ByThese simple turkey dog treats use plain cooked turkey, mashed sweet potato, egg and whole wheat flour. They bake in about 25 minutes. The key safety rule is that only plain turkey meat goes in: no skin, no bones, no seasoning.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: About 40 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: About 30 small drop treats
- Difficulty: Easy
- Storage life: 3-4 days in the fridge, 2 months in the freezer
Key takeaway: The AKC says to remove turkey skin and skip cooked bones. It also says seasonings are dangerous, and that onions are toxic to dogs. AKC: Can Dogs Eat Turkey?
After every holiday dinner, my dog stares at the turkey plate like I’m hiding a secret. Now I set aside a few plain pieces before I season anything. They turn into these treats the next day, and he feels part of the party.
Is turkey safe for dogs?
Yes, plain cooked turkey meat can be safe. It is how the turkey is prepared that causes problems. Skin and fatty drippings can upset a dog’s stomach. Cooked bones can splinter. Onions and garlic, which are common in stuffing and seasoning, are dangerous. The AKC explains each of these in detail. Also see what dogs cannot eat.
How do I make simple turkey dog treats?
Recipe Card: Simple Turkey Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain cooked turkey meat, finely chopped (no skin, no bones)
- ½ cup mashed cooked sweet potato (no butter or salt)
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour, plus extra if needed
Steps
- Heat your oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Check the turkey for bones and skin. Remove them.
- Chop the turkey very small.
- In a bowl, mix the sweet potato and egg.
- Stir in the turkey.
- Add the flour and stir to a thick, sticky dough.
- Add a spoonful more flour if it is too wet.
- Drop small teaspoon-size scoops onto the baking sheet.
- Flatten each scoop slightly with a fork.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until firm and golden.
- Cool completely.
⚠️ Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- Turkey: Meat only. No skin, no bones, no gravy.
- No onion, garlic, scallions or stuffing.
- No butter, oil, salt or seasoning blends.
- No honey or sweeteners needed.
- Sweet potato: Plain and cooked, with no marshmallows or sugar.
Pro Tip: Wet your fingers with water to flatten the sticky dough. It keeps it from sticking to your hands.
Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
Yes, but only if you set it aside before seasoning, or pick only plain white meat. Remove all skin and bones. If the turkey was cooked with onions, garlic, butter or heavy seasoning, don’t use it. When in doubt, buy a small piece of plain turkey breast and cook it in water.
Vet Tip: If your dog has pancreatitis or a sensitive stomach, skip rich or fatty meats and ask your vet first.
How long do turkey dog treats last?
These contain meat and egg, so refrigerate them. I use them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months. If they smell sour or look moldy, throw them out.
How many turkey treats can my dog have?
Treats should be about 10% of daily calories. Add the calories from each ingredient label, divide by the number of treats, and ask your vet for your dog’s daily goal. As a starting guide from my own kitchen, give 1-2 treats to small dogs and 3-4 to large dogs. For more, read how many treats a dog should have a day.
Substitutions and variations
- Ground turkey: Cook 1 cup plain ground turkey fully, drain, and cool. Use it instead of chopped turkey.
- Pumpkin swap: Use ½ cup plain pumpkin puree instead of sweet potato.
- Wheat-free: Use oat flour.
- Egg-free: Use 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce.
- Small dogs: Use ½-teaspoon scoops.
- Large dogs: Use a tablespoon scoop and bake 5 minutes longer.
- More sweet potato ideas: See homemade sweet potato dog treats.
If you’d rather skip baking, ready-made dog treats work in a pinch. For picky eaters, a variety meal plan can add interest.
Can I use these treats for training?
Yes. Break them into pea-size pieces. They are soft and smelly, so many dogs find them high-value. Learn more in high-value dog treats and my clicker training guide.
FAQ
Q: Can dogs eat turkey? A: Plain cooked turkey meat can be safe. Remove skin and bones and skip all seasoning.
Q: Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey? A: Only plain pieces set aside before seasoning. Skip anything with onion, garlic, butter or gravy.
Q: Are turkey bones safe? A: No. Cooked poultry bones can splinter, according to the AKC.
Q: Can I freeze turkey dog treats? A: Yes, for up to 2 months in a sealed container.
Q: How many can my dog have? A: Keep treats to about 10% of daily calories. Start with 1 small treat.
Source: AKC: Can Dogs Eat Turkey?
