The air is getting crisp and the leaves are starting to fall, that means that the giving season is upon us. Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays because it means we get to be surrounded by the people (and animals) we love! There is so much to be grateful for and thanksgiving dinner is definitely one of them. Sometimes our furry friends can be forgotten about, but this year we can show our dogs how much we love them by including a special meal for them. Keep reading for a five star, three course, dog safe thanksgiving feast.
*Turkey and Vegetable Loaf
Ingredients:
- Finely chopped turkey
- Thanksgiving veggies — use whatever you have on hand, but be sure to include sweet potatoes, either mashed or grated, but without the extra sugar or marshmallows. Other veggie suggestions include:
- Peas
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Celery, grated
- Apple, grated
- Rolled oats
- Chicken or turkey stock, enough to moisten and combine
- 1 egg, beaten
Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well. Form into a loaf shape and place in a greased or nonstick baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
*Pumpkin Spice Dog Treats
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup canned pumpkin
- 3 tbsp. creamy peanut butter
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine all the ingredients to form a dough. Gather together into a ball. Sprinkle a surface with extra flour and then roll out your dough. Use a puppy-inspired cookie cutter to punch fun shapes from the dough. Place the treats onto a baking sheet and bake 15 to 20 minutes for softer treats and 30 minutes for harder treats.
*Personal Puppy Pumpkin Pies
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup whole oat oatmeal
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 3 to 4 tbsp. water
- Canned pumpkin
- Greek yogurt (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In your food processor, combine the flour and oatmeal until well mixed. Add the applesauce and mix. Add the water and mix again. Form the dough into a ball. Add flour if the dough is sticky. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick. Cut 3-inch circles from the dough. Use the circles to line mini-muffin pans to create miniature pie crusts. Bake your crusts for about 8 minutes. Allow your shells to dry completely in the pan. Fill the cooled shells with canned pumpkin and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for garnish.
Any of these yummy treats can be garnished with or supplemented by the yummiest Zen Bites. Give your pet the gift of a nutrient, anti-oxidant, and protein packed treat. With all of the potential guests coming into our homes, Zen Bites provide stress and anxiety relief to prevent them from getting overwhelmed. Check out our previous blog for more ideas on How To Show Your Pets You Are Grateful for Them.
*Recipes from “Best Thanksgiving Dinner for You and Your Dog.” Canine Styles, https://www.caninestyles.com/blogs/news/best-thanksgiving-dinner-for-you-and-your-dog.