Thanksgiving Treats for Dogs

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! As you start preparing for the seasonal holiday, keep your canine pal in mind. You know Fido will be paying close attention when those delicious dishes start coming out of the oven. Why not make him something special? After all, dogs are truly something to be thankful for! Here, a Lakeville, MN vet lists some holiday treats for dogs.

Sweet Potato Snaps

For this one, you’ll need sweet potato, whole-wheat flour, and two eggs. If you want to customize the treat to suit Fido’s tastes, you can also add organic applesauce, canned chicken or salmon, ripe bananas, shredded cheese, bacon bits, or liver powder. Roll out the batter, and separate it into small portions, then cook at 350 for 30 minutes.

Pumpkin Bites

Combine pureed pumpkin, natural peanut butter, whole-wheat flour, and eggs. Divide the batter into small portions, and bake for a half hour at 350.

Tuna Bites

This one is safe for cats, too! Combine canned tuna or chicken in water with plain yogurt. You can add some pureed squash, pumpkin, or sweet potato. Divide into small servings, and pop into the oven for a half hour at 350.

Turkey Yums

This is a great way to use up some leftovers, though Fido may need to wait until the day after Thanksgiving. Mix cooked, plain, boneless turkey with chopped carrots and/or peas. You can also add olive oil, rice, or oatmeal. Mix everything in a food processor or blender to get an even texture. 20 minutes at 400 should do it!

Mutt Loaf

Here’s another option for leftovers. Combine minced turkey with tomato puree, breadcrumbs, peas, carrots, eggs, and parmesan cheese. (Actually, you may want to make this one for yourself, and just offer your furry buddy a piece!)

Leftovers

Speaking of leftovers, many of yours are safe for dogs. You can offer your pup cooked, plain meat, fish, or poultry without the bones, skin, or fat. Fido can also have certain cooked vegetables, such as squash, beans, spinach, pumpkin, carrots, peas, and sweet or plain potatoes. Never give your four-legged buddy garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; chocolate; nuts; grapes, currants, or raisins; raw dough, yeast, or meat; nuts; alcohol; or products containing xylitol. Meat on the bone is also unsafe. Ask your vet for more information.

Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your Lakeville, MN vet clinic, anytime!