Turkey and Pumpkin Meatballs for Dogs

If you’re anything like me, you love pampering your furry friend with healthy, homemade treats. I’m always on the lookout for ways to sneak in nutritious ingredients while keeping things tasty, and this recipe for Turkey and Pumpkin Meatballs for Dogs is a total winner! Made with simple, dog-friendly ingredients, these meatballs are loaded with lean protein and fiber—perfect for your pup’s health. Plus, the smell when these are baking? Let’s just say, your dog might not be the only one drooling!

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Why Your Dog Will Love These Meatballs

These turkey and pumpkin meatballs are the perfect balance of wholesome and tasty, and they’re great for dogs of all sizes. Whether you’re rewarding your dog during training or simply want to show them a little extra love, these meatballs are a soft, savory treat that you can feel good about giving.

• Lean Protein: Turkey is a fantastic source of lean protein, which helps build strong muscles.
• Pumpkin Power: Pumpkin is rich in fiber, supporting digestion and gut health.
• Grain-Free Option: For dogs with sensitivities, this recipe can easily be made without grains!

Taste: Your dog will love the meaty, savory flavor with a hint of natural sweetness from the pumpkin. It’s like a gourmet treat just for them!

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Benefits of Turkey and Pumpkin Meatballs

1. Improved Digestion: Pumpkin is a natural source of fiber, which can help with digestive issues and firm up your dog’s stool.
2. High Protein: Turkey provides the essential amino acids dogs need to maintain energy and support healthy muscles.
3. Allergy-Friendly: This recipe is grain-free, making it perfect for pups with sensitivities to wheat or other grains.
4. Super Easy to Make: You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your kitchen.

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Ingredients for Turkey and Pumpkin Meatballs

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened, no spices added)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup oat flour (or substitute with coconut flour for a grain-free option)
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal (optional, for added omega-3s)
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for anti-inflammatory benefits)

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Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spoon or small cookie scoop for shaping the meatballs

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Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

One of the best parts of this recipe is how flexible it is! If you don’t have some ingredients, don’t worry—you can swap them out for alternatives your dog will still love.

• Ground chicken or lean beef can be used instead of turkey.
• Don’t have oat flour? You can use whole wheat flour or almond flour.
• Add a small amount of grated carrots or sweet potatoes for even more vitamins and fiber.
• For pups who need extra joint support, toss in a teaspoon of ground flaxseed or fish oil.

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How to Make Turkey and Pumpkin Meatballs for Dogs

Follow these simple steps to whip up these healthy, homemade dog treats:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, pumpkin, egg, oat flour, and flaxseed meal. If using turmeric, add it now. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, form small meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them onto the baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly golden.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the meatballs to cool completely before serving them to your dog. Store extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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What to Serve with Turkey and Pumpkin Meatballs

These meatballs are perfect on their own, but if you’re feeling fancy, you can serve them alongside:

• A scoop of plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt as a protein-packed dip.
• Chopped green beans or carrot sticks for an added crunch.

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Tips for Perfect Meatballs

• Size Matters: Make the meatballs small enough for your dog’s mouth—larger dogs can handle bigger sizes, while small pups might need bite-sized versions.
• Storage: Keep the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months!
• Texture Preference: If your dog prefers softer treats, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to give the meatballs extra moisture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes! These meatballs freeze wonderfully. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When your dog is ready for a treat, simply thaw a few meatballs at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds.

Is pumpkin safe for all dogs?

Absolutely. Pumpkin is not only safe but also beneficial for most dogs. Just be sure to use plain, unsweetened pumpkin purée—avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains spices that could upset your dog’s stomach.

How many meatballs can I give my dog per day?

This depends on the size of your dog and their diet. As a general rule, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. For small dogs, 1-2 meatballs are fine, while larger dogs can enjoy 3-4.

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Conclusion

There you have it—a healthy, simple, and delicious treat your dog will go crazy for! These Turkey and Pumpkin Meatballs are not only nutritious but also a breeze to make, with ingredients that are easy to find. Whether you’re using them for training or just want to spoil your dog a little, they’re sure to be a hit.

Looking for more homemade dog treat recipes? Check out my other favorites like Peanut Butter Banana Bites and Sweet Potato Jerky!

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Nutritional Information (per meatball)

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Carbs: 3g

Related Recipes
Looking for more healthy, homemade dog treats? Check these out:

• Chicken and Broccoli Balls for Dogs
• Strawberry and Mozzarella Biscuits for Dogs
• Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs
• Banana Balls for Dogs
• Strawberry and Yogurt Biscuits for Dogs
• Strawberry and Banana Oat Balls for Dogs
• Zucchini Chips for Dogs
• Watermelon and Banana Pupsicles for Dogs

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Don’t forget to leave a review and share pictures of your happy pup enjoying these meatballs on Pinterest! We love to see your creations! Pinterest

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