Ginger Apple Turkey Dog Treats
Ok, FIRST OFF, I just want to say that if you’re the kind of person who found this post because you were Googling something like “healthy dog treat recipes,” then… I already like you.
You clearly care about your dog. You’re thoughtful. You’re the type of person who sees those little eyes looking up at you and says, “Yeah…you deserve something homemade.” Not some sad, dry biscuit that’s been sitting in a bin since the Jurassic era.
And honestly? Your dog deserves this recipe.
This treat is packed with all the good stuff: turkey for protein, apple for sweetness and fiber, ginger for that “Wow, I’m a clean-eating influencer now” kind of gut boost. And we’re gonna keep it simple, easy, and totally doable—even if you’ve never made dog treats in your life.
Also, spoiler alert: it smells amazing while it bakes. Like, you may want to taste it yourself (and technically…you could?).
Anyway, let’s jump in.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked, chopped turkey (just plain, nothing fancy)
- 1 apple, cored and chopped (no seeds please!)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (powdered is easiest, fresh if you’re feelin’ it)
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves (optional, but nice)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup buckwheat flour (gluten-free and doggo-friendly)
Tools You’ll Need (aka the stuff to dig out of that drawer you ignore)
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters or a knife (whatever works)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Wire rack for cooling (don’t skip this, it makes the crunch perfect)
Why This Recipe Slaps (According to My Dog)
Look, I’ve tried store-bought treats that promise all kinds of things—dental health, coat shine, lower taxes (ok maybe not the last one). But honestly, most of them are full of stuff I can’t pronounce and ingredients that make me go “Wait…is that even food?”
This recipe is different.
It’s made from whole foods you already recognize. Turkey? Yes. Apples? Obviously. Ginger? Surprisingly helpful for digestion. Buckwheat flour? Fancy-sounding but super easy to work with. It’s also naturally gluten-free which is great for pups with allergies or sensitive tummies.
Plus, it’s really fun to make. There’s just something wildly satisfying about rolling out dough, cutting it into tiny dog treat shapes, and watching your pup drool like they just saw a rotisserie chicken.
How to Make These Treats (Like a Boss)
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. You can even do this first and then forget you turned it on until 20 minutes later when the kitchen gets weirdly warm. (No? Just me?)
Step 2: In a blender or food processor, toss in the chopped turkey, apple, ginger, thyme (if using), and water. Blend it up until it’s kinda like a baby food puree. Thick but scoopable.
Step 3: Pour the puree into a mixing bowl and gradually stir in the buckwheat flour. It’ll get sticky. That’s ok. Sticky = bonding experience.
Step 4: Flour your counter and roll out the dough until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Don’t stress too much on thickness—just try to keep it even so everything bakes the same.
Step 5: Cut out shapes using a cookie cutter (a bone shape is cute, but hearts or stars work too) or just slice it into squares with a knife. Your dog will not be judging your artistry, promise.
Step 6: Place the cut-outs on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat. Pop them in the oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges start to look golden.
Step 7: Let them cool completely on a wire rack. Not just for the vibes—it makes them crunchier and stores better too.
Pro Tips from Someone Who’s Burned a Few Batches
- Use cooked turkey that’s not heavily seasoned. No garlic, onions, or salt bombs. Just keep it simple.
- Don’t over-blend the puree. You want a thick paste, not soup. If it’s too watery, the dough will be impossible to work with.
- If the dough feels too wet, add more flour. If it feels too dry, a splash of water does the trick. It’s very forgiving. Like your dog when you forget walkies.
- Cool completely before storing. If there’s even a bit of moisture left, they’ll get soft and spoil faster.
- Test-bake a small one first. Ovens vary, and this lets you adjust baking time if needed.
Substitutions & Variations
Let’s say you’re missing an ingredient. Or your pup is picky. No problem.
- No turkey? Use cooked chicken. Or even canned salmon (rinsed and unsalted).
- No buckwheat flour? Try oat flour or rice flour. Avoid almond flour—too fatty for some dogs.
- Want it sweeter? Add a touch of mashed banana (no added sugar, just banana).
- Need softer treats? Bake for less time, and store in the fridge. Perfect for older pups.
Make-Ahead Tips (Because Life Gets Busy)
You can prep the dough in advance and stash it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just wrap it tightly in cling film or a reusable wrap. When ready to bake, roll it out straight from the fridge or let it sit for 10–15 minutes to soften a bit.
You can also freeze the raw cut-outs. Just flash freeze them on a tray for 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer bag. When your dog deserves a little something, just pop a few into the oven!
Nutrition Info (Approximate Per Treat)
Obviously this depends on the size of your cookie cutter, but here’s a rough breakdown:
- Calories: 20-25
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Fiber: 1g
So yeah, not junk food. This is health food. Your dog is basically eating clean now.
What to Serve With These Treats
These are snacks—not full meals. But here are some fun ideas:
- Use as a reward after a walk or training session
- Crumble on top of your dog’s regular kibble
- Wrap a few and gift them to other dog parents
- Use them in a homemade dog treat jar (like the DIY hero you are)
Storage & Leftovers
Cool the treats completely before storing. Trust me on this one. Moisture is the enemy.
- Room Temp: In an airtight container for up to 7 days
- Fridge: Up to 2 weeks
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
Pro tip: Write the date on the container. Future you will be grateful.
FAQ Time
Q: Can I eat these too? Technically yes. But they’re very bland to human tastebuds. No sugar, no salt. Great for dogs. Not so great for your snack craving.
Q: Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey? Yup! Just make sure it’s not heavily seasoned or doused in gravy. Keep it clean.
Q: Are apples safe for dogs? Yes! Just make sure to remove seeds and core. Those aren’t dog-friendly.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t like them? It happens. Dogs have preferences too. Try swapping the meat or flour and see what works. Or gift them to a doggy friend!
Wrap Up
Alright, you made it to the end. So now there’s only one thing left to do: grab those ingredients, tie your hair up (or don’t), and get to baking.
Whether this is your first time making dog treats or you’re basically a four-legged gourmet chef, this recipe is a great one to keep in your back pocket. It’s easy, it’s wholesome, and best of all—your dog will absolutely go nuts for them.
If you try it out, leave a comment below and let me know how it went! Did your pup approve? Did you make any cool changes? Did you taste one yourself and immediately regret it?
I wanna hear it all. 🐾❤️
Now go love on your dog the best way possible: with a treat made from scratch and a whole lot of heart.
