Who doesn't love meatballs? Juicy and succulent, and they don't have to be a treat for just you... If you have a dog at home, you know the excitement that comes when they are anticipating a tasty treat. And what if we told you that meatballs could not only be prepared to be tasty, but they could also be a homemade, nutritious food for your dog? Believe it! Today we are going to take a closer look at how you can prepare a healthy, homemade meatball treat for your dearest four-legged pet, right from your own kitchen.
Why Homemade Dog Meatballs?
Some of the dog treats sold in grocery stores or pet stores today are loaded with preservatives and fillers. With homemade treats you have no worries, as you know exactly what goes into them. It is also an awesome way to bond with your pooch. Dogs go crazy for meatballs (or at least most food-driven dogs do).
Homemade meatballs allow you to tailor the ingredients to your dog's dietary needs. Does your dog do better with turkey vs. beef? No problem, just sub in ground turkey. If your dog loves cheese, add some cheese into the recipe! This is of particularly benefit if your pup has any dietary sensitivities or allergies (yup, dogs have 'em too) or specific nutritional requirements. You can choose to include lean meats, gluten-free grains, or even vegetables.
Besides the health benefits, homemade dog meatballs are cheaper than store-bought balls. You can save a boat load of money when you buy ingredients in bulk!
Essential Ingredients for Dog Meatballs
The heart, or should we say the meat of these tasty wonders is, you guessed it, lean, or not-so-lean ground meats! (In the case of your dog, we do recommend lean meat for them.) Think ground turkey, chicken, or beef – these are the perfect protein-packed treats for your furry buddy. Although some of you are pro-raw meat for your dog, we are not (raw meat can increase the risk of food born illnesses), and meatballs are tastier cooked anyway, so we gotta cook that meat properly to make our balls tasty, and to keep our dog pals healthy and happy.
Next up, we have the glue that holds everything together – we are just kidding about actual glue, but eggs do a cracking job (pun intended) as natural binders. And for a filler, we like to use oats or brown rice.
What about the veggies, dog? We were getting there! Carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes pack a nutrient punch, and can bring a little starchy sweetness to the mix. Make sure to chop the veggies thoroughly (or you can grate them), so you have no issues blending them into the meatball mix. And if you want to give them even more of a health boost, try tossing a spoonful of pumpkin puree.
- Lean ground meats (turkey, chicken, or beef) 1 lb.
- Eggs (1 - 2)
- Oats or brown rice (1/2 cup)
- Carrots (optional)
- Peas (optional)
- Sweet potato (optional)
- Pumpkin puree (optional)
Crafting the Perfect Meatball Mix
Alright, so you have all the ingredients in front of you, right? Good. Let's get going!
- Crank up your oven to 400°F and slap a sheet of parchment paper onto a baking sheet. This will prevent the balls from sticking to the pan, and it will make clean up a cinch.
- Take the ground meat you chose (we are rocking with lean ground beef this round), add to a bowl with the egg, and your choice of filler.
- Work in the vegetables you so carefully chopped (or grated) and any other miscellaneous ingredients you want to add, like cheese, pumpkin or parsely. Just make sure they are dog safe!
- Our favorite step - like Bob Marley sings, "Stir It Up" until everything is evenly mixed.
- Voilà! Meatball mix is ready to be rolled and cooked!
Rolling and Baking Your Meatballs
Let's get these balls rolling, shall we?
- Take a spoon, or an ice cream scooper and scoop out the meatball mixture into equal portions (you can go small or big - your choice, but know that bigger balls will take longer to cook.
- Now for the fun part - the rolling! Take each portion and roll between your hands to make perfectly-shaped meatballs. Try to keep them equal in size to have the same cooking time.
- Line up those little (or big) soldiers on a cookie sheet next to each other, but not touching. An inch or so apart works.
- Once the whole sheet is lined with meatballs, it's time to send them to the tanning salon, AKA the oven!
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned slightly.
- Allow them to cool completely, then give them to your pupper!
Storing Your Dog Meatballs
You did it! You made the meatballs and they have cooled down, so they are ready to serve to your doggo. If you made a ton of meatballs, obviously don't give them all to your dog at once. Put the leftovers in the fridge. They will stay good for about a week. And if you put them in the freezer they should be good for a couple months.
Tips for Picky Pups
Not all dogs like all foods, and that is okay! New foods may take some warming up to. If your dog is a picky eater (like ours is), start by introducing meatballs slowly. A good idea is to mix them with their normal dog food, or use them as a food topping.
Sometimes, warming the meatballs slightly can enhance their aroma, making them more appealing to your furry friend.
Observe your dog’s reaction to different approaches, and adjust accordingly!
Nutritional Benefits of Dog Meatballs
If you choose quality, lean meat, and fresh veggies, you’re giving your dog essential nutrients that support their overall health. Protein is key to building muscles and repairing tissues, while vegetables provide an array vitamins and antioxidants!
Safety Tips for Cooking for Your Dog
When cooking for your dog, safety is key. Always ensure that any meat used is cooked thoroughly to eliminate the risk of bacterial contamination. Avoid using seasoning that is in normal, human meatballs. These can be toxic to dogs - such as onions, garlic, or chives.
Be aware of portion sizes, as overfeeding can lead to weight gain or potentially more serious issues.
Lastly, keep an eye out for any allergic reactions when introducing new ingredients, foods, or supplements to your dog. If your dog shows signs of distress, consult your veterinarian ASAP.
Conclusion
A fun way of expressing how much your dog means to you is to prepare food for them! And what food could a dog love more than meatballs? These treats for your dogs are not only delicious, but they are also nutritious and customizable for your dog's unique dietary needs.
By investing time and effort into making these treats, you’re contributing to your dog’s happiness and health. Why not give it a try? Your dog will thank you!
FAQ
Can Dogs Eat Pasta with Meatballs?
Absolutely, dogs can enjoy pasta with meatballs—just keep some things in mind to make it a safe and enjoyable treat. Pasta itself is generally safe for dogs in moderation, especially plain pasta made from healthy ingredients like whole wheat or rice. However, it's important to serve it in small portions to avoid excess carbohydrates, which may lead to weight gain.
Is Onion Powder Okay to Add to Meatballs for Dogs?
No, onion powder is not safe for dogs and should be avoided in meatball recipes for your furry friend. Onions, along with garlic and other members of the allium family, contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. These compounds can cause gastrointestinal upset and might lead to more serious conditions.
References
1) Davies RH, Lawes JR, Wales AD. Raw diets for dogs and cats: a review, with particular reference to microbiological hazards. J Small Anim Pract. 2019 Jun;60(6):329-339. doi: 10.1111/jsap.13000. Epub 2019 Apr 26. PMID: 31025713; PMCID: PMC6849757.
2) American Kennel Club. (last updated 2023, October 16th). Do dogs need meat in their diets?. AKC. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/do-dogs-need-meat-in-their-diets/
