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!
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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.
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.
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.
- Place all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Use your hands to mix everything together until it is well combined.
- Pinch out a small amount and use your hands to roll and form it into a 1-inch ball.
- Repeat making balls with the remaining mixture.
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.
More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
Want to make more treats for your dog? Check these out:
- 3 Ingredient Dog Treats
- Apple Oat Dog Treats
- Blueberry Dog Treats
- Chicken Jerky for Dogs
- Meatloaf Cake for Dogs
- Liver Dog Treats
- Whipped Cream for Dogs
Satin Balls
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.
How long is it recommended they be stored in the refrigerator?
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.
I like to use ice cube trays to freeze. And I pop them out so easy. Do you like my idea? Found it on Etsy
Yes, using ice cube trays to freeze them is a good idea.
I just made a huge batch of these for my 2 Cane Corso’s. I use them for treats & they love them.
Awesome! I’m so glad they enjoy them.
What is gelatin?
Gelatin is a natural protein derived from collagen. Gelatin powder is used in both sweet and savory recipes. Jello is flavored and sweetened gelatin.
Can you cook the meatballs for dogs?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F until they are done, about 20 minutes.
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
That’s a great tip for a large batch. Thanks for sharing it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How much of each extra ingredients? I’d love to your recipe.
How much of the additional ingredients did you add?
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
I would start with 2 and see how it goes. Also, please discuss it with your vet and get his/her recommendation.
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!!
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 ❤
I use them for my whippets who are being shown as well
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!
Oh wonderful! I’m so glad your dogs love the satin balls. Thanks for letting me know.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With your dog’s health condition and being on a special low-fat diet, it is best to discuss this with your vet.
Hi i have an under weight dog it had anemia it eats and its not geting any bigger can it eat the satin balls i really want it to gain weight
Please ask your vet about food for your dog with anemia (or any other medical condition) as your vet will know what’s best for your dog.
Do you think substituting the ground beef for pork or even bone in ground chicken be okay ?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
I do not recommend giving satin balls to puppies.
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.
Please ask your veterinarian if it’s okay to give these to your dog with renal disease.
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.
I recommend checking with your vet on how many would be okay for your dog.
May I ask the reason for Total Cereal in the recipe? I am weary about giving my Great Dane processed foods. I’m not trying to discourage this, just trying to find the purpose/benefits of the Total cereal? Thank you.
The cereal is a binder and also adds carbohydrates and calories. You could use other cereal or wheat bread that’s dried or toasted like croutons.
Which is better. Cooking or raw ?
To get the total fat content, raw is better because some of the fat will render out as they are cooked.
Nice to have for such detailed recipe for dogs. I love dogs, an recently I adopted an American Bully (Micro) of 18 weeks, I have few queries, pls:
1. Can i feed him the Satan balls?
2. Egg shell is safe, as that may have bacteria.
3. Being a working man, can I make a batch with Mutton, as its difficult/ impossible to find beef in my local area.
4. How long can it be stored in freezer?
5. Lastly, how many balls can be given in a day ?
1. I do not recommend satin balls for puppies. Their system is too delicate. Wait until your dog is an adult, at least 1 year old.
2. Eggshells are safe for dogs to eat. You can rinse off the egg before using it in the recipe.
3. Yes, you can make it with mutton.
4. You can freeze satin balls for 3 to 4 months.
5. It depends on the size of your dog. I recommend getting your vet’s recommendation for the quantity to feed your dog.
Ms. Renee, thanks a lot for prompt the reply.
One more thing I want to ask.
What about the deworming, as we are feeding raw meat. How often should we deworm our dog? My pet is 19 weeks old with 9.5 kg weight (20.94 lb).
Please discuss deworming with your vet.
Hasn’t anyone asked the temperature and cooking time????
Satin balls are not cooked.
On previous thread from December 2021 you said they could be cooked on 400 for 20 minutes.
I made these last night and cooked them per these instructions and it seems a bit too much. They were over cooked. FYI.
Someone asked her if they COULD be cooked. She said yes but also replied elsewhere they probably shouldn’t be cooked because the fat needed for the purpose renders off. Some owners do not feel comfortable feeding a raw diet. Some do. If you don’t, Satin Balls likely aren’t for you and your pet.
Hi I was looking at the recipe and I have a couple of questions. What does it mean by “total cereal”? Also where can I get Unsulfured molasses? I have a 12 year old German shepherd female who has a genetic skin condition that has never bothered her until recently but I was in WI helping my daughter and my husband told me she got down to skin and bones in just a couple of weeks. I’m hoping this will build her back up.
Total cereal is made by General Mills. You’ll find it in the cereal aisle.
Unsulfured molasses is available is most grocery stores, right by the regular molasses (probably in the section with syrup and honey).
