Oatmeal and turkey dog treats are easy to make for your dog–and oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber. Oatmeal is also an excellent choice especially for senior dogs—or for any dog with wheat allergies.
Unlike your own oatmeal, though, you won’t be adding any sugars or spices to your dog’s oatmeal goodies. Instead, we’re going to make a savory oatmeal dog treat using turkey!
Is Turkey Good for Dogs?
Turkey is nutritionally beneficial to dogs in several ways:
- High-Quality Protein: Turkey is a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle development and maintenance, tissue repair, and overall growth in dogs. Protein also supports many critical functions in the body, including the making of enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals.
- Low in Fat: When compared to some other meats, turkey, especially the lean parts, is relatively low in fat. This makes it a healthier option for dogs that require a lower fat diet.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Turkey contains essential vitamins and minerals beneficial for dogs:
- B-vitamins such as niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), and riboflavin (B2) help support energy production, brain function, and the health of the skin, eyes, and liver.
- Phosphorus and calcium are important for strong bones and teeth. (Note: While turkey meat contains phosphorus, it’s not a significant source of calcium.
- Iron helps in the formation of red blood cells.
- Zinc promotes immune function, skin health, and wound healing.
- Selenium is an essential trace mineral that supports the immune system and thyroid function.
- Essential Amino Acids: Turkey contains all of the essential amino acids dogs need, making it a complete protein source for them. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play vital roles in many body processes.
- Easily Digestible: Turkey is often considered to be easily digestible, making it a good protein source for some dogs with mild food sensitivities or gastrointestinal issues.
- Alternative Protein: For dogs that might have developed sensitivities or allergies to more commonly used proteins, like beef or chicken, turkey can serve as an alternative protein source.
While turkey offers many nutritional benefits, it’s crucial to balance it within a complete and well-rounded diet for your dog. If you’re considering making significant changes to your dog’s diet or using turkey as a primary protein source, it’s a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure all of the dog’s nutritional needs are met.
OK, let’s get cooking!
Making Oatmeal and Turkey Treats in Our House
A couple of weeks ago, we had a big freezer clean-out here and the next day I cooked THREE turkeys! I then deboned the turkeys, then froze the meat and the broth. (Before freezing the broth, I refrigerated it overnight so the fat would congeal on the surface; I then tossed that fat.)
So today I decided to put that turkey to use with some oatmeal dog treats ! This was a very easy recipe to make…and very popular!
Baking Tools You’ll Need
You probably already have all the baking tools you’ll need already in your kitchen:
- cookie sheet (I used a nonstick cookie sheet but you can also line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet.)
- mixing bowl
- dog-themed cookie cutters (optional)
- blender
- hand mixer
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
- 1 cup turkey (or chicken) broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded turkey (or chicken)
For the broth, you can make your own homemade chicken broth (or turkey) or purchase canned broth. If you purchase broth, be sure to get low sodium broth!
Let’s Make Some Dog Treats!
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease your cookie sheets then it’s time to start mixing ingredients.
Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl and set that aside. In your blender, add the broth and turkey then blend until it’s the consistency of baby food.
Add the meat mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.
Turn out the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. This is a heavy dough so it takes some muscle!
Roll out the dough and cut into shapes; I used bone-shaped cutters but you can make things easy and use a pizza cutter, too!
Put the biscuits on the pre-greased cookie sheets with a little room between each (you won’t need too much room…these don’t spread out so just make sure they’re not touching.)
Pop the cookie sheets in the oven for about 25 minutes until they’re golden brown.
Be sure to cool the biscuits completely before serving to your dog or refrigerating. Our dogs loved these!
Printable Recipe for Oatmeal Dog Treats
Oatmeal Turkey Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
- 1 cup turkey (or chicken) broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded turkey (or chicken)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl and set aside. In your blender, add broth and turkey then blend to the consistency of baby food. Add this meat mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Turn out the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. This is a heavy dough. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes; place on cookie sheets.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until the treats are golden brown.
- Cool the biscuits completely before serving to your dog or refrigerating. Refrigerate for 3 days or freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
More dog treat recipes you might like
Carrot Cake Dog Treats — Recipe
Carrot & Cheese Dog Treats: Recipe
Grain Free Dog Treat Recipes: 5 EASY Homemade Recipes
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Cooks: Don’t miss our My Dog Says I’m a Great Cook™ cookbook with over 100 dog treat recipes from the publishers, readers and fans of DogTipper! This paperback book is available in our Yucky Puppy gift store!
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