Turkey and Cranberry Dog Treats: Easy Homemade Healthy Recipe
Turkey and cranberry dog treats are the perfect way to let your pup join in on the holiday feast. Picture this: you’re carving the turkey, cranberries are making their annual appearance on the table, and your dog is staring at you with the intensity of a thousand suns. Instead of sneaking scraps under the table, why not bake up something just for them?
With these Turkey and Cranberry Bites, you get a festive, healthy recipe that smells amazing while it bakes—and your dog gets a treat made with love (and zero guilt).
Why Turkey and Cranberry Dog Treats Are Healthy
Nutritional Benefits of Turkey
- Lean Protein Power: Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein. That means strong muscles, more energy for zoomies, and fewer empty calories.
- Tummy Friendly: It’s easier to digest than fattier meats, making it perfect for pups with sensitive stomachs.
- Vitamin Boost: Turkey is naturally rich in B vitamins, which help with energy metabolism and overall vitality.
Why Cranberries Are a Good Idea
- Antioxidants Galore: Cranberries are bursting with antioxidants, which help fight off cell damage and keep your pup healthy.
- Urinary Tract Health: They’ve got compounds that support urinary health (a known dog-friendly bonus).
- Festive Flair: Honestly, they just scream “holiday spirit.”
Put these two together, and you’ve got a treat that’s both delicious and good for your dog’s health.
What You’ll Need
Here’s your ingredient list. Nothing weird, nothing expensive, just good old kitchen basics:
- 1 pound ground turkey – lean is best
- ½ cup unsweetened dried cranberries, chopped small
- 1 cup rolled oats – plain, no flavors or sugar
- 1 egg – the glue that holds everything together
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – keeps things moist and adds healthy fats
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional) – bonus: fresher breath for your pup
Optional tools to make life easier:
- Mixing bowl (large enough for everything)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Measuring cups/spoons (or your “eyeball method” if you’re a rebel)
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Preheat the Oven
Set it to 350°F (175°C). Don’t skip this step—you want even baking, not half-cooked turkey lumps.
2. Mix It Up
Throw the ground turkey, oats, chopped cranberries, parsley, egg, and olive oil into your mixing bowl. Use your hands. Sure, it’s messy, but it’s the best way to get everything evenly combined. (Pro tip: lightly oil your hands first. Sticky turkey fingers are no joke.)
3. Shape Into Bites
Roll into small balls—think marble-sized for toy breeds, golf ball-sized for big dogs. Place them evenly spaced on your parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake Away
Slide them into the oven for 18–22 minutes, or until they’re firm and lightly golden. Your kitchen will start smelling like a canine-approved Thanksgiving.
5. Cool (the hardest part)
Remove the bites and let them cool completely before serving. Your dog will circle you like a shark during this step, but resist the temptation to cave in. Hot turkey = sad puppy tongue.
Tips for Best Results
- Chop the cranberries finely so your dog doesn’t spit them out like a toddler finding spinach in mac and cheese.
- Make uniform sizes so everything cooks evenly. Burnt outsides and raw middles are not cute.
- Don’t overbake. Dry turkey balls are basically canine croutons.
- Double the batch. Freeze half—you’ll thank yourself later.
Storage & Freezing Recommendations
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Pop into a freezer-safe bag, press the air out, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thawing tip: Take out a few at a time and let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
Serving Suggestions
- Training treats: Break into smaller pieces for quick rewards.
- Special snack: Give one or two during holiday meals so your pup feels included.
- Food topper: Crumble over kibble for picky eaters.
Just remember—these are treats, not meals. Moderation is key (yes, even during the holidays).
Substitutions & Dietary Adjustments
- No cranberries? Use blueberries or apple bits (just no seeds).
- No oats? Try brown rice flour or whole wheat flour. Avoid nut flours (too rich for dogs).
- Turkey swap: Ground chicken or salmon works fine. Just avoid fatty meats like pork.
- Extra nutrition boost: Add a spoonful of pumpkin puree for fiber and flavor.
The beauty of this recipe is flexibility—so long as you stick to dog-safe ingredients, you can freestyle a little.
More Festive & Fun Pet Recipes You’ll Love
- Turkey and Pumpkin Chews for Dogs
- Homemade Carrot Apple Dog Treats
- Homemade Beef Dog Food Roll Recipe: Easy, Healthy & Tail-Wagging Good
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using sweetened cranberries. Nope. Dogs don’t need sugar, and some dried fruits have added xylitol (super toxic to dogs). Always check labels.
- Skipping parchment paper. Unless you enjoy chiseling baked turkey off your sheet pan.
- Oversizing bites. Unless you’re training a Saint Bernard to compete in hot dog-eating contests, stick with small, manageable portions.
- Not cooling fully. Burned tongues = guilt trips and sad puppy eyes.
- Adding spices. This is not your grandma’s stuffing. Garlic, onion, nutmeg, salt = big no-nos.
FAQ
Can I eat these too?
Yep! They’re human-grade, just not seasoned for us. Think “healthy meatball lite.”
How many can I give my dog?
A couple for small dogs, three to four for big ones. Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories.
What if my dog hates cranberries?
Leave them out or swap for blueberries. Some dogs are just anti-berry.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Set at 350°F and cook for about 10–12 minutes. Just check halfway so they don’t dry out.
Are they safe for puppies?
Yes, just make them extra small and check with your vet if your pup has dietary restrictions.
Do I need fresh parsley?
Nope—it’s optional. But it helps with breath (aka: less “doggy kiss regret”).
How do I know they’re fully cooked?
Internal temp should hit 165°F if you’re being precise. Or cut one open—no pink allowed.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—Turkey and Cranberry Bites that will make your dog feel like part of the holiday magic (without sneaky table scraps). They’re quick to make, easy to store, and guaranteed to get you that “best human ever” tail wag.
So grab your mixing bowl, roll up your sleeves, and let your pup join the holiday feast. Snap a photo for Pinterest, brag to your friends, and enjoy the peace of knowing your dog is happily chewing on something safe and homemade.
Because let’s be real—dogs deserve their own holiday treats, too. 🐾
Turkey and Cranberry Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup lean ground turkey (cooked or raw)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup fresh or dried cranberries (unsweetened, chopped)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for fresh breath)
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12Amount Per Serving: Calories: 65Total Fat: 3gCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 6g