I know it sounds crazy but I have a Pembroke welsh corgi who is the Fussiest eater I’ve ever seen. Most corgis will eat anything that’s not nailed down. Not my Daffodil I can put down meat and she will just walk away. She just had puppies, and I have been so worried about her and her puppies. Someone I know sent me this recipe and she loves them.
Oh wonderful! I’m so glad Daffodil is enjoying them.
I have 3 English Setters, the mom and 2 from her last litter. The male puppy has always been on the thinner side no matter how much we feed him. He went through another growth spurt at about 1 1/2 years and got so thin! His coat looked rough too. They go regularly to the vet and have no health problems. I started looking for ways to plump him up and found this recipe. It’s been about a month and the improvement is obvious. He’s gained weight (still needs more but is so much better), his coat is smoother and silkier. And he LOVES them!
I give him one morning and night. It’s not an inexpensive option but it works. We make a double batch and put 3 weeks in the freezer and one in the fridge.
I just found out about the servings calculator reading comments! Lol!
Better late than never!
I just made these for my 16 yr old min schnauzer who has become a very picky eater. Hoping this is the trick that will help put some weight on her. I rolled the mixture in a sheet pan to cook, waiting for it to cool now. Thanks
Can I make this without the total Cereal?
The cereal is a binder and also provides vitamins, minerals, calories, and carbohydrates. You could substitute it with another flake cereal such as bran flakes or Wheaties. Or 1 cup of wheat germ.
could you add canned pumpkin in place of the cereal?
No, canned pumpkin is a wet ingredient and the cereal is a dry ingredient.
Is it ok to use Quick 1 minute oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats instead of old-fashioned.
My dog is allergic to eggs. Can I just leave them out or would I need to add another binder?
You need to add another binder. You could try mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes and use it as an egg substitute.
Ah, that is a great idea.. thank you!
My dog is allergic to eggs. Can I replace the egg with a calcium supplement (powder) that I already have?
I don’t think the calcium supplement powder would be a good substitute for the egg because it won’t act as a binder like the egg does.
Thank you… I wasn’t sure if the egg was just for calcium or was also being used as a binder. I will try your suggestion to use ground flaxseed in place of the egg.
Are these good for a kidney diet?
No, they are not suitable for dogs with kidney disease.
Hi Renee,
We have a 4 year-old female Whippet (Andie) and we recently adopted a 2.5 year-old female ex-racing Greyhound (Poppet). The girls both love these satin balls and we are quite aware that they are a treat and not mainstream food.
Being in Australia, we don’t have access to ‘Total Cereal’, so substituted this with a local bran-based cereal that is low in sugar and sodium. Also, we used ‘Black-strap’ molasses, which we understand is safe for dogs, in moderation.
We plan to try the liver treats soon, when we purchase some fancy cutters, or moulds.
I’m so glad your dogs enjoy the satin balls. And I hope they will enjoy the liver treats too!
My dogs don’t like beef can I use ,turkey or chicken
Can it be cooked ?
Yes, if baking them you can use ground turkey, chicken, or lamb. You can bake them at 400°F until they are done, about 20 minutes.
Can you feed these to pregnant and nursing dogs?
It is best to ask your vet that question since it can depend on a dog’s individual health considerations.
OMG! My Olive, blk great dane, is a VERY picky eater. Not sure if having the gatropexy of her stomach, minimizes her appetite, but she simply LOVES the “satin balls” ontop of her two daily servings and a bedtime snack.
Her ribs and spine bones have always been visible. My husband and I fed high protein dry mixed with wet can food twice a day. Shes 3 yrs old and only 100 lbs. Praying this will add healthy weight.
I’m looking forward to trying your other recipes.
I’m so glad Olive enjoys the sating balls and it will help her gain weight.
Ok please fix my confusion…
I give thawed out EAW to my Dane.
I read one earlier comment that she was allowing cooling time, before freezing???
I don’t know what EAW is so I don’t know how to help with your confusion. And I don’t see which comment is has anything about cooling time before freezing. Unless satin balls are cooked they do not need to be cooled before freezing.
Can this be for cats as well?
While I’m happy to help with dog-related questions, I’m not well-versed in cat nutrition or their dietary needs. Cats have specific dietary requirements that differ from dogs, and it’s important to ensure they receive the right nutrients for their health.
I recommend consulting with a veterinarian who specializes in cat nutrition or a feline health expert for guidance on whether Satin Balls would be suitable for your cat. They can provide you with the most accurate and tailored advice for your furry friend’s dietary needs.
Do you have an idea of how much it costs to make one batch of this recipe? I volunteer for a rescue and I make these for some of our post partum mamas that are underweight. We’d like to do a fundraiser for the ingredients and wondering if anybody has done the math for cost per batch in the US.
Check your email – I sent you a spreadsheet with the cost for the recipe.