The festive season brings joy, laughter, and, of course, delicious treats for everyone—including our furry friends! As we gear up for celebrations, it’s the perfect time to whip up something special for our canine companions. One delightful way to spoil them is by preparing homemade dog-safe Turkey meatballs. Not only do these treats evoke the festive spirit, but they also ensure your dog enjoys a safe and healthy snack during this joyous time.

These dog-friendly meatballs are highly customizable to something you will want to make year-round, not just for Thanksgiving or Christmas. 

Affiliate Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small amount from qualifying purchases.  Read more about our advertising policy here.

Why Turkey Meatballs?

Let’s start by exploring why turkey is an excellent choice for your pup’s festive treat. Turkey is a lean and protein-rich meat, making it a great option for dogs. Packed with nutrients like iron, zinc, potassium, and B vitamins, it’s a wholesome choice that supports your dog’s overall health. Plus, during the holiday season, it adds a touch of celebratory flavour to their mealtime.

Turkey is also a great year-round choice as it is tasty, often cost-effective, and tends to be a good alternative for many dogs who show reactions or have allergens towards chicken. 

Essential Ingredients

When creating dog-safe Turkey Meatballs, it’s crucial to select ingredients that are safe and beneficial for your furry friend’s health. Opt for dog-friendly elements like ground turkey, oats or breadcrumbs, eggs, and perhaps a touch of dog-safe herbs like parsley or basil. Remember to avoid using any seasonings or ingredients that could be harmful to dogs, such as onions, or excessive salt.

Our recipe below features quintessential wholesome holiday ingredients which are all dog-safe such as ground turkey, squash, sage, eggs, cranberries and coconut oil.  If your dog has allergies or any dietary restrictions, feel free to use ingredients you already have at home and that are safe for your dog.  If you have any concerns, please consult your veterinarian. 

As mentioned above, turkey is a great choice for your dog because it is a lean, protein-rich protein that is packed with nutrients. 

Squash has great nutritional value for our dogs.  It is low in calories but packs great nutritional value with vitamins A, C, and E, which support a dog’s immune system, vision, and skin health.  It also helps to support nutrient absorption and is good for digestive health.

Sage is considered dog-safe in small amounts and should be used in moderation, like any other herb or spice.  Sage has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant effects, and can also help contribute to oral health. 

Cranberries contain essential nutrients like vitamins C, E, and K, as well as minerals like manganese. These nutrients can contribute to a dog’s overall well-being.  They contribute to urinary tract health and are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C.  They also help to promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract in dogs

The Recipe: Dog-Safe Festive Turkey Meatballs

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these delectable treats for your dog. Start by gathering your ingredients: ground turkey, eggs, and any additional dog-friendly flavours you’d like to incorporate. Mix these ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven until they’re cooked through.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

Yield: 40 small meatballs

Ingredients

• 1/2 a package (about 225g or 1/2lb) of ground turkey
• 1 cup (250 mL) of cooked squash
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) of cranberries, fresh, frozen or dried
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) of coconut oil
• Optional: A few sage leaves, chopped or a pinch of dry sage

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F / 177°C
2. If using fresh or frozen cranberries, cut them in halves or quarters, or blitz them briefly in a food processor
3. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients well
4. If rolling out meatballs, cover a rimmed baking sheet with tin foil.  Using a 1/2 tbsp to full tbsp size, portion out meatballs and roll gently between palms, placing on the baking sheet when done.  Repeat until the mixture is gone.
5. If using a silicone mold, place the mold on a baking sheet for stability.  Spoon mixture into molds and press mixture into the molds (any oven-safe molds can be used. Simple square molds were used here)
6. Bake for 30-40 mins (NOTE: If you feed raw, these can be frozen instead of baked!)
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in freezer for up to 3 months (can be served frozen or moved to refrigerator to thaw before serving). 

Safety Tips

While preparing these delicious treats, ensure safety measures are in place. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the ingredients. Use separate utensils and surfaces for your dog’s food to prevent cross-contamination. Always consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure about any ingredients or their suitability for your dog.

Conclusion

Creating dog-safe turkey meatballs for the festive season is a wonderful way to show your love and care for your four-legged friend. These homemade treats not only bring joy to your pup but also ensure they’re consuming safe and nutritious food tailored to their needs. As you celebrate, don’t forget to share the joy with your furry companion by treating them to these delightful and safe turkey meatballs.

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out some of our other festive treats including Apple Tarts for Dogs: A Special Occasion Treat or Homemade Goodness: How to Bake Carob Chip Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs.

Want to be notified of new articles, recipes and posts? Enter your email address below to join our free mailing list today!