As you enjoy your delicious holiday meal, your pet looks at you desperately in the corner licking their chops, uncontrollably drooling and panting for a piece of your feast. We know you want them to feel apart of the festivities, why not make them something both scrumptiously tasty and good for their health as well? Here are Thanksgiving recipes for your pet to show them how grateful you are to be apart of their furry lives!
Turkey giblets are a nutritious treat that many dog owners like to cook up for their pups. As the internal organs of the turkey, giblets contain high amounts of protein vitamins, and minerals. Liver, heart gizzards, kidneys – dogs go crazy for these meaty morsels.
But before you serve up any turkey giblets, it’s important to cook them properly. Raw giblets can contain bacteria like salmonella. Thorough cooking kills any dangerous pathogens and makes the giblets easier for your dog to digest.
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to learn how to safely cook turkey giblets for your furry friend.
Step 1: Get High-Quality Turkey Giblets
When selecting turkey giblets to cook for your dog try to find ones from organic, free-range turkeys whenever possible. Giblets from high-quality turkeys will provide better nutrition for your pup. Make sure the giblets have no added seasonings, flavorings or preservatives – just plain turkey organs.
You can ask your butcher for turkey giblets, or find them packaged in the poultry section of your grocery store, often inside the cavity of a whole turkey. Buy them fresh whenever you can.
Step 2: Clean the Giblets Thoroughly
Once you have your turkey giblets, wash them under cool running water to remove any dirt, blood or residue. Pull off any membrane or excess fat – dogs won’t need those fatty bits.
Be cautious of small bones, like in the neck. Bones can present a choking hazard, so remove any you find. You just want the soft organs for your dog’s giblet treat.
Step 3: Choose a Cooking Method
There are three easy ways to cook turkey giblets for your dog: boiling, baking or steaming.
Boiling
This is the simplest method. Place the cleaned giblets in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let the giblets cook for 20-30 minutes, until no pink remains inside.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Put the giblets in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until completely cooked through. Check for doneness by piercing the giblets with a fork.
Steaming
In a steamer basket or pot, steam the giblets for 20-30 minutes until fully cooked. The giblets should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
No matter which technique you use, ensure the giblets are cooked all the way through. There should be no traces of pink and the juices should run clear.
Step 4: Cool and Cut the Giblets
Once cooked, let the giblets cool completely before serving to your dog. While still warm, cutting the giblets can be messy.
For smaller dogs, chop the cooled giblets into bite-sized pieces. Large dogs can handle bigger chunks. Just monitor your pup as he eats to prevent choking.
Step 5: Store the Leftovers
Cooked giblets will keep fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. Save any unused portions in an airtight container.
To freeze giblets for longer storage, pack cooked chunks into freezer bags or containers. Thaw frozen giblets overnight in the fridge before feeding to your dog.
Mix It Up: Delicious Ways to Serve Giblets
Once you’ve mastered the cooking process, get creative with how you serve up those tasty turkey giblets. Here are some delicious ideas:
-
Combine chopped giblets with your dog’s regular kibble or canned food. The added meaty flavor will drive pups crazy!
-
For a special treat, skew chunks of heart, liver and gizzard on small sticks. Serve giblet “kabobs” to your pup.
-
Simmer the giblets in chicken or beef broth to create a mouthwatering gravy topping for your dog’s dinner.
-
Use a food processor to finely mince cooked giblets. Mix into homemade dog treats or frozen food recipes.
-
Stuff small amounts of chopped giblets into Kong toys along with peanut butter or pumpkin purée. Freezes well for longer-lasting chewing fun.
Get creative with different ways to serve those nutritious turkey giblets to your lucky dog! Just remember proper storage times and avoid overfeeding. In moderation, cooked giblets make a delicious and healthy supplemental treat.
Turkey Giblet Safety Tips
While turkey giblets can be very beneficial for your dog, there are a few safety guidelines to keep in mind:
-
Always fully cook giblets to prevent foodborne illness. Completely avoid feeding raw giblets.
-
Don’t feed your dog the turkey neck. The bones pose a choking/blockage risk.
-
Remove any seasonings, onions, garlic or other flavorings before cooking. Stick to plain giblets.
-
Introduce new foods slowly to avoid digestive upset.
-
Moderation is key. Giblets should only supplement your dog’s balanced diet.
-
Monitor your dog closely when feeding giblets. Slow down or stop feeding if you notice signs of an allergic reaction or intolerance.
As long as you take some basic precautions when preparing and serving turkey giblets, your dog is sure to benefit from this healthy, protein-packed treat! Just follow the proper cooking methods outlined above.
Satisfy Your Dog’s Cravings with Delicious Turkey Giblets
From boiling to baking to steaming, preparing tasty turkey giblets for your pup is easy and rewarding. Your dog will love the flavor and texture of these nutritious cooked organs.
Follow the steps for safe handling and thorough cooking. Allow giblets to cool fully before chopping into bite-sized pieces perfect for your dog. Get creative with fun ways to incorporate the giblets into your dog’s diet.
Serve up turkey giblets in moderation along with your dog’s balanced meals. He’ll be wagging his tail for these meaty morsels! Just be sure to follow basic safety guidelines. With proper preparation, giblets make a nutritious supplemental snack dogs adore.
