Get tails waggin’ with a special Thanksgiving treat, made especially for your pet!

Hands down, our two favorite things about Thanksgiving are family and food, and we’re sure our pets would agree! After all, food and family are the two things that make them happiest, and the feeling is mutual. They fill our lives with so much love and joy, of course we want to include them in our seasonal celebration- we can all agree, our pets are family! What better way to show our pets some Thanksgiving love than with a little treat made especially for them?

Although there are some Thanksgiving dishes that are safe for pets to consume, sharing table food with our pets is generally a poor decision; one that can result in illness or even death. But just because we can’t set a place for them at the table doesn’t mean we can’t put a seasonal twist on their Thanksgiving meal. Give your pup one more thing to be thankful for this year by whipping up one of these delicious homemade Thanksgiving treats!

Homemade Thanksgiving Treats for Your Pet

Green Bean Casserole

Turkey may be the star of the Thanksgiving menu, but green bean casserole is a classic favorite side dish. This canine-safe twist on an old favorite is loaded with flavor and nutrition. It’s sure to get your pup’s tail wagging.

¼ C canned cut green beans (opt for low or no sodium, if possible)

2 tbsp non-fat Greek yogurt

Directions:

1. Drain and rinse green beans, and cut in ½” lengths.
2. Mix with Greek yogurt.
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Turkey and Sweet Potato Meatballs

These meatballs combine our two favorite Thanksgiving staples into a lightly sweet, savory treat guaranteed to have your pet begging for more! They come together in under 30 minutes and will keep for up to three days in the refrigerator.

1 lb turkey

1 sweet potato; cooked and peeled

1 egg

1 C quick oats

2 Tbsp fresh parsley (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor, and mix until thoroughly combined.
2. Form meatballs 1” in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake at 350^o for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Pumpkin Cookies

All of the added sugar in pumpkin pie makes it an off-limits treat for our pups, but the Thanksgiving menu would certainly be lacking if it didn’t include an appearance from everyone’s favorite gourd. The scent of these pumpkin cookies baking will have your doggie drooling with anticipation. Even better, pumpkin (in moderation) can be a healthy addition to your pup’s diet. Packed with vitamins and fiber, it can soothe an upset stomach and help with digestive distress.

1 C pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling- check the label for added sugars or fillers. You want the can that is 100% pumpkin)

4 Tbsp coconut oil, melted

½ C water

2 eggs

4 C whole wheat flour

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

Directions:

1. Combine pumpkin, coconut oil, water, and eggs in a large bowl, mixing until smooth.
2. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir until combined, adding water or flour as needed to reach a doughy consistency.
3. Roll dough out on a floured surface, and cut into desired shape (dog bones are always classic!).
4. Bake at 350^o for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

It’s always fun to spoil our pets for the holidays, but remember, moderation is key. Keep treat portions small and try not to give in to those begging eyes! As a reminder, onions, scallions, garlic, raisins, and turkey bones pose health risks if ingested. If you’re in doubt about whether a food is safe for your pet, it’s best to keep it to yourself.

To learn more about the Essential Pet brand and our trusted products, please visit www.21stessentialpet.com

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