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Home » Satin Balls for Dogs

Satin Balls for Dogs

Renee Dobbs · August 5, 2021 · 37 Comments

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satin balls in a clear glass bowl
closeup of satin balls for dogs
collage of ingredients and satin balls in bowls

Satin Balls are a high-calorie and high-fat food for dogs. Get the easy recipe to make the best homemade meatballs for dogs to gain weight.

Dogs of all sizes and breeds love this recipe for satin balls. It’s full of everything they love – meat, cereal, molasses, and more yummy ingredients too. You could also call them meatballs for dogs – just know that your dog is going to love them!

satin balls for dogs in a bowl and pie plate

FYI – This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table Of Contents
  1. What are Satin Balls for Dogs
  2. The Best Things About These Meatballs for Dogs
  3. Satin Ball Recipe Ingredients
  4. How many calories in satin balls for dogs?
  5. Satin Balls For Different Breeds And Ages
  6. How Much to Feed
  7. Equipment Needed
  8. How to Make Satin Balls
  9. How to Store Satin Balls
  10. Can you freeze satin balls?
  11. Can humans eat satin balls?
  12. More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
  13. Satin Balls

What are Satin Balls for Dogs

If you are looking for a dog weight gainer then this is the exact recipe you need.

This satin ball recipe is basically raw meatballs made for dogs to gain weight. Keep reading and I’ll share more details about this meaty dog treat – including what’s in it, how much of it to give your dog, and when you should NOT give it to your pet.

a bowl of satin balls for dogs

The Best Things About These Meatballs for Dogs

The best thing about these homemade dog meatballs is that they only have ingredients that are healthy for your pet. Check out the health benefits of the main ingredients – beef and oatmeal.

Benefits of Beef

Red meat like ground beef is a fantastic source of protein that helps your dog build strong muscles. Did you know that it has vitamins in it that are good for their skin? Yup!

In fact, it also has lots of B vitamins that will give your dog a natural source of energy too.

Benefits of Oatmeal

Oatmeal is another type of food that is really good to feed to dogs.

I use it because it is a healthy wheat alternative for any dogs that might be sensitive or gluten intolerant.

Just like ground beef, oatmeal also has lots of B vitamins that are good for natural energy and a healthy coat.

What oatmeal has that ground beef doesn’t is a source of omega-6 fatty acids – this is necessary for brain health and strong healthy skin.

Finally, you can’t beat the way the soluble fiber in the oatmeal helps your dog’s blood glucose levels. It’s also a healthy source of fiber if they need help with irregular bowel movements.

Satin Ball Recipe Ingredients

The entire list of ingredients and the step-by-step directions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. First, I want to share some extra information about the ingredients I used in these dog meatballs.

Here’s a list of what you need:

  • Ground Beef – Choose grass-fed organic ground beef to get the most nutrition for you dog.
  • Oatmeal – Use old-fashioned or rolled oats,
  • Total Cereal – This is a fantastic source of fiber. If you don’t have Total ceral, you can use Wheaties or another bran-based cereal.
  • Molasses – This is a natural sweetener. Use it if you can find it. You can substitute with raw honey.
  • Wheat Germ – This is another fantastic source of fiber and protein.
  • Gelatin – This will keep all the ingredients together in the shape of a ball.
  • Coconut Oil – This is really healthy for your dog, giving them the good fats they need.
  • Egg and Egg Shell – Yes, include the egg shell. It is wonderful for your dog’s bones since it has lots of calcium.
satin balls ingredients

How many calories in satin balls for dogs?

If you make 24 balls, they will have about 100 calories each. See the recipe card below for more nutrition information on satin balls.

Satin Balls For Different Breeds And Ages

These satin balls for dogs are very popular with people who have german shepherds, great danes, poodles, or pitbulls. Honestly, these treats are great for all purebred and mixed breed dogs – including whippets.

What about satin balls for small dogs? If your dog is smaller than the breeds listed above, make the meatballs a smaller size.

Are satin balls for puppies? No, I do not recommend giving these to puppies. They are so young and small that they should just eat a veterinarian-recommended diet.

