Sensitive tummy? Meet your dog’s new favorite snack. These Turkey & Blueberry Dog Treats skip the junk and deliver simple, gentle ingredients your pup’s belly can actually handle. We’re talking lean protein, low-fat goodness, and a pop of antioxidants that tastes like a win. Ready to bake something your dog will literally sit for without you even asking?
Why Turkey and Blueberries Work for Sensitive Stomachs
Turkey brings lean, digestible protein with less fat than beef or pork—great for pups that get gassy or queasy. Blueberries add antioxidants, fiber, and a touch of natural sweetness without sending blood sugar on a rollercoaster.
You also avoid common irritants like dairy, soy, and heavy grains. Fewer triggers = fewer tummy troubles. Add a bit of pumpkin and oat flour, and you’ve got a gut-friendly formula that still feels like a treat.
The Gut-Friendly Lineup (and Why It Matters)
- Ground turkey: Light on fat, easy on digestion, big on protein.
- Blueberries: Antioxidants for inflammation support and fiber for stool quality. Yes, we’re going there.
- Pumpkin purée: Soluble fiber to keep things moving smoothly—neither too fast nor too slow.
- Oat flour: Gentle, gluten-free-ish (oats are naturally GF but can be cross-contaminated), and easy to work with.
- Egg: Binds everything and adds more protein. If your dog reacts to eggs, see substitutions below.
- Coconut oil (optional): A little fat for texture; skip if your vet suggested a low-fat plan.
Ingredients and Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients (Makes ~40 small treats)
- 1 cup cooked, finely chopped lean turkey (no skin, no seasoning)
- 3/4 cup oat flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (plain, not pie filling)
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (roughly chopped)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted, optional)
- 2–3 tablespoons water or low-sodium turkey broth as needed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a bowl, mix the turkey, pumpkin, egg, and coconut oil until combined.
- Stir in the oat flour. Fold in the chopped blueberries. Add a splash of water or broth if the dough feels dry; it should be soft but not sticky.
- Dust your surface with oat flour. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut into small shapes (coin-sized for training, bigger for snack-time). Or just slice into squares—your dog won’t judge.
- Arrange on the baking sheet with a little space in between.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until set and lightly golden on the bottom. For crunchier treats, turn off the oven and let them dry inside for another 15 minutes.
- Cool completely before serving. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Prep Tips to Keep Things Gentle
Cook Turkey the Right Way
- Use plain ground turkey or turkey breast. No onions, garlic, salt, or spice blends—those can upset stomachs.
- Cook in a nonstick skillet with a tiny bit of water. Break it up finely. Drain any excess fat.
Blueberry Basics
- Chop them so they distribute evenly and don’t burst out of the treats.
- Fresh works best. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry to avoid soggy dough.
Customize for Your Pup (Without Breaking Their Belly)
- No egg? Swap with 2 tablespoons pumpkin + 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons warm water (let sit 5 minutes).
- Grain-free option: Use fine almond flour (1 cup) and add 1–2 tablespoons tapioca or arrowroot starch if the dough feels too loose.
- Extra sensitive? Skip coconut oil and stick with water for moisture.
- Allergy pivots: Replace turkey with poached chicken or white fish, same quantity.
Nutrition Snapshot (Dog-Parent Edition)
- Protein-forward: Turkey and egg build and maintain lean muscle without heavy fat.
- Fiber-balanced: Pumpkin and oats support stools that stay in the “easy pickup” zone. You’re welcome.
- Low sugar and salt: We don’t add any—blueberries bring all the sweetness they need.
- Joint and immune love: Antioxidants in blueberries may help with inflammation; IMO a small but real perk.
Portioning and Frequency
- Toy breeds: 1–2 small treats per day.
- Medium dogs: 2–4 small treats per day.
- Large dogs: 3–6 small treats per day.
Adjust for your dog’s total calories and activity level. FYI, treats should stay under 10% of daily calories.
Troubleshooting: When Dough or Dog Acts Up
- Dough too sticky? Dust with oat flour and chill 15 minutes.
- Too crumbly? Add a tablespoon of water or pumpkin at a time until it holds.
- Dog gassy after trying? Shrink portion size for a few days, then increase slowly. If symptoms continue, talk to your vet.
- Blueberries burning? Lower oven to 325°F and extend bake time by 3–5 minutes.
FAQ
Can I use raw turkey in the treats?
Nope. Cook the turkey first to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. These are treats, not a raw feeding plan. Cook, cool, then mix.
Are blueberries safe for all dogs?
Generally yes, in small amounts. However, dogs with diabetes or on strict low-fiber diets may need limits. If your dog has a specific condition, ask your vet first, FYI.
My dog can’t handle oats. What should I use?
Try fine almond flour or certified gluten-free sorghum flour. You might need a tablespoon or two of extra pumpkin or broth to help the dough bind.
How long do these treats last?
Up to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temp for 15–20 minutes.
Can I add probiotics to the dough?
Better to sprinkle a vet-recommended probiotic on your dog’s regular meal. Baking can destroy live cultures, IMO a waste of good probiotics.
What if my dog has pancreatitis?
Skip the coconut oil and use extra pumpkin or broth for moisture. Keep portions tiny. Always check with your vet before introducing any new treat during recovery.
Conclusion
These Turkey & Blueberry Dog Treats hit the sweet spot: easy to digest, simple to make, and approved by picky pups everywhere (informal survey: my kitchen). You get lean protein, gentle fiber, and antioxidant flair without weird additives. Bake a batch, stash some in the freezer, and watch your dog sit, stay, and drool like a pro—IMO, that’s a successful snack mission.