It’s been a while since I whipped up a new batch of dog treats, primarily because it’ s been a while since I’ve had a pup to eat them. But October is that time of year when Canadians gather around a turkey and Americans wonder why we’re a month early.

This year, though, I’m baking for two four-footed friends who I’ll be visiting. Two little white fluffs, Layla and Luke, have appeared on this site before (see here).

First, I pack up some turkey-based dog treats for a Thanksgiving Dinner treat for the pooches. Then, I’ll test two other pet treat recipes perfect for using up big dinner left-overs.

Turkey-based Canadian Thanksgiving Dog Treats I

Ingredients: What you need

Instructions

• 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup shredded turkey
• 1/2 shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions: What you’ll do

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Chop turkey finely – blend if you have a blender with water. Mix into dry ingredients along with the cheese. Add water if you didn’t use a blender. (I didn’t).
4. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. Dough will be thick. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes if you used a blender. If not, roll the dough into a log (using the parchment paper if needed), then cut ¼ inch discs.
5. Place on cookie sheets.
6. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the treats are golden brown. Flip halfway through.
7. Cool the cookies before serving to your pup. Refrigerate for 3 days or freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Turkey-based Canadian Thanksgiving Dog Treats II

Ingredients: What you need

• 1/2 cup plain mashed, cooked sweet potatoes (NOTE: no garlic or spices)
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cups finely chopped, cooked turkey
• 2 cups whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour

Instructions: What you’ll do

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine sweet potatoes, water, and egg. Add turkey and flour and stir again until combined. Dough will be thick.
3. Keep it simple and make rectangular dog treats: use a rubber spreader to spread the dough evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to form a rectangle. Spread to about 1/2″ thickness.
4. Use a knife to score the dough into rectangles. If you’re ambitious, you can roll out the dough and use cookie cutter shapes.
5. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the dog treats are lightly golden brown.
6. Cool completely and then break along the score lines.
7. Store in the refrigerator for a few days or in the freezer for a few weeks.

Turkey-based Canadian Thanksgiving Dog Treats III

Ingredients: What you need

• 1-1/2 cups and 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup and 3 tbsp shredded cooked turkey
• 1/4 cup and 3 tbsp dried cranberries
• 1/2 egg
• 1-1/4 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water

Instructions: What you’ll do

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the whole wheat flour and baking powder together, and stir in the cooked turkey meat and dried cranberries.
3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and drop the egg into the center; pour in the olive oil and about 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Mix and knead into a soft dough. Add more broth or water, if mixture is too dry.
4. Lightly flour countertop or work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out 1/4 inch thick. Cut out with your favorite cookie cutters. Why not squirrels and acorns for fall?
5. Bake about 25 minutes until treats are slightly. Turn the oven off, and leave the dog treats in the oven an additional 30 minutes to dry out if you want them crunchy.
6. Cool before serving. Store in the fridge a few days, or in the freezer a few weeks.