Every Thanksgiving, my dog gazes longingly at the feast, hoping for a stray bit of food or a drop of gravy. Fortunately, she's trained not to beg or linger around the table, but I do catch her staring at us from the other room. It's kind of sad, but I have a strict policy against table scraps. After dinner, I'll give her a small bit of turkey (without the skin, of course). However, this year I thought I'd try to whip up something special for her and any other canine guests that might stop by this Thanksgiving.
Taking inspiration from Thanksgiving ingredients, I came up with these Homemade Doggie Gobblers. Made with turkey, carrots, potatoes and oats, these tasty baked treats are the perfect canine comfort food. They are wholesome and all-natural, and you could even make them organic if you wish. Best of all, they are quick and easy to make in the food processor.
The true test came when I tested them out on my dog. As always, I made her "wait" for the okay to eat. I had to forget about getting a good photo of her with the treats, though. She was so excited to try them, she started shaking all over! I didn't have the heart to make her wait any longer. She gobbled them up with delight, of course. I saved the rest for Thursday and plan to warm them up while I prepare our Thanksgiving feast. Try making some for your dog this holiday, and let us know what you think.
Comments
Our dogs always get Thanksgiving dinner consisting a VERY SMALL portion each of turkey, raw carrot, & green beans. For dessert a small spoonful of yogurt. Besides feeling like they are being treated special, each food is healthy for them and they love it. Christmas dinner is the same. We have ham on Christmas, but I save and freeze a little turkey for them from Thanksgiving since it is healthier. Our dogs are vet checked regularly and are very healthy. Happy Thanksgiving!
Any time my dogs (Yorkies) have been given Turkey, even a very small bit, they have gotten sick. My vet says he always ends up seeing several dogs who have been given Turkey and gotten sick. He says that Turkey is not good for them and not to give it to them.
Hi Elisabeth,
If your dogs have shown sensitivity to turkey in the past, then your vet is right to advise against it. Maybe you could try this recipe with chicken, fish or something else your dogs tolerate.
As a general rule, turkey is considered healthy for dogs as long as it is skinless and boneless. The white meat is best because it is lower in fat. Dogs should not be fed heavily salted or seasoned turkey. Fatty and salty foods cause diarrhea in most dogs (or worse).
The day after Thanksgiving is a busy day at vet hospitals. Lots of sick pets come in after getting turkey and other table scraps. The problem is not usually the pure turkey breast, but other things like turkey skin, gravy, stuffing, and so on.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jenna, Dogs Guide
Thanks for this idea. I tried it and they were super easy to make and the dogs really enjoyed them.