10 Healthy Thanksgiving Treats For Dogs: 2025 Ideas & Easy DIY Recipes

10 Healthy Thanksgiving Treats For Dogs: 2025 Ideas & Easy DIY Recipes
Shop Our Solutions
Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • Many traditional Thanksgiving foods contain ingredients toxic to dogs such as onions, garlic, excessive fats, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol, making it essential to prepare separate dog-friendly treats.
  • Safe Thanksgiving ingredients for dogs include plain turkey (boneless and skinless), sweet potatoes, pumpkin, green beans, and carrots when prepared without seasonings, butter, or oils.
  • Homemade dog treats using wholesome ingredients like oat flour, unsweetened applesauce, and plain canned pumpkin provide nutritious alternatives to table scraps and help prevent digestive issues.
  • Portion control matters even with safe food; treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake to maintain balanced nutrition.
  • Bailey's CBD products, including lab-tested oils and calming chews made from single-source USDA organic hemp, can support your dog's comfort during the busy holiday season while complementing a nutritious treat routine.

Safety First: Dos & Don'ts For Holiday Dog Treats

Before you start preparing Thanksgiving treats for your pup, it’s important to know what’s safe and what’s not to prevent serious health emergencies.

F oods to Avoid

  • Onions, garlic, chives, and scallions can damage your dog’s red blood cells, even in small amounts.
  • Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is toxic to dogs.
  • Artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, can cause dangerous drops in your dog’s blood sugar.
  • Turkey bones can splinter and puncture the digestive tract, posing a serious internal injury risk.
  • Turkey skin and gravy are high in fat and can lead to pancreatitis in dogs.
  • Grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and nutmeg are all toxic and should never be given to dogs.

Safe Practices

  • Always prepare your dog’s food separately from human dishes to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Stick to plain, cooked vegetables and unseasoned, boneless meats, which are easier for dogs to digest.
  • Keep treat portions small and appropriate for your dog’s size, ensuring they make up no more than 10% of their daily calories.

Bailey's CBD: Natural Support for Your Pet's Wellness

Veterinarian-Formulated | USDA Organic Hemp | Lab-Tested

 

Tailored Wellness Options:

  • Calming Support Chews & Oil: Peanut butter-flavored soft chews that promote calmness during thunderstorms, travel, or separation – without causing drowsiness.
  • Hip & Joint Formula: Support your aging or active pet's mobility with our grain-free formula combining full-spectrum hemp extract with joint-supporting ingredients.
  • "No More Itchies" Probiotic Chews: Bacon-flavored soft chews that help maintain healthy skin and digestive balance for pets with seasonal sensitivities.

Why Pet Parents Choose Bailey's:

✓ Single-source USDA organic hemp from Boulder, CO
✓ Subcritical CO2 extraction for cleaner, high-quality CBD
✓ Full-spectrum formula (not isolate) for enhanced effectiveness
✓ Non-psychoactive (<0.3% THC)
✓ Backed by Dr. Robert J. Silver, DVM
✓ Third-party lab tested for heavy metals and pesticides (QR code on each package)
✓ Free from fillers, chemicals, and harmful additives
✓ Licensed by the Department of Health for added oversight
✓ 4.5 TrustScore from 1,533+ verified reviews on Trustpilot

Find Your Pet's Perfect Formula:

We offer multiple potencies for different sizes and needs – from tiny companions to gentle giants – ensuring the right support for every furry family member. Your satisfaction and your pet's wellness are our priority.

SHOP BAILEY'S CBD COLLECTION →

10 Healthy Thanksgiving Treats For Dogs (With Recipes!)

1. Pumpkin Pie Bites

Pure pumpkin is packed with fiber and vitamins that support healthy gut function.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup oat flour
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix pumpkin, applesauce, and egg until combined. Blend in flour and oats. Drop spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Cool completely before serving.

2. Turkey & Cranberry Biscuits

Homemade turkey and cranberry dog treats combine lean protein with antioxidant-rich cranberries for a healthy snack.

Lean turkey provides excellent protein while unsweetened cranberries offer antioxidants.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup cooked, shredded turkey (unseasoned, boneless, skinless)
  • ¼ cup dried, unsweetened cranberries
  • 1 cup oat flour
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients into a dough. Roll out and cut shapes with cookie cutters. Bake for 15–20 minutes and cool completely.

3. Sweet Potato Mash Scoops

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamin A, and beta-carotene, which support the immune system.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large sweet potato

Instructions: Peel and dice the sweet potato. Boil or steam for about 15–20 minutes until completely soft. Mash thoroughly and cool completely. Shape into small balls or serve in dollops.

4. Green Bean Crunchers

Green beans offer a low-calorie, nutrient-dense snack perfect for dogs watching their weight.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed

Instructions: Wash and trim green beans. Steam for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp. Cool completely. Serve whole for larger dogs or chopped for smaller breeds.

5. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter

Apples support oral health, while xylitol-free peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats.

Ingredients:

  • 1 apple, cored and sliced (seeds removed)
  • 2 tablespoons of dog-safe peanut butter

Instructions: Thoroughly wash, core, and slice the apple. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on each slice. Always verify your peanut butter contains no xylitol.

6. Frozen Turkey Dinner Cubes

These protein-packed frozen treats combine turkey with sweet potato for a cooling snack.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup cooked, shredded turkey
  • ½ cup mashed sweet potato

Instructions: Mix turkey and sweet potato thoroughly. Spoon into silicone molds or ice cube trays. Freeze until completely solid (at least 4 hours).

7. Carrot & Parsley Chews

Carrot and parsley dog treats support dental health and freshen breath naturally.

