Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year—family, friends, and let’s not forget, food! But while we’re piling up our plates with turkey and stuffing, our furry family members are usually left watching with those irresistible puppy eyes. So, why not make this Thanksgiving extra special by including your pup in the celebration?

With a little effort, you can create safe and healthy recipes that let your dog enjoy the festivities too. From turkey mash to pumpkin delights, we’ve rounded up some fun recipes that your dog will absolutely love. But first, let’s make sure we know what’s safe for them to eat—because not all holiday foods are created equal when it comes to our pets.
Safety First: Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Can and Cannot Eat
Safe Foods
Good news—some of your Thanksgiving staples are totally dog-friendly! Here are the superstars:
- Turkey: Plain, unseasoned, and absolutely no bones. Bones can splinter and cause serious harm.
- Sweet Potatoes: Cooked and plain, these are packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamins.
- Pumpkin: Unsweetened pumpkin puree is great for digestion and adds a festive touch.
These are your go-to ingredients for creating meals your dog will devour while keeping them healthy and safe.

Foods to Avoid
Here’s what to keep far, far away from your dog’s bowl:
- Stuffing: It might be delicious for us, but it’s loaded with onions, garlic, and spices that are toxic to dogs.
- Gravy: Rich and fatty foods like gravy can lead to an upset stomach—or worse, pancreatitis.
- Chocolate Desserts: We all know chocolate is a big no for dogs, so keep it out of reach.
When in doubt, stick to simple, unseasoned foods. Your dog doesn’t care about fancy seasoning—they’re just excited to be part of the celebration!
10 Thanksgiving Dog Food Recipes
1. Turkey and Sweet Potato Mash

Ingredients:
- Cooked turkey (shredded)
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Steamed green beans
Preparation Steps:
- Combine the shredded turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, and green beans in a bowl.
- Mix well, and mash lightly for an easy-to-eat texture.
- Serve warm but not hot—your pup will dive right in!
2. Pumpkin and Apple Delight

Ingredients:
- Unsweetened pumpkin puree
- Diced apples (seeded and skin removed)
- Oats
Preparation Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Mix pumpkin puree, diced apples, and oats in a bowl until well combined.
- Form into small balls or use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, then let them cool before serving.
These treats smell so good, you might be tempted to try one yourself!
3. Cranberry Turkey Loaf

Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Unsweetened cranberries
- Eggs
- Oats
Preparation Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Mix the ground turkey, cranberries, eggs, and oats in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, then cool and slice into dog-friendly portions.
Perfect for pups who love turkey and cranberries—and it looks so festive!
4. Carrot and Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Diced carrots (steamed)
- Plain cooked rice
Preparation Steps:
- Mix the chicken, carrots, and rice in a casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes to warm everything through.
- Cool slightly and serve.
This dish is as simple as it gets and will have your dog licking their bowl clean.
5. Sweet Potato and Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- Whole wheat flour
Preparation Steps:
- Combine all ingredients to form a dough.
- Roll out the dough and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
- Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, then let cool.
These cookies are a perfect snack for your pup—and they make great homemade gifts for your dog-loving friends!
6. Green Bean and Turkey Stew

Ingredients:
- Diced cooked turkey
- Steamed green beans
- Low-sodium chicken broth
Preparation Steps:
- Combine turkey, green beans, and broth in a pot.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes until warm.
- Cool slightly and serve as a hearty meal.
7. Carrot and Sweet Potato Patties

Ingredients:
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Grated carrots
- Eggs
Preparation Steps:
- Mix the sweet potatoes, carrots, and egg into a batter.
- Shape into small patties.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until firm, then let cool.
8. Rice and Pumpkin Porridge

Ingredients:
- Plain cooked white rice
- Unsweetened pumpkin puree
- Low-sodium chicken broth
Preparation Steps:
- Combine rice, pumpkin puree, and chicken broth in a pot.
- Heat gently while stirring until it forms a porridge.
- Let cool and serve.
9. Turkey and Veggie Muffins

Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Steamed peas and carrots
- Eggs
Preparation Steps:
- Mix turkey, peas, carrots, and eggs in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into a muffin tin.
- Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until fully cooked.
10. Chicken and Cranberry Bites

Ingredients:
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Unsweetened dried cranberries
- Oats
Preparation Steps:
- Mix all ingredients and form into small balls.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until firm.
- Cool and serve as a quick, festive snack.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is about sharing love, gratitude, and food—and your dog deserves to be part of the fun too! With these 10 easy and festive recipes, you can give your pup a meal that’s both safe and delicious.
Which recipe are you excited to try first? Let us know in the comments—and don’t forget to snap a photo of your dog enjoying their Thanksgiving feast. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your furry family member!
FAQ Section: Thanksgiving and Your Dog’s Diet
Can dogs eat turkey stuffing?
No. Turkey stuffing isn’t safe for dogs because it often contains onions, garlic, and spices that can make them sick. Stick to plain turkey or veggies instead.
How can I make my dog’s meal festive yet healthy?
Use plain, dog-safe foods like turkey (no bones or skin), sweet potatoes, and pumpkin. Mix them together for a simple, healthy dish your pup will love.
Should I adjust portion sizes?
Yes. Don’t overfeed your dog. These recipes are treats, not full meals. Stick to portions that match their size and usual diet.
Discover more tasty and wholesome homemade dog food recipes your pup will adore—explore them now! 🐾🍴
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