Healthy Thanksgiving Dinner for Dogs

Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce

Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, are you thinking about how to make Thanksgiving dinner for your dog to include them this holiday? It's that time of year when food takes center stage, and it's no secret that our dogs would get very excited about the Thanksgiving meal at home. From sneaky family members feeding scraps to tempting dishes left within our dog's reach, dogs can easily overindulge, leading to upset tummies or even pancreatitis.

But instead of risking table scraps, why not create a special Thanksgiving dinner or special Thanksgiving dog treats just for our dog? Using ingredients you likely already have for your Thanksgiving dinner, we can create simple, healthy, nutritious treats. It's simple to prepare, and you can even serve it in a Kong or other interactive toy to keep your pup entertained during gatherings.

Remember, even though these ingredients are generally safe for dogs, some dogs may have sensitive stomachs. Any deviation from their regular meals could lead to digestive issues. If your dog is sensitive or you're unsure how they'll react, consider adding just a couple of these ingredients to their usual meals or skipping it altogether. Your dog's health should always come first.

Avoid These Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs

But what's the deal with avoiding table scraps? Here's a not-so-fun fact: every year, plenty of dogs end up at the vet's office post-Thanksgiving, dealing with pancreatitis—an inflammation of the pancreas often triggered by a fatty meal (yes, like those tempting table scraps). While many Thanksgiving foods are safe and healthy for dogs, how we prep them can turn them into overly fatty or even toxic treats for our dogs—think salt in the turkey after seasoning, onions in the green beans casserole, heavy cream and butter in mashed potatoes, raisins in the stuffing, the added sugar in pumpkin pie and so on.

Take sweet potatoes, for instance; boiled sweet potatoes are excellent for dog health because they're a great source of fiber. But add some marshmallows, butter, and brown sugar; suddenly, candied yam could lead to pancreatitis. Similarly, unsweetened canned pumpkin is great for dogs. However, pumpkin pie is not. Another example is raw turkey bones, like necks, which make excellent edible chews for dogs, promoting dental health and providing essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. However, once cooked, they become a severe choking hazard.

So, why not just keep it simple and set aside a meal specifically for your dog to make sure it's safe for them, steering clear of the potential hazards hidden in scraps from your dinner table?

Apart from the health risks, tossing table scraps to your dog can lead to some unwelcome habits, such as begging, bothering guests, or countertop exploration. Since treats like turkey meat are high-value rewards, you inadvertently strengthen these behaviors, making them challenging to unlearn. Prevention is key—avoid letting these behaviors take root in the first place.

A Healthy Alternative: Making a Dog Friendly Thanksgiving Dinner for Dogs

Rather than sharing table scraps, craft a special Thanksgiving feast for your dog. It's a safe and healthy alternative that can be used to reinforce positive behavior, like enjoying quiet time in their crate or not pestering guests during meals.

The Health Benefits of Turkey and Cranberries for Dogs

Now, let's delve into one of the star ingredients for our dog Thanksgiving feast—cranberries and turkey. 

The Benefits of Cranberries for Dogs

Cranberries offer dogs a nutritional boost with antioxidants like quercetin and vitamins such as C, A, and K. Rich in iron and calcium, these berries promote overall well-being, support immune function and bone health, and prevent urinary tract infections through D-Mannose. Incorporating cranberries into your dog's diet can contribute to a happier, healthier furry companion. To read more about the health benefits of cranberries for dog, you can go to this blog post Can Dogs Have Cranberries?

The Benefits of Turkey for Dogs

Turkey serves as an excellent lean protein source for dogs. Packed with essential nutrients like B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium, it supports muscle development, immune function, and overall vitality. The low-fat content in turkey makes it a nutritious option for maintaining a healthy weight in dogs, ensuring they enjoy a tasty and beneficial protein source.

Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe for Dogs:

Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce

Here's a delicious and healthy Thanksgiving dinner recipe tailored for dog:

Equipment:

• Baking sheet

• Kitchen Aid Food Chopper

• Mixing bowl
  
  

Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients:

To Make Turkey Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground turkey 93% lean

• 1/3 cup organic oat flour (I used the one from Arrowhead Mills)

• 3 ribs of celery (pureed)

• 4 tbsp fresh parsley minced

• 1 large egg

• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• Some olive oil (for brushing the pan and to prevent the meat from sticking to the gloves while shaping the meatball)

To Make Dog-Friendly Cranberry Sauce:

• 8oz of organic raw cranberries

• 1/3 cup water

• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

To make the meatballs:

1. Combine ground turkey, oat flour, parsley, egg, oregano and pepper in a large bowl.

2. Mix well with your hands (you can wear latex gloves). Coat the gloves with a little bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Shape the mixture into 1/2-inch balls (I made around 45 meatballs).

To bake the meatballs:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil. Brush a thin layer of olive oil on the foil to prevent sticking.

2. Arrange meatballs on the baking sheet and bake until browned with crispy edges, about 15 minutes.

To make the cranberry sauce:

1. Combine fresh cranberries and water in a pot and boil over medium-high heat.

2. Reduce to medium heat to simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring to avoid sticking. The sauce is ready when it's thickened and most cranberries have popped.

3. Add honey for a little bit of sweetness.

4. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to one week. You can freeze the remaining in a mini silicone cube tray and add it to your dog's food to boost vitamin C and antioxidants.

With this dog safe Thanksgiving dinner recipe that is suitable for all dog breeds, you can treat your dog to a delightful and nutritious meal while keeping them safe from the potential hazards of holiday scraps. Enjoy the festivities with your dogs, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with joy and wagging tails!

Interested in trying different recipe ideas? Check out the blog posts below:

Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Homemade Electrolytes for Dogs

Disclaimers: Please note that the content above is based on my personal experience. While these ingredients are generally safe for dogs, individual sensitivities may vary. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods into your dog's diet.