Ingredients
For the Pup Patties
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
- ¾ cup pumpkin purée (100% pure pumpkin)
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup finely shredded carrots
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ cup cooked sweet potato, mashed
- ¼ cup cooked green peas, lightly mashed
- ¼ cup finely chopped green beans
- ¼ cup finely shredded zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 2–3 tablespoons oat flour, if needed
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Blend ½ cup of the rolled oats in a food processor until they form a coarse oat flour, leaving the remaining oats whole for extra texture.
Add the ground turkey, pumpkin purée, egg, shredded carrots, parsley, oat flour, and remaining rolled oats to a large bowl. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined, being careful not to overmix, since overworking ground meat mixtures can make the finished patties tougher rather than tender.
If the mixture feels too wet to shape into patties, add additional oat flour a tablespoon at a time until it holds together well.
Divide the mixture into small portions and shape each into a round, slightly flattened patty, adjusting the size to suit your dog — smaller for small breeds, a bit larger for bigger dogs.
Arrange the patties on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until completely cooked through and the centers reach 165°F (74°C). Because this recipe uses raw ground turkey, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to confirm the patties are fully and safely cooked.
Allow the pup patties to cool completely before serving.