I never thought I’d be making meatballs specifically for dogs until my vet mentioned how processed most pet treats are. Growing up, we always just tossed our pup whatever table scraps were left over, thinking that was good enough.
Turns out, making healthy treats for dogs isn’t much different than cooking for humans – it’s all about using simple, wholesome ingredients. These turkey meatballs are perfect for pet parents who want to know exactly what’s going into their dog’s treats, and they’re so easy to make that even my kids help roll them out.
Why You’ll Love These Dog Meatballs
- Pet-friendly ingredients – Made with wholesome ingredients like ground turkey, fresh herbs, and vegetables that are safe and healthy for your furry friend.
- Homemade goodness – You’ll know exactly what goes into your dog’s treats, with no preservatives or mysterious additives found in commercial pet foods.
- Quick preparation – These meatballs come together in under an hour, making them a perfect weekend project for pet parents.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can make a big batch and freeze portions for later, giving your pup fresh, homemade treats whenever they deserve a special reward.
- Cost-effective – Making these at home costs less than premium store-bought treats, while giving your dog better quality ingredients.
What Kind of Ground Turkey Should I Use?
For homemade dog treats, you can use either regular ground turkey or lean ground turkey – both are good options for your furry friend. Regular ground turkey (93% lean) contains a bit more fat which can make the meatballs more flavorful and moist, while lean ground turkey (99% lean) is a great choice if your pup needs to watch their weight. Just make sure you’re using plain ground turkey without any added seasonings or salt, as many pre-seasoned varieties contain ingredients that aren’t good for dogs. When shopping, check that the meat is fresh and pink in color, and if you’re buying ahead, you can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Options for Substitutions
Making these dog-friendly meatballs but missing some ingredients? Here are some safe swaps you can try:
- Ground turkey: You can swap ground turkey with lean ground chicken or lean ground beef. Just make sure it’s not too fatty, as that might upset your pup’s tummy.
- Quick oats: Regular rolled oats work fine – just pulse them in a food processor a few times. You can also use breadcrumbs or crushed rice cakes as a binder.
- Plain yogurt: Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or unsweetened applesauce can step in for plain yogurt. Just make sure there are no artificial sweeteners.
- Cranberries: Feel free to skip cranberries or replace them with finely diced carrots, sweet potatoes, or blueberries – all safe for dogs.
- Green beans: You can use peas, carrots, or finely chopped spinach instead. Frozen veggies work great too – just thaw and drain them well first.
- Fresh herbs: If you don’t have fresh parsley or mint, you can leave them out. These are nice-to-have ingredients but not essential for the recipe.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge when making dog-friendly turkey meatballs is overcooking them, which can make them too dry and hard for your pup to enjoy – aim for an internal temperature of 165°F and no higher. A common mistake is making the meatballs too large, which can lead to uneven cooking and a raw center, so keep them about 1-inch in diameter for the best results. To prevent the meatballs from falling apart while cooking, make sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly but gently, and chill the formed meatballs for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape. For easier portion control and storage, consider laying the cooked meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freezing them individually before transferring to a freezer bag.
What to Serve With Dog Meatballs?
These healthy turkey meatballs make a great addition to your pup’s regular meal routine! You can serve them alongside your dog’s usual kibble or wet food for an extra special dinner that’ll have them wagging their tail with joy. For a complete homemade meal, try pairing these meatballs with some plain cooked rice or sweet potato, which are both gentle on your dog’s stomach. Just remember to adjust the portion size based on your dog’s weight and activity level, and always check with your vet before making major changes to your pup’s diet.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These homemade dog meatballs will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for portioning out your pup’s meals throughout the week! Just remember to let them cool completely before storing to prevent any moisture buildup.
Freeze: Make a big batch and freeze them for later! Place the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. This is great for busy pet parents who like to meal prep their dog’s food.
Thaw & Serve: When it’s time for your furry friend’s dinner, just move the frozen meatballs to the fridge the night before to thaw. You can serve them cold straight from the fridge, or warm them slightly to room temperature. Remember not to microwave them too hot – your dog’s mouth is sensitive!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 700-800
- Protein: 70-80 g
- Fat: 25-30 g
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 g
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup diced cranberries
- 1/2 cup diced green beans
- 1 teaspoon minced curly parsley
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh mint
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine one egg and yogurt.
Add the ground turkey to the bowl and mix well with the egg and yogurt.
Incorporate the remaining ingredients of your choice, mixing until everything is well combined and the mixture is consistent throughout.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Measure out 1 tablespoon of the meatball mixture and roll it into a ball.
Continue this process with the rest of the mixture to form evenly sized meatballs.
Step 3: Baking Method
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Arrange the meatballs on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
Bake the meatballs for 30 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4: Air Frying Method
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket or on the air fryer tray, ensuring there is space between the meatballs.
You may need to cook them in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, until the meatballs are browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Skillet Method
Heat an oiled skillet over medium heat.
Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to brown them evenly on all sides.
Ensure they are fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
After cooking using any of the methods above, allow the meatballs to cool completely.
Once cooled, they’re ready to be served as desired.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade meatballs!