By David | Updated: January 27, 2025
Homemade, healthy, and pet-approved! This simple Ground Turkey & Pea recipe is a balanced meal topper or treat for both dogs and cats.
✅ Quick Summary (TL;DR)
Looking for an easy, affordable, and healthy homemade meal for your cat or dog? This Ground Turkey & Pea Mash-Up is high in lean protein, rich in fiber, and gentle on sensitive stomachs. Perfect as a meal supplement, treat, or rotation meal, it’s ready in under 15 minutes and loved by picky eaters.
🥩 Why This Recipe Works for Both Dogs & Cats
- Lean Ground Turkey: Excellent source of digestible protein, low in fat, and rich in B vitamins (especially niacin & B6) to support energy and immunity.
- Cooked Green Peas: A low-calorie, high-fiber veggie that adds vitamins A, C, and K—plus a mild sweetness pets enjoy.
- Minimal Ingredients: Ideal for sensitive pets or those transitioning to homemade diets.
This recipe works great as a topper, treat, or occasional meal, and can easily be customized.
📋 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground turkey (lean, plain) | ¼ pound (approx. 113g) | No seasoning or added fat |
| Green peas (cooked, plain) | ¼ cup | Fresh, frozen, or canned (unsalted) |
| Water or turkey broth | 1–2 tbsp | Low-sodium or homemade only |
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Turkey
In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey. Cook thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces, until no pink remains (about 8–10 minutes). Avoid oil, salt, or spices. - Cook the Peas
Steam or boil peas until soft (3–5 minutes). If using frozen, follow package instructions. If using canned, rinse thoroughly to remove sodium. - Mash (Optional)
Lightly mash peas with a fork—especially helpful for cats or small dogs who prefer softer textures. - Mix Together
Combine turkey and peas in a mixing bowl. Add water or broth slowly until desired moisture level is reached. Stir until well blended. - Cool and Serve
Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature before serving. Pets’ tongues are sensitive!
🍽️ Serving Size Guide
| Pet Weight | Recommended Serving |
|---|---|
| Cats (8–12 lbs) | 2–3 tablespoons |
| Small dogs (10–20 lbs) | ¼ to ½ cup |
| Medium dogs (20–40 lbs) | ½ to 1 cup |
| Large dogs (40+ lbs) | 1 to 1½ cups |
👉 Note: This is not meant as a complete diet. Serve as a topper, treat, or occasional meal.
📦 Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in small, single-serve containers or silicone molds for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using seasoned meat – Garlic, onion, or salt are toxic to pets. Stick with plain meat only.
- Serving hot – Let the food cool fully. Hot food can burn your pet’s mouth.
- Skipping the mash – Especially for kittens or older pets, unmashed peas may be hard to chew.
- Using canned peas with salt – Sodium can be harmful. Rinse well or choose no-salt versions.
🐶 Variations to Try
- Swap turkey for chicken – Lean ground chicken works just as well and adds variety.
- Add mashed sweet potato – A spoonful adds beta carotene and fiber.
- Use green beans instead of peas – Lower in sugar and ideal for diabetic pets.
- Add omega-3s – Stir in a few drops of wild salmon oil for coat and brain support.
🧑⚕️ Expert Tips & Disclaimers
- Vet Approval Recommended: Always consult your vet before changing your pet’s diet, especially if they have allergies, kidney issues, or are on prescription food.
- Not a complete diet: This recipe is best served as a topper or treat. It does not include taurine (critical for cats) or calcium (for bones).
- Puppies and kittens? Yes, just mash finely and adjust portion sizes.
🧮 Approximate Nutrition (Per ¼ Cup Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Moisture | High |
(Values vary based on brand of turkey and peas used.)
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use canned peas?
Yes—but make sure they’re unsalted and rinse thoroughly.
Q: How often can I feed this?
1–2 times a week is great for variety. It’s a healthy way to boost interest in regular meals.
Q: Can I make it ahead and freeze?
Absolutely. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge for easy future meals.
Q: My cat/dog doesn’t like peas—what should I do?
Try finely mashing or blending peas with broth, or substitute with finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini.
📌 Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey & Pea Pet Meal is an easy, nutritious, and budget-friendly way to treat your pets. Whether you use it as a mealtime booster or a soft treat, it’s a quick recipe your furry companions will genuinely enjoy.
They may not say thank you, but expect happy tail wags or headbutts next time you enter the kitchen. 😉