Thanksgiving Recipe Guide for Pets

A Paws-itively Perfect Thanksgiving: Pet Friendship Recipes to Share the Holiday Spirit

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious food – and that includes your furry family members! This year, why not whip up a special meal or treats just for your pets? They’ll love the attention and the tasty treats, and you’ll love seeing their tails wag and whiskers twitch in delight.

With these pet-friendly recipes, you can share the holiday joy without worrying about unsafe ingredients.

Image of a Cute Cat Sitting inside a Pumpkin

Why Cook for Your Pets on Thanksgiving?

Sharing the holiday spirit with your pets creates a deeper bond and gives them a taste of the celebration. Plus, cooking for your pets ensures they’re enjoying safe, nutritious, and tasty meals made with love. With these pet-friendly recipes, you can share the holiday joy without worrying about unsafe ingredients.

Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes

1. Turkey & Sweet Potato Feast

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1 cup cooked turkey (boneless, skinless)
  • Shred turkey into small pieces.
  • ½ cup mashed sweet potatoes (no butter or sugar)
  • Mix with mashed sweet potatoes and pumpkin.
  • 1 tbsp plain canned pumpkin
  • Drizzle with olive oil before serving.
  • 1 tsp olive oil
 

2. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Frozen Treats

Ingredients

Instructions

  • ½ cup plain canned pumpkin
  • Mix pumpkin and peanut butter together.
  • ¼ cup unsweetened peanut butter
  • Spoon into silicone molds and freeze.
  • Silicone molds
  • Freeze for 2-3 hours before serving.

3. Pumpkin Pupcakes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Mix all ingredients into a smooth batter.
  • ½ cup pure canned pumpkin
  • Spoon batter into mini cupcake molds.
  • 1 egg
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm.
  • ¼ cup water
  • Cool before serving.

4. Catnip Turkey Bites

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1 cup cooked turkey
  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Combine ingredients in a bowl.
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Form small balls and place on a baking sheet.

 

  • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm.

5. Green Bean Delight

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Chop green beans into small pieces.
  • ¼ cup cooked shredded turkey
  • Mix with shredded turkey and olive oil.
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Serve as a nutritious side dish.

6. Cranberry Dog Treats

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1½ cups oat flour
  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • ½ cup unsweetened cranberries
  • Chop cranberries and mix with other ingredients.
  • ½ cup pure canned pumpkin
  • Roll dough and cut into shapes.
  • 1 egg
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool before serving.

7. Salmon & Sweet Potato Patties

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1 small can of salmon
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • ½ cup mashed sweet potatoes
  • Mix ingredients and form patties.
  • 1 egg
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes until firm.
  • 2 tbsp oat flour
  • Cool completely before serving.

8. Apple & Carrot Crunchies

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • 1 cup grated apples
  • Mix all ingredients into a dough.
  • 1½ cups oat flour
  • Roll out dough and cut into shapes.
  • 1 egg
  • Bake for 25 minutes until crispy.

9. Turkey & Rice Mini Meatloaves

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1 cup cooked ground turkey
  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • ½ cup cooked brown rice
  • Mix all ingredients together.
  • 1 egg
  • Shape into mini loaves or use a muffin tin.
  • ¼ cup chopped carrots or peas
  • Bake for 20 minutes. Cool before serving.

10. Banana Pumpkin Cat Treats

Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1 cup oat flour
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • 1 ripe banana
  • Mash banana and mix with pumpkin and egg.
  • 2 tbsp pure canned pumpkin
  • Add oat flour to form dough.
  • 1 egg
  • Roll into balls, flatten slightly, and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Dog Treats inside a food bowl

Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

  • Avoid these ingredients: Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners (like xylitol).
  • Skip the stuffing: Stuffing often contains unsafe ingredients for pets, such as onions and seasonings.
  • Watch the table scraps: While it’s tempting to share, rich or fatty foods can upset your pet’s stomach.

If you’re short on time or prefer to skip the kitchen cleanup, be sure to check out and support your local bakeries or pet shops! Many of them offer special Thanksgiving-themed treats for our furry friends, crafted with pet-safe ingredients and a whole lot of love. Shopping local not only saves you the hassle but also helps small businesses in your community thrive during the holiday season.

And remember, while we at Backyard Pet Services can’t whip up these delicious recipes or bakery treats for you, we’re always here to help with everything else your pets need. From walks to grooming, pet sitting, and beyond, our goal is to keep your furry family members happy, healthy, and well-loved—during the holidays and all year long.

Wishing you and your pets a joyful and safe Thanksgiving!