Whether you want to give your dog their own turkey meal or you want a simple, wholesome treat for your furry friend, these homemade turkey meatballs are perfect!
Packed with dog-safe ingredients, they’re easy to whip up and are sure to get some tail-wagging approval. Not only are they tasty, but they also offer a healthy twist on traditional treats.
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Why You and Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
You and your fur baby will love these festive turkey meatballs for many reasons. But here are the three biggest ones!
Easy to Make – These meatballs come together with just a few simple steps, whether you bake, air fry, or cook them on the stovetop. It’s a no-fuss recipe that fits into any schedule.
Nutrient-Packed Ingredients – From lean turkey to antioxidant-rich cranberries, every ingredient brings something good to the bowl, giving your pup a tasty snack that’s also healthy.
Customizable for Your Dog’s Needs – Have a pup with specific dietary needs? This recipe is easy to adapt by swapping other dog-safe ingredients to suit your dog’s taste and health requirements.
Ingredients
These dog meatballs are made with simple, wholesome ingredients you might already have on hand. Here’s a quick look at what each one brings to the recipe:
- Ground Turkey: The star of the show! Lean turkey is a fantastic source of protein.
- Cranberries: Adds a little sweetness and a boost of antioxidants.
- Green Beans: Low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins.
- Quick Oats: Great for fiber, keeping your dog’s digestion on track.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, helping everything hold together while adding protein.
- Plain Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a bit of calcium, promoting healthy bones and teeth.
- Curly Parsley: Not just for flavor – it’s also great for freshening breath!
- Fresh Mint: It’s perfect for a light, refreshing flavor and good for digestion.
There’s a printable recipe card below that has the exact measurements.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
If you want to customize these turkey meatballs, here are some easy ways to mix it up:
- Quick Oats: Don’t have quick oats? Pulse old-fashioned oats in a blender or food processor until they’re finely chopped.
- Yogurt Alternatives: Use unsweetened coconut milk as a swap for yogurt.
- Fresh Herbs: Feel free to add or substitute any dog-safe herbs for added flavor.
- Vegetable Variety: Any dog-safe veggies can be swapped in or added to the mix.
- Meat Options: Lean meats like ground chicken, lamb, venison, or beef (90/10 or 95/5) work well for pups with specific dietary needs.
How to Make Turkey Meatballs for Dogs
Making these turkey cranberry meatballs is a breeze! Whether you choose the oven, air fryer, or stovetop, you’re minutes away from happy, doggy smiles. Here are the steps and some photos to help you along the way.
- In a large bowl, combine the egg and yogurt until smooth.
- Add the ground turkey and mix until well blended.
- Toss in the oats, cranberries, green beans, parsley, and mint. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball. Repeat until you’ve used up all the mixture.
- Cook the meatballs.
Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until they reach 165°F inside.
Air Fryer: Arrange meatballs in the basket with some space between each, and cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes or until they reach 165°F inside.
Stovetop: Heat an oiled skillet over medium, cooking the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re browned and reach 165°F.
- Let the meatballs cool completely before serving.
Recipe Tips
To make the best turkey meatballs for your furry friend, here are some quick tips:
- Mix Thoroughly: Make sure all ingredients are well combined so each meatball has an even blend of flavors.
- Cook Evenly: Leave a bit of space between each meatball on the baking sheet, air fryer tray, or skillet for even cooking.
- Check Doneness: An internal temperature of 165°F means they’re perfectly cooked and safe for your dog.
Serving Size
How many meatballs should you give your dog? A serving would be from 1 to 3 meatballs, based on your dog’s size – one for small dogs, two for medium-sized, and three for larger dogs.
Maintaining a dog’s healthy weight is very important. Keep that in mind when feeding dogs anything besides their regular dog food.
Always start with small quantities when giving your dog new foods or treats, and watch for any adverse reactions.
How to Store the Meatballs and How Long They Last
Store these turkey meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 4 days.
You can freeze them for longer storage. Place the meatballs on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet with space between them. Freeze them, then transfer the frozen meatballs to a plastic freezer bag.
Frozen meatballs will last up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Can people eat these meatballs?
Oh yes, they sure can! Everything in them is safe for human consumption. Give one a try and you may want to make a batch for dinner.
More Meaty Homemade Treats for Dogs
- Bison Meatballs
- Chicken Dog Treats
- Chicken Meatballs
- Duck Dog Treats
- Meat Cake
- Salmon Dog Treats
- Turkey Meatloaf
Find lots of easy dog treats with meat right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Turkey Meatballs for Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 Egg
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup chopped cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped green beans
- 1 teaspoon chopped curly parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
Instructions
- Combine egg and yogurt in a large bowl. Add ground turkey and mix well.
- Add the remaining ingredients mix until well combined.
- Measure out 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the meatballs on a parchment paper lined baking sheet with space between them.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until browned and done. The internal temperature should be 165°F.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray with space between the meatballs. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, until browned and done. The internal temperature should be 165°F. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Stovetop Method
- Place in an oiled skillet over medium heat, cook them for 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown on all sides. They are done when internal temperature is 165°F. Allow to cool completely before serving.
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