DIY Thanksgiving Feast for Your Pet: Safe Recipes for a Mini Holiday Meal

Thanksgiving is a time for sharing love, gratitude, and of course, delicious food! While we enjoy a holiday meal, why not let our pets join the fun with their own pet-safe Thanksgiving feast? At Pet Care Plus, we know that pets are family, and we’ve put together some safe, tasty, and easy DIY recipes to create a special holiday meal for your furry friends.

Here’s a breakdown of safe ingredients and a few simple recipes to make Thanksgiving extra special for your pets:

1. Turkey Treats

Turkey is a lean protein packed with essential nutrients, making it the perfect base for a pet-friendly feast. Just make sure it's plain, cooked turkey with no seasoning, garlic, or onion, which are harmful to pets.

Ingredients:

• 1 small piece of cooked, unseasoned turkey breast (avoid skin and bones)

Instructions: Shred the turkey into small, manageable pieces and serve it as the main protein. It’s delicious on its own, or you can mix it with other Thanksgiving treats for a full meal.

2. Sweet Potato Mash

Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and contain vitamins A and C, both beneficial for your pet’s immune system and coat. Avoid adding butter, sugar, or spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 small sweet potato

Instructions:

1. Peel and boil the sweet potato until it’s soft.
2. Mash it with a fork until smooth, adding a little water if needed to reach the right texture.
3. Serve a small spoonful as a side dish for your pet’s Thanksgiving meal.

3. Green Bean Crunch

Green beans are low-calorie and packed with fiber and vitamins, making them a great choice for pets.

Ingredients:

• A handful of fresh green beans (washed and ends trimmed)

Instructions:

1. Steam or lightly boil the green beans until they’re tender.
2. Let them cool before chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
3. Serve alongside turkey and sweet potato for a full Thanksgiving spread.

4. Pumpkin Delight

Plain, canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is an excellent source of fiber for pets and helps with digestion.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin

Instructions: Spoon the canned pumpkin into a small bowl and serve as a tasty side or mix it with their sweet potato mash for extra flavor. It’s a fall favorite that adds a festive twist to their meal!

5. Apple Crisp Bites (Dessert!)

End the meal with a dessert treat that’s safe for pets. Apples are high in vitamins A and C, but remember to remove all seeds and the core.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 apple, peeled and cored

Instructions:

1. Dice the apple into small, pet-friendly pieces.
2. Serve the apple pieces fresh, or lightly bake for a few minutes to soften them up.

Thanksgiving Feast Assembly Tips

Now that you have the recipes ready, here’s a simple way to assemble your pet’s Thanksgiving meal:

1. Start with a portion of shredded turkey as the main dish.
2. Add a small scoop of mashed sweet potato and a serving of green beans.
3. Top it off with a dollop of pumpkin and a side of apple bites for dessert.

Serve everything on a pet-safe plate or in their usual food bowl, and let them enjoy this holiday treat with you!

Important Safety Tips

• Avoid Seasonings and Fats: Stick to plain, unseasoned foods. Avoid adding salt, butter, oils, or spices.
• Skip the Bones and Skin: Turkey skin and bones can be harmful to pets. Skin is fatty, and bones can splinter and cause injury.
• Portion Control: This is a treat meal, so keep portions small to avoid digestive upset.
• Watch for Allergies: If your pet hasn’t had any of these foods before, start with a small amount to make sure they don’t have an adverse reaction.

Pet Care Plus is also having a fun Thanksgiving treat for all dogs in daycare or boarding! On November 23rd, your pup can have a yummy Thanksgiving treat made with Fromm's Shredded Turkey, Grain-Free Turkey & Pumpkin Pate. Top it off with K9 Granola's Soft Baked Pumpkin Pie Cookies for dessert! Just ask a team member for the Thanksgiving Treat for your dog while checking in! :)  



With this pet-safe Thanksgiving feast, you can include your furry friends in the holiday festivities while keeping their health and safety in mind. From all of us at Pet Care Plus, we hope you and your pets have a safe, happy, and delicious Thanksgiving!