Turkey and Cranberry Dog Treats
This Turkey and Cranberry Dog Treats recipe is perfect for the holiday season or anytime you want to spoil your dog with a tasty treat. A gluten-free treat that combines turkey, cranberries and oat flour for a great holiday or training treat.
Making dog treats with meat always gets my four dogs in the kitchen when they are baking in the oven. They lay in hope to trip me up I suspect! They enjoyed these and it’s another way for me to give one of my cranberries for her lady bladder issues!
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Ground Turkey for Dogs
Yes, ground turkey is generally good for dogs! It’s a lean, high-protein meat that provides essential nutrients like B vitamins, phosphorus, and zinc, which support muscle growth, energy, and overall health.
Benefits of Ground Turkey for Dogs
- Low in Fat: Ground turkey is leaner than many other meats, making it a good option for dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight.
- Rich in Protein: Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle tissue, and turkey is a high-quality source.
- Easily Digestible: Turkey is gentle on the stomach and is often included in hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets for dogs with food sensitivities.
- Nutrient-Rich: It contains essential nutrients like selenium and niacin, which support immune health and metabolic functions.
Important Tips
- Plain and Unseasoned: Avoid turkey that has been seasoned, salted, or cooked with onions, garlic, or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
- Cooked Thoroughly: Always cook ground turkey thoroughly to kill any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, which can make dogs sick.
- Moderation is Key: While turkey is healthy, it should be part of a balanced diet and not the sole protein source.
Ingredients
Just 5 ingredients, these are easy homemade dog treats to make.
- Ground Turkey : A lean source of protein that supports muscle health and provides essential nutrients like B vitamins and minerals.
- Cranberries : Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, cranberries promote a healthy immune system and can support urinary tract health.
- Parsley : This fresh herb not only enhances flavor but also acts as a natural breath freshener and provides vitamins like K and C.
- Oat Flour : A gentle, gluten-free grain that’s easy on your dog’s digestion while providing energy and fiber. We make our own oat flour by griding oats. Other dog friendly flours can be used.
- Egg: A binding agent that adds extra protein and essential fatty acids to support a shiny coat and healthy skin.
How to Make Turkey and Cranberry Dog Treats
Add turkey, cranberries, egg and parsley and bowl and mix.
Add the oat flour to work into a dough.
Roll out and cut out shapes.
Place on a prepared tin and bake.
Recipe Tips
If the dough feels too sticky, add more oat flour a little at a time. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of water or unsalted broth.
Chop the cranberries into smaller pieces to distribute the flavor evenly and prevent large chunks that might be too tart for your dog.
Add dog-safe ingredients like shredded carrots, sweet potatoes, or a spoonful of plain pumpkin puree for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make smaller treats for small dogs or training purposes, or larger ones for big pups.
Storage
Let the treats cool completely after baking. Warm treats can release moisture in storage, leading to mold growth or sogginess. Store treats in an airtight container or resealable bag to prevent them from becoming stale. For optimal freshness, especially if the treats are moist, store them in the refrigerator.
Freezing
Place the treats in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze them for up to 3 months.
When ready to serve, take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature for a few minutes.
Watch Us Make the Treats
More Baked Dog Treats
You dog may enjoy these other homemade dog treat recipes:
Turkey and Cranberry Dog Treats
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup cranberries fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 280C/350F degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, egg, cranberries and fresh parsley. Mix well.
- Add the oat flour and mix until the mixture starts to come together and work into a soft dough. Add more flour if required.
- Lightly flour a clean surface with oat flour. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters (bone shapes are fun!) or simply cut into small squares or strips with a knife.
- Place the shapes on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the treats are firm and lightly golden.
- Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.