Turkey Treat Ideas for Dogs

Thanksgiving is drawing near, so I thought we could all share ideas on ways to let our pets share in the leftovers. I know my girls just know they are going to get a treat when they smell the aroma of a turkey cooking in my oven. We don’t feed them table scraps because we don’t want to turn them into mooches, but they do get a taste of turkey at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

This year, I think I’m going to buy an extra large turkey and try out Wendy Nan Rees’ recipe for Turkey Loaf for Dogs. She says you can use leftover turkey to make it.

So, are the rest you going to share some turkey with your dog this holiday? Do you just give it to them straight off the plate, or do you have a great turkey treat recipe you can share?

Great and timely post Kelly! Yes, the girls will definitely get turkey. I also don’t feed them from the table. What we do is after we’re done eating, we cut some more turkey for them and put it in their own bowls (instead of giving them their usual dinner, they get a Thanksgiving dinner). I give them some of the sides too (the ones they can eat, like mashed potatoes). Then we all say “Happy Thanksgiving!” and if the camera is handy, take some photos. It’s such a great time- I can’t wait for Thanksgiving to get here- I can taste the turkey now :-)

Hi Kelly and Jackie - My little guys will be getting turkey for their Thanksgiving dinner and Paki will be having some of his favorite veggies with that (Knowing him he may only wan the veggies ).

I have made the Wendy Nan Rees’ recipe for turkey loaf and both the dogs and cats love it!

That’s awesome that you made the recipe Terry- thanks for keeping us posted! I haven’t gotten around to it, but it is definitely something I want to do. I bought an extra big turkey this year (22lbs) so that the girls will definitely be able to get a few dinners out of it. I’m also going to give them some veggies, but probably just carrots and peas (they seem to like that best).

Are you going to give them any special sweet treats too?

Hey Terry,

I’m so glad you gave the recipe a try and that your pets loved it. I’m convinced most dogs will eat anything, but if the cats gave it their seal of approval, it must be good, lol.

I bought a 20 pound bird this year, it was the biggest I could find. So, the doggies are going to get a special Thanksgiving treat. You all don’t know this, but I also have a Blue Front Amazon parrot (Pancho) and a Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo (Holly) that also enjoy special food in addition to their diet. It may seem a little canabalistic, but they like to have a little turkey too on the holidays, and they adore fresh veggies anytime. I think I’ll give them a little of Wendy’s turkey loaf this year too. 

Hi Kelly, I can’t believe that you have a parrot and a cockatoo- that’s amazing! How do the dogs get along with the birds? I bet you have a lot of funny episodes in your house- that’s so much fun!

I always wanted a parrot (since I was a little girl actually), and I was thinking of getting one, but my husband doesn’t think it would be a good idea (my little one likes to hunt and chase birds). Any tips on birds and dogs getting along? Maybe I can convince him :-)

Thanksgiving sounds like it’s going to be awesome at your place!

Hi Kelly and Jackie - I had a funny experience several years ago. I had an African Gray parrot named Fred. At the time we also had the three dogs and two cats. One afternoon when I came home from shopping, as I opened the door - down the hall from the bedroom area walking toward the front door came the dogs and cats and walking behind them was Fred!! He had somehow opened his cage door and joined the rest of the family while we were out! There he was walking behind the others saying “Hi! I’m Fred”.....it was so funny! and we were so lucky that everyone of them was safe and in one piece!

I love birds but I had to give Fred and my little cockateil to a friend when I became ill.

Hi Terry, that is so hysterical. I can just picture Fred. African Greys are about the smartest bird there is. I actually almost bought one once, but I was afraid I just wouldn’t have enough time for her since I was still working outside the home in those days. My sister-in-law has one, but she’s a feather plucker even though my sister-in-law is always home to give her plenty of attention.

Still, I’m amazed the cats didn’t give Fred a run for his money (or feathers!). Maybe the fact that he could talk made them take pause.

Hi Jackie,

Yes, I’ve sort of been running a zoo for most of my life, lol. I’ve had most of the usual fur, fin or feathered pets. We used to breed cockatiels, parakeets and finches, but it was so much work handfeeding the ‘tiels and cleaning up after everyone.

My big birds are the remainders of those days. Neither of the birds have any interaction with the dogs. Poncho is a bit of a booger, and I’m afraid he would take a nip out of one of the JRT’s if they didn’t get him first. Holly, our cockatoo, is completely attached to my husband and doesn’t care much for the rest of us, although I originally purchased her to be ‘‘my’’ bird. Still, I get to look at her from afar, lol.

I’m not sure I have any advice to impart about raising dogs and birds to get along together. Mainly just to really assess your dog’s behavior before you even try to introduce them because the dog is probably a bigger threat to the bird.

Hi Kelly, I love it! I think it’s just great that you’ve had the opportunity to interact and raise so many different animals. Even though it probably has its fair share of stresses, it sure sounds like fun!

Yes, as I assess the situation, I don’t think that introducing a bird would be such a good idea. My big one will probably ignore it (she ignores most things that bother her, lol), but the little one is too high energy for a bird (I think).

Hmm, maybe I should just get some fish, lol. One time when I was walking Misha, some ducks walked by and it was all I could do to get her to ignore them, so I may have to retool the idea, lol.

Yes, it’s a labor of love. Kind of like being a farmer except we don’t wind up eating anyone.

Fish are great; just put them up high enough that the dogs can’t drink from the tank or knock it over. I also have Bettas and absolutely love them. Yes, maybe it’s more like a small zoo than a farm. 

Hi Kelly and Jackie - Fish are alot of fun too. I used to have a really nice tank but I had to give that up too ......not too sure I like this getting old and sick stuff

Jackie - You would probably love a fish tank they are so relaxing to watch.

Kelly - You household sounds wonderful.. farm or zoo it sounds like it is so full of love!