Spoil your pup with a homemade treat that’s perfect for the holiday season or any day you want to show a little extra love. These turkey pumpkin meatballs for dogs are soft, tasty, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. They’re super easy to make and a great way to include your furry friend in the Thanksgiving celebration.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There’s something really satisfying about whipping up a special treat for your pup. These meatballs are so yummy, your dog will go wild for them! These are just a few reasons this will be a favorite recipe:
Wholesome Ingredients – You won’t find any fillers, preservatives, or mystery ingredients here. Just five real ingredients that come together to make a pup-approved treat.
Easy to Make with Three Cooking Methods – Oven, air fryer, or stovetop – you pick the one that works best for you! No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required.
Customizable to Fit Your Dog’s Taste Preferences and Dietary Needs – Switch up the meat, swap the flour, or toss in some dog-friendly herbs to make them your own.
Perfect for Thanksgiving – These meatballs are a fun and festive way to include your dog in the family feast. It’s like their very own holiday dish!
Ingredients and What They Bring to the Meatballs
These simple ingredients work together to make soft, meaty meatballs that are sure to bring on tail wags. Here’s what you need to make them:
- Ground turkey – A lean protein that’s easy to digest and full of flavor.
- Pumpkin puree – Adds moisture and a boost of fiber to support digestion.
- Egg – Helps bind everything together and adds protein.
- Brown rice flour – A gluten-free flour option that helps form the meatballs.
- Old-fashioned oats – Provide texture and a bit of whole grain goodness.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
When making these meatballs, there are some things to keep in mind and simple swaps you can make:
- Safety – Do not use pumpkin pie mix. It can contain spices like nutmeg that are toxic to dogs.
- Meat Alternatives – Try ground chicken, lamb, bison, venison, or lean ground beef if you don’t have turkey.
- Pumpkin Substitutes – Plain mashed sweet potato or butternut squash will work just fine.
- Herb Additions – Want to freshen up your pup’s breath? Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh mint and/or curly parsley.
- Flour Tip – You can make brown rice flour by blending uncooked brown rice in a blender or food processor until fine. One cup of rice yields about 3/4 cup of flour.
- Flour Options – Swap the rice flour with oat flour (made from blended oats), all-purpose flour, or a 50-50 mix of all-purpose and whole wheat. Avoid using only whole wheat flour since it’s dense and can dry out the texture.
How to Make Turkey Pumpkin Meatballs for Dogs
Making these meatballs is simple, and you can choose the cooking method that works best for your kitchen.
Prep the Meatball Mixture
- Combine ground turkey, pumpkin puree, and egg in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and oats.
- Add the dry ingredients to the turkey mixture and stir until well combined.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to shape the mixture into meatballs.
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the meatballs on the sheet with space between them.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange meatballs in the basket or on the tray with space between (cook in batches as needed).
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Ensure internal temp is 165°F, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
Stovetop Method
- Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place meatballs in the skillet with space between each.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning to brown all sides, until internal temp is 165°F.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool completely before serving.
Recipe Tips for Success
To make the best meatballs for your furry friend, here are some quick tips:
- Mix Thoroughly – Make sure all ingredients are evenly blended.
- Size Matters – Adjust the size of the meatballs based on your dog’s size and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Cook Evenly – Leave space between meatballs so they cook evenly on all sides.
- Check Doneness – Use a food thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How to Store the Meatballs and How Long They Last
Keep the cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
To freeze, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can people eat these meatballs?
Yes, they sure can! All the ingredients are perfectly safe for humans. Give one a taste and you might find yourself making an extra batch just for you.
More Dog Treat Recipes With Meat
Because dogs believe they can never have too many meaty treats, try these recipes to spoil your dog with:
- Bison Meatballs
- Chicken Meatballs
- Lamb Dog Treats
- Meatloaf Cupcakes for Dogs
- Satin Balls
- Turkey Cranberry Meatballs
Find lots of easy recipes for meaty dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Turkey Pumpkin Meatballs for Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup brown rice flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
Instructions
- Combine ground turkey, pumpkin puree, and egg in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour and oats. Add the flour mixture to the turkey mixture and combine well.
- With a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the meat and shape into balls.
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool completely before serving.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the balls in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray with space between them. You’ll need to cook them in batches. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F. Flip the meatballs halfway through cooking for even browning. Place the air-fried meatballs on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool completely before serving.
Stovetop Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the balls in the skillet with space between them. You’ll need to cook them in batches. Cook, turning to brown all sides, for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 165°F. Place the cooked meatballs on a paper-towel lined plate to drain and cool completely before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Amount
Treats like these meatballs should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. If you’re unsure of the right portion size for your dog, ask your vet.
If you’re serving them as a meal instead of a treat, a general guideline is 2–3% of your dog’s body weight in food per day. But that can vary a lot depending on your pup’s age, activity level, and breed, so check with your vet for tailored advice.
And if this is your dog’s first time trying one of these ingredients, offer a small piece first to make sure they don’t have any sensitivities or allergies.
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