balanced meal. Plus, these meatballs are baked, so they’re healthier than a fried or heavily processed treat.
The recipe we’ve linked below is safe and nutritious for dogs and cats—unlike other pet meatball recipes, there’s no parsley in this recipe. (Parsley is toxic to cats!)
Recipe Link: Turkey Meatballs for Pets
3. Sweet Potato Dog Chews
Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving favorite, and they’re just as nutritious for dogs as they are for humans.
These homemade chews are a great alternative to store-bought treats, and they’re super easy to make. With just a few minutes of slicing and a couple of hours in the oven, your pup will get a fiber-filled snack rich in vitamins A and C.
Dehydrating sweet potatoes for 2-3 hours gives them a chewy texture that’ll satisfy your pup’s need to chew and chomp on something tasty.
Recipe Link: Sweet Potato Dog Chews
4. Turkey and Cranberry Holiday Cookies
Save the turkey carcass to make a tasty bone broth your pets will love in this recipe for a Thanksgiving treat for pets. These biscuits combine turkey meat, bone broth, egg, flour, pumpkin puree, and fresh cranberries for a savory treat.
The recipe we love does include cinnamon, though. While this spice isn’t toxic for cats, it’s not exactly good for them either. Substitute catnip for cinnamon for a truly feline-friendly treat!
Recipe Link: Turkey and Cranberry Holiday Cookies
Happy Fall Baking!
Fall baking is the best, and sharing tasty foods with pets is even better. The team at Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital is always here to help guide your pet through the holidays.
If your pet needs help navigating the dazzling décor, food smells, and new people they’ll see during Thanksgiving, reach out to our team. We can help you enjoy a safe and fun holiday season with your pet!