Carrots provide dental benefits, while fresh parsley acts as a natural breath freshener.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup finely grated carrots
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 cup oat flour
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients into a dough. Shape into small balls or flatten slightly. Bake for 18 minutes until firm. Cool completely.

8. Pumpkin & Yogurt Frozen Cups

Plain yogurt provides probiotics for digestive health while pumpkin adds fiber and nutrients.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
  • ½ cup plain canned pumpkin

Instructions: Mix yogurt and pumpkin until combined. Spoon into mini muffin cups or silicone molds. Freeze until completely set (3–4 hours).

9. Butternut Squash Medallions

Butternut squash delivers vitamin A, potassium, and B vitamins that support overall health.

Ingredients:

  • 1 small butternut squash

Instructions: Peel the squash and remove seeds. Cut into ½-inch medallions. Steam or roast at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until tender. Cool completely.

10. Plain Mashed Potato Bites

Regular potatoes provide a gentle, easily digestible treat for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plain mashed potatoes (no butter, salt, milk, or garlic)

Instructions: Boil peeled potatoes until soft. Mash thoroughly without adding dairy, seasonings, or fats. Cool to room temperature. Shape into small balls. Serve in moderation.

Bailey's CBD: Providing Safe Treats For Your Dog's Holiday Wellness

Baileys No More Itchies Probiotic Dog Chews - Front View

Bailey's "No More Itchies" probiotic chews support healthy skin and digestive balance for dogs during the holiday season.

Bailey's CBD offers natural wellness products that prioritize safety, quality, and effectiveness. Our CBD comes from single-source USDA organic hemp grown in Boulder, Colorado, ensuring consistency and purity. We use subcritical CO₂ extraction, a specialized method performed at the only lab of its kind in the United States. This gentle extraction process preserves beneficial plant compounds while eliminating harsh solvents.

Every Bailey's product is veterinarian-formulated by Dr. Robert J. Silver, DVM. Our Department of Health license provides regulatory oversight that most CBD companies don't have, giving you additional confidence in product quality.

Products That Support Your Dog's Wellness

  • The Original CBD Oil For Dogs comes in 10mg CBD per ml concentrations with total potencies of 150mg, 300mg, and 600mg. This full-spectrum formula features non-psychoactive hemp extract with less than 0.3% THC.
  • Hip & Joint CBD Oil For Dogs supports mobility in aging or active dogs with full-spectrum hemp extract and a 10:1 turmeric extract blend. It is ideal for pups who will be more active during holiday gatherings.
  • Calming CBD Yummies combine full-spectrum hemp extract with tryptophan, chamomile, valerian root, and passion flower, plus peanut butter and banana flavoring to help your dog stay relaxed during travel or when guests visit, without causing drowsiness.
  • "No More Itchies" Probiotic Chews promote healthy skin and digestive balance, especially helpful if your dog’s routine is disrupted during the holidays.

Our commitment to quality means every product undergoes third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, with results accessible via QR code on each package. We're proud to maintain a 4.5 TrustScore from over 1,533 verified reviews on Trustpilot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can dogs eat pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving?

Dogs should not eat traditional pumpkin pie made for humans. Most pumpkin pie recipes contain sugar, nutmeg, and other spices that can be toxic to canine systems. 

Instead, offer your dog plain canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin treats made with dog-safe ingredients like the Pumpkin Pie Bites recipe above. Always ensure you're using 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sweeteners and spices.

How much turkey can my dog safely have?

The amount of turkey depends on your dog's size, but treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. For a medium-sized dog (around 30–40 pounds), this typically means about 2–3 ounces of plain turkey meat. 

Always serve boneless, skinless white meat turkey that's been cooked plain without any seasonings, butter, or oils. Remove all fat before serving. Never give turkey bones, which can splinter, or turkey skin, which is too fatty for dogs.

What Thanksgiving foods should dogs never eat?

Several common Thanksgiving foods are toxic to dogs and should be completely avoided. 

This includes stuffing (which typically contains onions and garlic), cranberry sauce (high in sugar), fatty trimmings and turkey skin, turkey bones, chocolate desserts, pies containing xylitol or artificial sweeteners, grapes or raisins, macadamia nuts, and anything seasoned with onions, garlic, chives, or nutmeg. 

Also, avoid giving dogs any alcohol, which is extremely toxic. When in doubt, stick with treats specifically prepared for your dog.

How can I keep my dog calm during Thanksgiving gatherings?

Thanksgiving gatherings can be overwhelming for dogs with extra noise, unfamiliar people, and disrupted routines. Maintain their regular feeding and walking schedule as much as possible. Create a quiet retreat space with comfortable bedding where your dog can escape when things get too stimulating.

 Exercise your dog well before guests arrive. Many pet parents find that natural wellness support helps their dogs stay relaxed without affecting their normal personality. Always introduce any new wellness products gradually and consult with your veterinarian.

Are Bailey's CBD products safe for my dog during the holidays?

Bailey's CBD products are formulated with dog safety as the top priority and can help support your pup's ability to stay calm during the busy holiday season. Our veterinarian-backed formulations promote relaxation and help dogs adapt to stress. 

Every product is made from single-source USDA organic hemp from Boulder, Colorado, and extracted using subcritical CO₂ methods. We use full-spectrum formulas for enhanced effectiveness, and every batch is third-party lab tested for heavy metals and pesticides. You can trust that Bailey's CBD meets the highest standards for your dog's wellness needs.

 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Discover Bailey's World Famous...

Pet CBD Help Center

Product Info
CBD Experts
Tailored Advice

Visit our help center to answer any questions as well.