How Much to Feed

How many satin balls per day? This depends on how many calories your dog eats each day and how much weight they need to gain. I suggest asking your veterinarian how many extra calories your dog should be eating and follow that.

Satin Balls And Pancreatitis

If your dog has pancreatitis, do not feed your dog satin balls. It has too much fat and too many calories to be good for a dog with that health condition.

Equipment Needed

You probably have most of the kitchen items you need to make homemade dog treats with bananas. You can use any regular cookie cutters but dog-shaped ones give these treats a fun look.

  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Mixing Bowl

How to Make Satin Balls

These are the recipe steps and photos of the process for making the treats. I hope they help you make this healthy dog treats recipe!

You can scroll down to the bottom of this article for a printable recipe card.

  1. Place all ingredients in a large bowl.
satin balls ingredients in a mixing bowl
  1. Use your hands to mix everything together until it is well combined.
satin balls mixture in a bowl
  1. Pinch out a small amount and use your hands to roll and form it into a 1-inch ball.
  1. Repeat making balls with the remaining mixture.
satin balls for dogs on a plate and a kitchen towel

How to Store Satin Balls

Because satin balls are not cooked, they must be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later use.

Keep them covered the same way you would with ground beef. Wrap with plastic wrap or place them in a plastic zip-top bag or airtight container.

Can you freeze satin balls?

These can be frozen and thawed as needed.

To freeze, wrap the balls in freezer wrap or place them in a plastic freezer bag or container and put them in the freezer.

To thaw, place the balls in the refrigerator overnight. Do not thaw them at room temperature.

Can humans eat satin balls?

People can only eat satin balls if they are cooked. It is not recommended or safe for humans to consume raw meat. I suggest making some juicy meatballs for people.

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satin balls in a bowl and on a plate

More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

Want to make more treats for your dog? Check these out:

  • 3 Ingredient Dog Treats
  • Apple Dog Treats
  • Blueberry Dog Treats
  • Chicken Jerky for Dogs
  • Liver Dog Treats
  • Whipped Cream for Dogs

Want to get some store-bought instead of making homemade dog treats? Check out my favorite dog treats on Amazon.

satin balls on a plate
Print Pin
4.86 from 21 votes

Satin Balls

Satin Balls for dogs are a great homemade dog food or treat for weight gain.
Course Dog Treats
Cuisine Pet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 24
Calories 101kcal
Author Renee Dobbs

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Ground Beef
  • 1 ¼ cups Uncooked Oatmeal
  • 1 ⅓ cups Total Cereal
  • ¼ cup Unsulphured Molasses
  • 5 tablespoons Wheat Germ
  • 1 envelope Unflavored Gelatin
  • ¼ Cup Melted Coconut Oil
  • 1 Raw Egg and Shell

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a large bowl and use your hands to combine well.
  • Pinch out a small amount and using your hands and form it into a 1 to 1 ½ inch ball.
  • Continue until all the mixture is used.

Notes

These can be frozen and thawed as needed. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight.

Nutrition

Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Filed Under: Dog Treats

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stephanie A Crum says

    November 12, 2021 at 9:02 am

    How long is it recommended they be stored in the refrigerator?

    Reply
    • Renee says

      November 12, 2021 at 9:21 am

      Store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you need them to last longer, I recommend freezing them. Place them spread out on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last in the freezer for 3 to 4 months.

      Reply
  2. Jojo says

    November 28, 2021 at 5:47 am

    5 stars
    I just made a huge batch of these for my 2 Cane Corso’s. I use them for treats & they love them.

    Reply
    • Renee says

      November 28, 2021 at 6:18 am

      Awesome! I’m so glad they enjoy them.

      Reply
  3. Lori Prusinski says

    November 30, 2021 at 11:08 pm

    Can you cook the meatballs for dogs?

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 1, 2021 at 6:01 am

      Yes, you can bake them at 400°F until they are done, about 20 minutes.

