Dog sausage rolls are a homemade treat for your canine companion, featuring a savory meat filling wrapped in a simple dough and baked until golden. This recipe uses dog-safe ingredients like ground turkey, oats, and parsley, avoiding the onion, garlic, and excess salt found in many commercial products. They’re perfect for training, special occasions, or just showing your pup some love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/2 cup (40 g) rolled oats
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) water, plus more as needed
- 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey (or lean ground beef)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) finely grated carrot
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (30 g) plain breadcrumbs (or more oats)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for the filling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated carrot, parsley, breadcrumbs, and the beaten egg. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the filling tough.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour and rolled oats. Add the water and mix until a soft dough forms. If it’s too dry, add water a teaspoon at a time; if too sticky, add a little more flour.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Cut into 4 equal strips lengthwise.
- Divide the meat mixture into 4 portions. Shape each portion into a log about the length of the dough strips. Place one log along the edge of each dough strip.
- Roll the dough over the filling, sealing the edge by pressing with your fingers. Repeat with the remaining strips.
- Cut each long roll into 3 or 4 smaller pieces (about 2 inches each). Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg (the one set aside for brushing). This gives a nice golden shine.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the filling reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer (USDA FSIS safe minimum for poultry).
- Let cool completely on a wire rack before serving to your dog.
Tips
- Substitutions: Swap ground turkey for lean ground beef or chicken. Use oat flour instead of whole wheat for a gluten-free version. Replace parsley with a little unsalted pumpkin puree (reduce water in dough accordingly).
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls for up to 3 months.
- Common mistake: Don’t overwork the dough or the filling—this makes them tough. Also, always check the internal temperature; don’t rely on color alone.
- Portion control: These are treats, not a meal replacement. Adjust the size based on your dog’s breed and caloric needs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a special treat during training sessions, crumbled over your dog’s dinner as a topper, or as a birthday surprise. Always supervise your dog when giving treats, and break them into smaller pieces for small breeds.
Variations
- Cheese & Apple: Add 1/4 cup (30 g) shredded cheddar and 1/4 cup (30 g) finely diced apple (no seeds) to the filling.
- Sweet Potato: Replace the carrot with 1/2 cup (60 g) mashed cooked sweet potato.
- Fish: Use canned salmon (drained, no bones) instead of turkey, and reduce the egg to half.
Storage and Reheating
Keep leftover sausage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag—they’ll keep for up to 3 months. To serve from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes. Do not microwave, as hot spots can burn your dog’s mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat? Yes, but whole wheat adds fiber. All-purpose will work with a slightly softer dough.
Can I make these without eggs? Yes, omit the egg in the filling and use milk or water to bind. For brushing, use a little milk or oil instead.
How many should I give my dog per day? Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For a medium dog, one or two small rolls is plenty.
Can I use raw meat? The rolls are baked, so the meat is cooked. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for poultry.
Why are my rolls soggy? Sogginess usually comes from too much moisture in the filling or underbaking. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the meat and bake until the pastry is crisp.
Are these safe for puppies? Yes, but introduce new foods gradually and cut into tiny pieces to avoid choking.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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