Turkey and blueberries in a dog treat? Yep, your pup just won the snack lottery. These bite-sized goodies use real turkey, fresh blueberries, and simple pantry staples you probably already have. They pop out of silicone molds like a dream, freeze beautifully, and make you look like the kind of person who totally has their life together. Ready to make tails wag?
Why Turkey + Blueberry Works (And Why Your Dog Will Lose Their Mind)
Turkey brings lean protein that keeps treats satisfying without feeling heavy. Blueberries add natural sweetness and a burst of antioxidants—basically tiny health bombs your dog actually wants to eat. Combine them and you get a snack that smells amazing, looks cute in molds, and feels fancy without costing much. Win-win-win.
Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions
Yield: About 60–80 small treats, depending on mold size.
Gear: Silicone molds (small bones, paws, hearts—whatever makes you smile), mixing bowl, blender or food processor (optional), baking sheet.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked ground turkey (no seasoning, no onions or garlic)
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (thawed if frozen)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup oat flour (see note below)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1–2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce or plain Greek yogurt (for moisture)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (optional, for fresh breath)
Note: No oat flour? Blitz rolled oats in a blender until fine. Easy.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place silicone molds on a rimmed baking sheet for stability.
- Pulse turkey and blueberries in a blender or food processor 5–10 seconds to break them down. You want a coarse paste, not baby food.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg. Stir in the turkey-blueberry mixture, oat flour, rolled oats, and 1 tablespoon applesauce or yogurt. Add parsley if using.
- Check texture: It should feel like thick cookie dough. Too dry? Add up to 1 more tablespoon applesauce or yogurt. Too wet? Sprinkle in a bit more oat flour.
- Spoon or pipe the mixture into your silicone molds, pressing it in to avoid air pockets. Level the tops with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake 14–18 minutes for small molds, 18–22 minutes for larger ones, until set and slightly golden at the edges.
- Cool in the molds for 10 minutes, then pop out and let them cool completely on a rack.
Choosing the Right Silicone Molds
You can use any silicone mold, but a few choices make life easier:
- Small cavities (bite-sized) for training treats that won’t overload your dog with calories.
- Flexible but sturdy silicone that doesn’t flop when filled. Place on a baking sheet. Trust me.
- Shallow shapes if your dog likes crunchy treats—shallower treats dry faster and crisp up better.
Pro Tip: Piping Makes It Clean
Spoon the mixture into a zip-top bag, snip the corner, and pipe into molds. It feels extra, but it keeps counters clean and fills tiny shapes perfectly.
Texture Tweaks: Soft Chews or Crunchier Bites
Prefer soft training chews? You got it. Want something crunchier? Also easy.
- Softer treats: Bake on the lower end of the time range and store in the fridge.
- Crispier treats: Bake 3–5 extra minutes, then turn off the oven and let treats sit inside for 20 minutes with the door cracked.
- Dehydrator finish (optional): 2–3 hours at 135–145°F for a snappier bite and longer shelf life.
Storage, Freezing, and Freshness
Keep these treats safe and tasty with simple storage habits:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw a handful at a time. They thaw fast—like, “my dog heard the bag” fast.
- Room temp: Only 1–2 days, and only if you baked them drier. They contain meat, so treat them like, well, meat.
Portion Control (Because Dogs Are Convincing)
Keep them small and use them for training snacks. IMO, 2–4 mini treats a day works for most dogs, but adjust to your dog’s size and total diet.
Flavor Variations Your Dog Might Love
Let’s keep it safe and dog-friendly. FYI: No onions, garlic, raisins, sweeteners like xylitol, or spicy anything.
- Turkey + Pumpkin: Swap applesauce/yogurt with 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree.
- Turkey + Spinach: Fold in 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach for extra greens.
- Turkey + Carrot Crunch: Add 2 tablespoons very finely grated carrot and 1 teaspoon flaxseed.
- Grain-free version: Use 1/2 cup coconut flour and add an extra egg; let the dough rest 5 minutes so it hydrates.
Make It Hypoallergenic(ish)
If your dog can’t do dairy, stick with applesauce. If oats cause issues, use chickpea flour, but add moisture slowly—chickpea flour drinks up liquid like it has a vendetta.
Troubleshooting: If Things Get Weird
Sometimes treats misbehave. It’s fine—we fix it.
- Too wet, won’t set: Add more oat flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Bake 2–3 minutes longer.
- Crumbly and dry: Mix in 1–2 teaspoons olive oil or a splash more applesauce.
- Sticking to molds: Lightly spritz molds with oil next time, and let treats cool before popping out.
- Blueberry blowouts: If berries burst and create holes, pulse them finer or use thawed, well-drained frozen berries.
FAQ
Can I use raw turkey instead of cooked?
Cook the turkey first. You avoid food safety issues and get a better texture that binds with the oats. Sauté ground turkey plain until no pink remains, then cool before mixing.
Are blueberries safe for all dogs?
Most dogs tolerate blueberries well, but introduce them slowly if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Use small amounts at first and watch for any digestive drama.
What if I don’t have silicone molds?
No problem. Press the dough 1/4 inch thick on a parchment-lined baking sheet and score into tiny squares with a knife. Bake, cool, and break apart. Not as cute, still delicious.
Can I substitute chicken or beef?
Yes. Ground chicken swaps one-to-one. Beef works too, but it’s richer—IMO, use lean beef and expect a slightly shorter shelf life in the fridge.
How many treats can my dog have per day?
Treats should be 10% or less of daily calories. For small dogs, start with 1–2 minis a day; medium dogs 2–4; large dogs 4–6. Adjust based on activity and overall diet. Your vet can give you a precise target if you want to get nerdy about it.
Do I need to add salt or seasonings?
Nope. Dogs don’t need extra salt, and many seasonings can irritate stomachs. The turkey and blueberries bring enough flavor for canine taste buds.
Conclusion
These Turkey & Blueberry Dog Treats hit that sweet spot: simple ingredients, easy prep, perfect for silicone molds, and wildly pup-approved. You control what goes in, you get a freezer stash for weeks, and your dog thinks you’re a culinary genius. IMO, that’s a pretty great return on 30 minutes in the kitchen. Go preheat that oven and make your four-legged taste tester very, very happy.