      Reply
  4. Barb Elliott says

    December 5, 2021 at 12:09 pm

    5 stars
    I make this recipe for my German shorthair pointer to keep weight on him because he is so active. I Make it in a large batch at 5 pounds of meat and then multiples of the other Ingredients. My trick though is to press it into a sheet pan and then jut cut squares. Saves a lot of time instead rolling out 5 pounds of meatballs LOL

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 5, 2021 at 2:38 pm

      That’s a great tip for a large batch. Thanks for sharing it.

      Reply
    • Tonya A. McKeon says

      August 12, 2022 at 11:59 pm

      Ma’am I was wondering if you can tell me how I’d make this recipe for my five large dogs and enough to make for a whole week.
      Please and thank you and your very welcome to email me personally ma’am.

      Reply
      • Renee Dobbs says

        August 13, 2022 at 6:15 am

        I would multiply the ingredients by how much you think you’ll need for your 5 dogs. Or on the recipe card, if you hover over the servings (24) a slider will come up that you can move to increase the servings and it will calculate the quantities of the ingredients.

        Reply
  5. Mich says

    December 20, 2021 at 7:09 pm

    How much do I give to help with weight gain? My breeder wants me to give to my German shepherd puppy who seems to not be keeping up at all with his litter mates.

    Reply
    • Renee says

      December 20, 2021 at 8:09 pm

      You should discuss this with your vet to make sure you give your puppy the proper amount or an alternative that is best for your puppy.

      Reply
  6. Dayla Holleman says

    January 6, 2022 at 7:17 pm

    5 stars
    I love these for my 1-year-old German Shepherd Ranch dog who I struggle to keep weight on. I add turmeric, cinnamon and apple cider vinegar for the added health benefits.

    Reply
  7. Kat McKeown says

    February 11, 2022 at 2:38 pm

    Hi, I have a 14 year old Dalmatian who is struggling to keep on weight. I made your recipe yesterday and he LOVES them!!
    What I wanted to ask is how many (in grams if possible) of the satin balls should he be eating and also should he be eating his regular meals with the satin balls added in?
    On some pages I have seen that you should feed 2 and on some you should feed 10. I am confused and just want to do the right thing by my baby.
    Thank you so much, from New Zealand
    Kat

    Reply
    • Renee says

      February 12, 2022 at 7:14 am

      I would start with 2 and see how it goes. Also, please discuss it with your vet and get his/her recommendation.

      Reply
  8. Denise says

    March 3, 2022 at 6:10 pm

    I just made a batch for my whippet. He goes on hunger strikes. He’s a show dog and needs to be in correct weight. Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Gabriella Pope says

      September 8, 2022 at 7:19 pm

      Mine too! she’s 15 months speciality show coming up and she’s decided to be picky AGAIN she eats less I eat more because it stresses me out lol … just kidding I’ll try making these I’m sure she’ll love them…my sweet girl ❤

      Reply
  9. Clay says

    April 13, 2022 at 2:02 pm

    5 stars
    My American Akita, Lhasa Apso and Chihuahua LOVE these! To the point they sometimes refuse dinner in anticipation of a Satin Ball. They are an addictive treat. My Akita has added muscle and bulk after a few months of enjoying them. At one year old he was still a little gangly and skinny. At nearly 15 months and adding Satin Balls as an additional treat he is turning into a muscular, intimidating looking dog. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      April 14, 2022 at 7:33 am

      Oh wonderful! I’m so glad your dogs love the satin balls. Thanks for letting me know.

      Reply
  10. Kristen says

    April 21, 2022 at 12:47 pm

    5 stars
    I love these for weight gain. I’ve made them in the past for my rescues. I have read that they can even suffice as a complete meal? Can you confirm or deny that? Even if just fed to replace 1 meal a day, as my dogs get 2 meal a day. Also have a diabetic dog that a lot of the fiberous ingredients in here will help, but would anything be harmful to her glucose/blood sugar levels? I haven’t seen how it would hurt yet. I’ve been reading up, but want to know what you think. I think they’ll be great for my heeler. He’s crazy and has a hard time holding weight. And I know they’ll benefit my other two medium sized dogs as well.

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      April 22, 2022 at 6:44 am

      I would not recommend satin balls for a complete meal. They are a supplement to a dog’s regular food. Please discuss feeding the satin balls to your diabetic dog with your vet. There are too many factors and your veterinarian will know best.

