The holidays bring an abundance of turkey, cranberries, and all sorts of delicious aromas drifting through the kitchen. This year, include your dog in the joy with these Christmas Turkey & Cranberry Dog Treats—a savory, wholesome snack that’s both festive and nutritious.
These crunchy bites are made with lean ground turkey, oats, and a hint of cranberry for a touch of natural sweetness. They’re packed with flavor, high in protein, and free from fillers or preservatives. Perfect for holiday gift bags or as a reward after a winter walk, they’re a way to celebrate your dog with something made straight from the heart.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
These treats blend two classic holiday ingredients—turkey and cranberries—into a bite-sized reward your pup will adore. Turkey provides lean protein, while cranberries add natural tartness and antioxidants. The texture is firm and crunchy, making them satisfying for chewing and great for dental health.
Your dog gets a flavorful snack that feels like part of the Christmas feast, and you get the satisfaction of sharing a homemade treat that’s healthy and safe.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup cooked, finely shredded turkey (white or dark meat, no seasoning)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cranberries (fresh or unsweetened dried)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or finely ground oats)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for fresh breath)
Optional add-ins:
- 1 tablespoon plain pumpkin puree for extra moisture
- 1 tablespoon shredded carrot or zucchini for color
Pro Tips
- Use plain turkey—no salt, garlic, onions, or butter.
- Chop cranberries finely to distribute flavor evenly and reduce tartness.
- Avoid sweetened dried cranberries, which may contain sugar or xylitol.
- Use silicone molds or cookie cutters for festive shapes.
- Cool completely before storing to keep treats crunchy longer.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or spoon for mixing
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutters (stars, trees, or bones)
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Turkey: Substitute cooked chicken or lean ground beef.
- Cranberries: Try blueberries or finely chopped apple for a milder flavor.
- Flour: Use brown rice flour or chickpea flour for grain-free treats.
- Applesauce: Swap with plain pumpkin or mashed sweet potato.
- Low-fat option: Omit oil and use a touch of bone broth instead.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough 1–2 days before baking and store it in the refrigerator. Let it warm slightly at room temperature before rolling out.
Baked treats also store beautifully and make perfect gifts—just package them in jars, tins, or small treat bags tied with ribbon. They can be frozen for later use, ensuring you have a holiday-themed treat on hand whenever your dog deserves something special.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine shredded turkey, cranberries, egg, applesauce, and oil. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add oat flour and optional parsley. Mix until a thick dough forms. If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water or applesauce at a time until workable.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Re-roll scraps as needed.
Step 5: Bake
Place treats on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until firm and golden. For crunchier treats, turn off the oven and let them sit inside for 10–15 minutes.
Step 6: Cool
Transfer the baked treats to a wire rack and let them cool completely before storing.
Serving Suggestions
- Offer as a holiday treat after your dog’s Christmas meal
- Pack in small tins or jars as gifts for friends’ dogs
- Add to your pup’s Christmas stocking
- Use as training rewards during winter walks
- Pair with homemade broth or yogurt for a festive snack combo
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Grain-free: Use coconut or chickpea flour instead of oat flour.
- Egg-free: Replace the egg with 1/4 cup mashed banana or flaxseed gel (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water).
- Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
- Low-fat: Skip the oil and add 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree or extra applesauce.
- Sensitive stomach: Stick to turkey, oats, and pumpkin for a simplified version.
Leftovers and Storage
Allow the treats to cool fully before storing to maintain freshness.
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Store for 2–3 weeks for best quality.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
- Re-crisping: If they soften, bake for 5 minutes at 300°F before serving.
Let treats return to room temperature before serving if refrigerated or frozen.
Nutrition & Benefits
These treats combine the best of holiday flavors with dog-friendly nutrition. Turkey provides lean, digestible protein to support strong muscles, while cranberries add antioxidants that promote urinary tract health and boost immunity. Oats supply gentle fiber for digestion, and parsley helps freshen breath naturally.
Together, these ingredients create a treat that’s both festive and functional—perfect for dogs who deserve something extra special during the holidays.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use raw turkey instead of cooked?
A: It’s best to use cooked turkey to ensure safety. You can also use leftovers as long as they’re plain and unseasoned.
Q: Can I skip the cranberries?
A: Yes—just replace them with chopped apples or blueberries for a different flavor.
Q: Are these okay for puppies?
A: Yes, as long as the ingredients suit their diet. Break into smaller pieces for tiny mouths.
Q: Can I make these softer?
A: Bake for 15–18 minutes instead of 25. Store soft treats in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Q: Can I make them in bulk?
A: Absolutely. Double or triple the batch and freeze extras for later use.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Christmas Turkey & Cranberry Dog Treats capture everything we love about the holidays—warm flavors, festive colors, and the joy of sharing good food with those we love most. They’re easy to make, beautifully seasonal, and full of nourishing ingredients your dog will adore.
Whether tucked into a stocking, shared with friends’ pets, or served fresh from the oven, these treats bring a touch of holiday spirit straight to your pup’s treat jar.