Your dog stares at you while you eat turkey? Same. Let’s fix that. These Homemade Turkey & Blueberry Dog Treats bake up in under an hour, smell incredible, and make your pup think you’re a culinary genius. We’ll keep the ingredients clean, the steps simple, and the tail wags off the charts. Ready to win “human of the year” at your house?
Why Turkey + Blueberry Makes a Power Treat
Turkey packs lean protein your dog can actually use for energy and muscle. Blueberries bring antioxidants, fiber, and a little natural sweetness. Together, they make a treat that’s tasty, hearty, and easy on most tummies. Plus, they look adorable with those purple blueberry speckles. Does your dog care? No. But you will.
Ingredients and Instructions
Yield: About 36 small treats (bone shapes optional but highly encouraged)
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup cooked ground turkey (no seasoning, no onion/garlic)
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and patted dry)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree or no-salt chicken broth (for moisture)
- 1 and 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gentler tummies)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (optional, for fiber and omegas)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted coconut oil
Let’s Make Them
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Easy cleanup = more time for dog snuggles.
- Cook the turkey if you haven’t already. Brown it in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain well and cool. Keep it plain—no salt, no spices, no onion or garlic.
- In a bowl, mash the blueberries lightly with a fork. You want some whole bits for bursts of flavor.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg, pumpkin (or broth), and oil. Stir in the cooled turkey and blueberries.
- Add flour and flaxseed. Stir until a soft dough forms. If it feels sticky, add a tablespoon more flour. If it’s crumbly, add a splash of broth.
- Dust your counter with flour. Roll dough to about 1/4-inch thick. Cut shapes with a cookie cutter or slice into little squares. Your dog won’t judge your geometry, IMO.
- Place on the lined sheet. For crunchier treats, poke each with a fork to help steam escape.
- Bake 18–22 minutes, until edges look lightly golden. For extra-crisp biscuits, turn the oven off and let them sit inside for 10 more minutes.
- Cool completely before serving. Pretend you’re patient. Your dog won’t, FYI.
Smart Substitutions (Because You’re Resourceful)
- No pumpkin? Use unsweetened applesauce or low-sodium chicken broth.
- No whole wheat flour? Oat flour or a 50/50 mix of oat and brown rice flour works well. Avoid almond flour for most dogs—fatty and can upset tummies.
- Low-fat tweak: Skip the oil and add 1 extra tablespoon pumpkin or broth.
- Frozen blueberries: Thaw and pat dry so the dough doesn’t get soggy-purple soup vibes.
Texture Tweaks: Chewy vs. Crunchy
Want Them Chewy?
- Roll slightly thicker (closer to 3/8-inch).
- Bake on the low end of time (16–18 minutes) and skip the oven-dry step.
- Store in the fridge and use within 5–6 days.
Want Them Crunchy?
- Roll thinner (1/4-inch or a smidge less).
- Bake 20–22 minutes until golden on the bottoms.
- Turn off the oven and let them dry inside 10–15 minutes. This helps shelf life, too.
Portion Sizes and Serving Tips
General guide:
- Toy/small dogs: 1–2 small treats per day
- Medium dogs: 2–3 per day
- Large dogs: 3–4 per day
Keep treats under 10% of daily calories. Yes, even when they hit you with the big eyes. Break treats into smaller pieces for training or sprinkle crumbled bits over dinner for a protein-berry “garnish.”
Storage and Make-Ahead Hacks
- Room temp: 2–3 days in an airtight container (cool, dry spot)
- Fridge: Up to 7 days. This works best for chewy treats.
- Freezer: 2 months. Freeze in portions and thaw a few at a time.
Pro tip: Double the batch and freeze half. You’ll thank yourself on busy weeks when your dog still expects pastry-chef energy from you.
Trainer-Friendly Version
If you want high-value training bites, shape the dough into pea-sized pieces and bake slightly less so they stay soft. Dogs work harder for soft, smelly rewards. You can also add a teaspoon of finely chopped parsley for fresh breath. Your couch will appreciate it.
FAQ
Can I use raw turkey instead of cooked?
Nope. Cook the turkey fully before it goes into the dough. Raw poultry increases contamination risks and shortens shelf life. Brown it plain, drain, and cool. Then mix.
Are blueberries safe for all dogs?
Generally, yes. Blueberries are dog-safe and nutritious. If your pup has a sensitive stomach, start with a small amount to see how they handle the fiber. And always avoid anything sweetened or flavored—just plain berries.
What if my dog has a wheat sensitivity?
Swap the whole wheat flour for oat flour. You can blitz rolled oats in a blender until fine. The dough handles similarly and bakes up just as tasty. Keep the rest of the recipe the same.
Can I add peanut butter?
You can add 1–2 tablespoons of natural, unsweetened peanut butter. Make sure it contains no xylitol. If you add it, reduce the oil slightly and add a touch more flour if the dough gets sticky.
How do I know when they’re done?
Look for firm edges and a lightly golden bottom. If you break one open, the center should look set, not doughy. For crunchy treats, the “oven-off dry” step locks in crispness.
My dog’s on a low-fat diet. Are these okay?
Use 99% lean turkey, skip the oil, and choose pumpkin instead of broth. Offer small portions and check with your vet if your dog has specific dietary restrictions. Better safe than mopping up regret later.
Fun Variations to Keep It Interesting
Turkey, Blueberry & Mint
Add 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint or parsley. Fresh breath, who dis?
Turkey & Blueberry “Jerky Bites”
Roll the dough thinner, cut into strips, and bake until dry and crisp. Store in the fridge for best texture.
Mini Muffin Pups
Spoon batter into greased mini muffin tins, bake 14–16 minutes. Soft, poppable bites perfect for seniors.
Wrap-Up: Treats That Earn Serious Tail Wags
You just made a small-batch, protein-packed, blueberry-studded dog treat with real ingredients and zero weird additives. That’s a flex, IMO. Keep a stash on hand, rotate in those variations, and let your pup be your extremely honest taste tester. Fair warning: once you bake these, store-bought biscuits might get serious side-eye from your furry food critic.