      Reply
    • Anne says

      May 1, 2022 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      I would guess they are too high in carbohydrates for a diabetic dog. Not to mention that molasses would be a no go for any diabetic.

      Reply
      • Renee Dobbs says

        May 3, 2022 at 6:47 am

        Yes, the combination of carbs (sugar) from the cereal and molasses would not be good for a diabetic dog. You could discuss it with your vet and get his/her opinion.

        Reply
  11. Agnes says

    July 30, 2022 at 5:40 pm

    My girl is 12 and she was diagnosed with gerds disease and put on a low fat diet dog food.She won’t eat it,so we have been feeding her,chicken,hamburger,and e and veggies. This,she will eat,but puts on no weight,she has lost 15 pounds. She is holding her own,but would like to put more weight on her….too skinny. Would it be wise to supplement theses treats? She’s is eating now,but,just doesn’tseem To gain weight. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      July 31, 2022 at 7:05 am

      With your dog’s health condition and being on a special low-fat diet, it is best to discuss this with your vet.

      Reply
  12. Jane says

    August 4, 2022 at 9:20 pm

    5 stars
    Do you think substituting the ground beef for pork or even bone in ground chicken be okay ?

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      August 5, 2022 at 6:33 am

      Eating raw or undercooked pork is not safe for dogs, due to the parasite trichinella spiralis larvae, which can cause the parasite infection known as trichinosis. Dogs should not eat raw ground chicken, due to the risk of salmonella or bacterial infections.

      Reply
      • Heather says

        August 6, 2022 at 11:41 pm

        5 stars
        Raw beef and eggs can carry salmonella too…. Not discouraging anyone from feeding their dogs either of those products, I feed my dogs and cats raw diets, however I just feel telling people to not feed dogs raw chicken due to a risk of salmonella when there are ingredients in this recipe that could carry salmonella is misleading.

        Reply
  13. Jennifer says

    August 13, 2022 at 8:32 pm

    5 stars
    I have an Extremley active 3yr Old Male Intact Doberman. I truly struggle to keep weight on him, specially when it’s hot in the summer. He 100% LOVES these; I mix them in with his kibble. With this addition I can get him to eat his 6-8 cups of kibble that he needs on a daily basis.

    Reply
  14. Vicki V says

    August 29, 2022 at 3:18 pm

    What about deer meat? Is it too low in fat to use for these? I have an old dog I need to put weight on. Is any of the meats better cooked than raw?

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      August 30, 2022 at 6:32 am

      You can use deer meat but it is much leaner than beef so it would have fewer calories from fat. Cooking renders out the fat so cooked satin balls would have fewer calories.

      Reply
  15. Melissa Turner says

    October 25, 2022 at 10:47 pm

    Hi, I have a 4 month old Cane Corso weighing 50lbs. She always seems hungry between her 2 meals. Can I add these to her diet?

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      October 26, 2022 at 6:02 am

      I do not recommend giving satin balls to puppies.

      Reply
  16. Beth says

    December 13, 2022 at 11:38 pm

    CAn you give these to a dog with renal disease ? Kai isn’t in stage IV. He is about stage II . Starting to have a few issues. Picky eating.

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      December 28, 2022 at 5:48 am

      Please ask your veterinarian if it’s okay to give these to your dog with renal disease.

      Reply
  17. Fi says

    December 23, 2022 at 3:34 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve just made these for my 1 year old English pointer who is VERY fussy and incredibly active. I’m already feeding her a very nutritionally dense high quality kibble but still feel she needs a bit extra to gain some weight. I’ve just made satin balls and have her one and she loved it, had to resist feeding her more!! How many would you recommend max per day? She is about 18kg currently.

    Reply
    • Renee Dobbs says

      December 28, 2022 at 6:04 am

      I recommend checking with your vet on how many would be okay for your dog.

      Reply

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faces of a woman and two whippets. Hey! I'm Renee and these are my hounds, Luke and Milo. I love dogs and created this website to celebrate them. Here you can find dog tips, products, and info. Read more about Spoiled Hounds.

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