Thanksgiving Meatballs For Dogs

Thanksgiving meatballs for dogs is a great way to include them in on the turkey tradition. YES, dogs can eat turkey!  However, I don’t recommend that you feed them the beautifully decorated bird on the table. I’m sure its loaded with tons of mouth-watering flavor from onions, garlic, and spices. But these extras can be toxic for your dog.

My recipe will give your dog a taste of Thanksgiving including the turkey and pumpkin pie! What I love about this recipe is that you can add and mix in whatever “dog-friendly” ingredients you’d like.  You can replace the rice with rolled oats or quinoa, even add a dash of turmeric for added flavor.

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Thanksgiving Meatballs For Dogs

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Ingredients

• 1/2 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 c pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 1/2 c spinach, loosely packed
• 2 tbsp parsley
• 1/2 c carrot, finely grated
• 1 c brown rice, cooked

Preparation: 15 min  Cooking: 20  Makes: 15-20 meatballs

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Instructions

1. Start cooking the brown rice.
2. In a food processor, blend the pumpkin, egg, spinach, and parsley.
3. Add this mixture to the ground turkey in a large bowl and mix.
4. Next, mix in the grated carrot and rice.
5. Preheat the oven to 400F (204C)  and prepare a baking sheet.
6. Take a spoonful of mixture and roll in your hands into a ball.  Place onto the sheet.
7. Cook for 15-20 minutes in the oven.

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Did You Know?

Turkey is a great meat option for dogs sensitive to chicken or beef, while still providing protein. It’s a lean white meat that also helps build muscle in your dogs.

Pumpkin aids in diarrhea and constipation, both ends of the spectrum!  It also has cancer-preventing antioxidants and helps them to feel full longer with the extra fiber boost.

 Brown rice packs a high dose of fiber and manganese (great for your brain and metabolism). Also, it’s easily digestible, less chance of an allergic reaction, and rich in antioxidants.

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Tips & Tricks

* Even if you don’t have a food processor, you can still make these yummy treats by hand. Chop and mix away!

* To check if your meatballs are ready, poke it with a fork.  If it crumbles easily, then cook for 3-5 minutes longer.