Let me tell you about the day my picky pup, Baxter, turned his nose up at store-bought treats—that’s when I started making these Turkey & Cranberry Dog Chews at home. Trust me, nothing beats seeing your dog’s tail go wild for something you whipped up with love (and a handful of simple ingredients). These chews aren’t just tasty; they’re packed with protein from turkey and a boost of antioxidants from cranberries. Plus, they’re free from all the mystery fillers that make me side-eye commercial treats. Now, Baxter sits by the oven every time he smells them baking—and if that’s not a stamp of approval, I don’t know what is!
Why You’ll Love These Turkey & Cranberry Dog Chews for Dogs
Listen, I know you want the best for your pup—that’s why these chews are such a win. Here’s what makes them special:
- Healthy ingredients – Real turkey and cranberries mean no questionable additives
- Super simple – Just 5 basic ingredients you probably have already
- Tail-worthy flavor – My dogs go nuts for these (and they’re picky!)
- Budget-friendly – Way cheaper than store-bought gourmet treats
- Customizable – Easy to adjust for your dog’s size or preferences
Honestly, the best part? Watching your dog’s happy dance when you pull these from the oven. Pure joy!
Ingredients for Turkey & Cranberry Dog Chews for Dogs
Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s everything you’ll need to make your pup’s new favorite treats:
- 1 cup cooked turkey – Shred it finely (I use leftovers from Thanksgiving or roast a small breast)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries – Must be unsweetened! Regular ones have too much sugar for pups
- 1 cup whole wheat flour – The base that holds everything together
- 1 egg – Our magic binder (and extra protein boost)
- 1/4 cup water – Added gradually until the dough feels just right
See? Nothing fancy—just wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. Pro tip: If your turkey’s a bit dry, add an extra tablespoon of water when mixing!
How to Make Turkey & Cranberry Dog Chews for Dogs
Alright, let’s get baking! These chews come together so easily—even if you’re more of a “takeout queen” than a baker. Here’s exactly how I make them for Baxter every week:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). No guessing here—this temp keeps them from burning while getting that perfect chewiness.
- Mix the dry team first—flour and chopped cranberries (I give them a rough chop so no big chunks choke my little guy).
- Add the turkey and egg, mushing it all together with your hands (my favorite part—gets gloriously messy!).
- Slowly drizzle in water until it forms a stiff dough. It should feel like Play-Doh—stickier than cookie dough but not wet. Too sticky? Add a sprinkle more flour.
- Shape into logs about 2 inches long and as thick as your thumb. Or get creative with bone-shaped cutters!
- Bake for 25 minutes until golden and firm. They’ll harden more as they cool, promise!
- Cool completely before serving. I test one by pressing it—no give means it’s ready for pup approval!
Shaping and Baking Tips
Keep these in mind for perfect chews every time:
- Space them 1 inch apart—they don’t spread much but need airflow
- For tiny dogs, make pencil-thin logs (bake 5 mins less)
- Flip them halfway if your oven runs hot for even browning
- Undercook slightly if your dog prefers softer treats
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Turkey & Cranberry Dog Chews
Got a pup with special needs or just ran out of something? No worries—here’s how to tweak this recipe safely:
- Turkey alternatives: Cooked chicken works beautifully (I’ve used rotisserie chicken in a pinch!). Just avoid seasoned meats—garlic and onion powders are big no-nos.
- Flour swaps: Oat flour or coconut flour can replace wheat flour (use 3/4 cup coconut flour—it’s thirstier!). Skip almond flour though—too fatty for some dogs.
- Cranberry hack: No dried? Mash 1/3 cup fresh cranberries instead (tart alert—some pups prefer the sweetness of dried).
PSA: Never use xylitol-containing ingredients! That artificial sweetener hides in some “sugar-free” cranberries and is deadly for dogs. When in doubt, check labels twice!
Storing and Serving Turkey & Cranberry Dog Chews for Dogs
Here’s the scoop on keeping these treats fresh and serving them safely:
- Airtight is everything! Store in a cookie tin or ziplock bag for up to a week at room temp. If your kitchen runs hot, pop them in the fridge—they’ll last 2 weeks there.
- Portion control: My 20-pounder gets one chew per day as a reward. For big dogs? Two max! Tiny pups should get half-sized pieces.
- Freezer hack: These freeze beautifully! I make double batches and thaw a few overnight as needed. Baxter never knows the difference!
Pro tip: If the chews soften in humid weather, just re-crisp them in a 200°F oven for 10 minutes!
Nutritional Information for Turkey & Cranberry Dog Chews
Let’s talk numbers—but remember, these are rough estimates since ingredient brands vary! Here’s the breakdown per chew (makes about 12):
- Calories: 45
- Protein: 3g (thanks, turkey!)
- Fat: 1g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g (only natural from cranberries)
Not bad for a treat, right? My vet gave these the thumbs-up as an occasional snack—way better than processed biscuits with unpronounceable ingredients!
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey & Cranberry Dog Chews
I get asked about these treats all time—here are the top questions from fellow dog parents:
Can puppies eat these chews?
Yes! But wait until they’re at least 3 months old and have solid teeth. For teething pups, I bake them 5 minutes less so they’re slightly softer. Always check with your vet first though—every puppy’s different!
How many chews can I give per day?
For my medium-sized dogs, one chew per day is perfect as a training reward. Big breeds can handle two, while little guys should get half portions. Remember—these are treats, not meals!
What if my dog doesn’t like cranberries?
No worries! Try swapping in chopped apple (peeled and seeded) or blueberries instead. Some pups prefer the milder sweetness. Just avoid grapes—they’re toxic!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! I’ve used oat flour with great success—just reduce the water slightly since it absorbs differently. Coconut flour works too, but you’ll need way less (about 3/4 cup).
Why did my chews come out too hard?
Oops! Next time, try baking at 325°F for the same time—some ovens run hot. You can also add an extra tablespoon of water to the dough. Too late? Just soak them in warm broth for 30 seconds before serving!
Share Your Experience with Turkey & Cranberry Dog Chews
Did your pup go nuts for these chews? Snap a pic of their happy face and tag me—I live for those drool-worthy reactions! Leave a rating if you loved the recipe too. Nothing makes my day like seeing dogs enjoy my homemade treats! You can find more dog-friendly recipes on our Pinterest page.
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Irresistible 5-Ingredient Turkey & Cranberry Dog Chews
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 chews
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Turkey & Cranberry Dog Chews are healthy homemade treats for your dog. Made with simple ingredients, these chews provide a tasty snack while supporting your dog’s health.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, unsweetened
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix shredded turkey, cranberries, flour, and egg in a bowl.
- Add water gradually until the dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small logs or shapes.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- Let cool before serving to your dog.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Check with your vet if your dog has food allergies.
- Adjust portion size based on your dog’s weight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Pet Food