Probiotic Pumpkin Pies
Pumpkin is excellent for your dogs digestion. These probiotic pumpkin pies will be put to good use, especially if you aren’t the only one tempted to feed your pooch Thanksgiving table food this year! Use 16 ounces plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling), ½ of a banana, ¾ cup gluten free flour, ½ cup gluten free oatmeal, ½ cup plain low-fat yogurt, ¼ to ½ cup of water and 1-2 scoops of pre + probiotic powder for dogs. You will need a cupcake / muffin tin with liners.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit. Mix flour and oatmeal in a bowl. Slowly add water to the mixture. Be sure to add it slowly because you want the consistency of the dough to be both firm and soft enough to be pliable. Line the cupcake tin with liners. Take pieces of the dough and press into the liners. The dough should be about ½ inch thick per liner. Bake for about 8 minutes until lightly brown. Remove the crusts from the tin and allow to cool on a rack. In a separate bowl, combine the banana, yogurt, canned pumpkin and pre + probiotic powder for dogs. Mix together well. Fill each tiny crust with the probiotic pumpkin mixture. You can freeze or serve as is! We don’t recommend giving them more than 2 probiotic pumpkin pies in a day. They contain a healthy chunk of fiber to help ease digestion!
We don’t recommend feeding your cat or dog food made for humans all of the time. This can instill some bad habits. However, for the holiday, you can indulge them for the day. When preparing a turkey, there is that part which makes even the best chefs a little squeamish. The giblets are what we pull out from the turkey cavity before preparing the turkey to bake. The giblets contain the liver, kidneys, heart, gizzard and neck. Instead of just tossing them, we can turn them into a healthy treat for our pet!
Remove the turkey giblets from the turkey cavity. Be sure to not include the neck as it contains bones. If the giblets are in packaging, remove them from the packaging. Rinse the giblets thoroughly. For cats and smaller dogs, chop them into small pieces. Place the giblets in a small pot and cover with water. Bring the pot to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cook for 5 to 10 minutes. You want to be sure they are cooked through. Transfer them to a separate bowl to cool down. Mix the giblets with the recommended dosage (based on weight) of salmon + hemp oil. This natural salmon + hemp oil for pets combination contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These are exceptional ingredients to reduce inflammation, boost a healthy heart and provide a shiny coat.
Immune-boosting Turkey Meatballs
Use that leftover turkey to make your pet a delicious treat! About 1 lb of leftover turkey meat will work for this recipe. Be sure to remove all of the skin and bones. Turkey skin contains too much sodium, which isn’t healthy for your cat or dog to consume. Use ½ cup rolled oats, 2 eggs, 2 tbsps plain low-fat yogurt, ¼ cup fresh parsley, 1 cup mixed veggies (carrots, peas or green beans) and 1 scoop of pre + probiotic for cats or 1 scoop of pre + probiotic powder for dogs. The powder depends on whether or not you are giving to a cat or a dog. Be sure to not give a probiotic powder made for cats to dogs and vice versa.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit. Add the leftover turkey to a food processor or blender to chop up the meat. Add rolled oats and blend together the ingredients. Next, add the eggs, yogurt and probiotic powder. Be sure they mix well enough to hold together. Transfer to a separate bowl. Mix in your veggies and parsley by hand. Roll them into 1 inch balls. Place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes. You want to be sure they are golden around the edges. Be sure they cool down before serving to your furry friends. They can last up to 5 days in the fridge. For cats and smaller dogs, you will want to cut them into smaller pieces once they are finished baking! These make the perfect immune-boosting turkey balls for your beloved pet!
We know you may be tempted to discreetly give your pet a couple of hand-outs underneath the Thanksgiving dinner table. Don’t do it! Instead utilize those leftovers or make them something special for the holiday. They will thank you for it!
Cooking the Turkey Giblets & Neck for a great Dog treat!
FAQ
How long does it take to boil turkey giblets?
What part of turkey giblets do you use?
How to cook turkey liver for dogs?
Can dogs eat turkey giblets?
If you have a dog, you don’t have to let turkey giblets go to waste. Giblets are a nutritious snack that dogs love and it’s very easy to cook them. When you want to cook giblets for dogs, you will need to boil them in a pot of water until fully cooked. Like most meat, dogs absolutely love giblets.
How do you cook giblets in a Turkey?
Remove giblets from turkey cavity. If they are within a bag or other package, remove them from packaging. Rinse giblets with water. Put giblets in small pan and cover with water. Put pan on stovetop and bring to boil. Reduce to medium and cook for 5 to 10 minutes or until giblets are cooked through.
Can dogs eat giblets in a slow cooker?
Another easy way to make giblets for your dog is by cooking them in a slow cooker. A great meal to make for your dog is a mixture of 1 lb giblets, 1 lb deboned chicken, 4 eggs (leave whole with the shell on), 3 carrots (peeled and chopped), and 1 cup of water. Allow this mixture to cook on low for 2 to 3 hours.
What should you do with Turkey giblets?
A turkey’s vital organs, called giblets, are the heart, liver, gizzard, neck and kidney. They get stuffed inside when it is processed. You must remove them before cooking the turkey; but what should you do with them? You can make gravy or throw them out. But wait! You can cook them for your four-legged friend to have a nice treat.