It’s Thanksgiving: Your Pet Deserves a Treat, Too!

Thanksgiving is that jolly time of year where families and friends get together for a hearty meal. The special occasion is all about appreciating your loved ones, enjoying good food, and having a ball. On this day, you relish in a delightful roast turkey, mouthwatering pumpkin pie, and perfectly cooked vegetables with your dear ones.

Unfortunately, most pets suffer from accidental poisoning as they devour inappropriate delectable while counter or table surfing. Your precious pet should enjoy Thanksgiving without suffering from any health concern, so make sure you give them yummy, allergy-free treats.

Here are the top thanksgiving treats for your pet!

1. Simple and Sweet Potato Cookies

This Thanksgiving, feed your dog something sweet and simple without all the sugar additives. This cookie treat is not only delightful, but it also boasts healthy nutrients such as vitamins A and C – all thanks to its main ingredient: sweet potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cooked sweet potato
• 1 banana
• ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil
• ½ cup of quinoa flour

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a bowl, mix the sweet potato and banana until well-combined.
3. Mix in the vegetable oil and then the quinoa flour.
4. Add a tablespoon of dough onto a non-stick baking sheet.
5. Bake for 30 minutes. Allow cookies to cool before serving.

2. Homemade Tuna Crunchers

While you can buy tuna crunchers from a pet store, why not make them yourself on a day as special as Thanksgiving? Here’s an easy recipe that you can try at home:

Ingredients:

• 10 ounces of tuna
• 1 beaten egg
• 2 cups of whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons of catnip

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Mix the tuna, egg, catnip, and flour in a bowl.
3. When thick and smooth, knead the dough into a ball.
4. Roll the dough onto a floured surface until it’s ¼ inch thick.
5. Place the dough on a cookie sheet.
6. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes. Cut into small shapes before serving.

3. Pumpkin Apple Mint Treats

Freshen your pet’s breath post-dinner with these cool, refreshing treats. They are a powerhouse of rich nutrients such as fiber, vitamin A, C, flavonoids, and omega-3 and -6.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups of whole wheat flour
• 1 grated apple
• ½ cup finely chopped mint leaves
• ¼ cup of finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In an electric blender, mix the pumpkin puree, eggs, and flour. Mix until thick and consistent.
3. Blend in the apple, mint, and parsley. Mix until well-combined.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s ¼ thick.
5. Place it on a prepared baking sheet.
6.  Bake for 20 – 25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Let it cool and then cut into small shapes.
8. Serve!

4. Creamy Pumpkin Smoothie

While you serve the best wines and fruity cocktails to your guests, make sure you have sorted out a holiday drink for your dear pet as well. Prepare our fiber-loaded pumpkin smoothie that is easy to digest by both cats and dogs!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of canned pumpkin puree
• ½ cup of non-fat yogurt

Directions:

1. Blend the pumpkin and yogurt in a blender until smooth and creamy.
2. Pour out the mixture in small paper cups.
3. Refrigerate it overnight to serve the smoothie cool.

5. Baked Turkey Balls

Roasted turkey is a staple to any Thanksgiving meal. You certainly don’t want to exclude your pet from the traditional Thanksgiving celebration, right? So, make sure you bake them this simple yet mouthwatering recipe!

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces of cooked white meat turkey
• ½ cup ground oatmeal or quinoa
• ½ cup finely chopped carrots

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Blend turkey and carrots in a blender until well-combined.
3. Now, mix in the quinoa or oatmeal and blend until smooth.
4. Turn the mixture into small balls.
5. Place them on a non-stick cooking sheet.
6. Bake for 15 minutes and serve away!

6. Thanksgiving Sorbet

Top off your pet’s Thanksgiving dinner with this refreshing sorbet.

It’s ideal for both cats and dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1 empty ice cube tray
• Diced apple, banana, and blueberries
• Water (use meat broth for cats)

Directions:

1. Fill the ice cube tray with water or meat broth.
2. Add in the banana, apple, and blueberries.
3. Freeze overnight.
4. Serve cold!

Best and Worst Thanksgiving Foods for Pets

Not all foods are pet-friendly, so make sure your cat or dog steers away from allergic foods such as:

• Nuts
• Garlic
• Bread dough
• Alcohol
• Turkey bones
• Onions
• Chocolates

On the other hand, your pet can indulge in foods that pose no threat to their well-being. These include:

• Apples
• Carrots
• Turkey
• Pumpkin
• Blueberries
• Green beans
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Cabbage

Serving these pet-friendly treats is a great way to make Thanksgiving special for your furry companion. This will also keep your pet from sniffing and stealing food off the table or kitchen. So, choose any of these tasty recipes and prepare it for your dear pet on Thanksgiving Day!