Throw These Pet-Safe Kabobs on the Grill at Your Next Backyard BBQ

One of our favorite things about warm weather is backyard BBQs. While you’re throwing your own grub on the grill, why not whip up this DIY dog treat and cat treat recipe, too, so your furry friends can get in on the alfresco fun? These pet-safe kabobs are bound to get their mouths watering.

Created by cookbook authors and Trunk Pop Dinners co-founders Marge Perry and David Bonom, this DIY dog treat and cat treat recipe consists of good-for-them fresh protein and veggies. Plus, it’s super simple to make! With just some brown rice, turkey, vegetables and skewers (be sure to remove them before giving to your dog or cat), you can grill up these kabobs by the time your pet gets their zoomies out around the yard.

These pet-safe kabobs can even be enjoyed by your two-legged loved ones, so your next BBQ backyard can be a true family affair. Learn how to make them below.

• 8 ounces ground turkey breast for dog-sized kabobs, or 4 ounces for cat-sized kabobs
• ¼ cup cooked brown rice for dog-sized kabobs, or 2 tablespoons for cat-sized kabobs
• 6 (1 ¼-inch) squares of red bell pepper for dog-sized kabobs, or 12 ½-inch squares for cat-sized kabobs
• 2 (½-inch thick) slices of zucchini cut into thirds for dog-sized kabobs, or cut into cut into 6 wedges for cat-sized kabobs
• 3 green beans trimmed and halved crosswise for dog-sized kabobs, or trimmed and cut crosswise into 4 pieces each for cat-sized kabobs

• 6-inch bamboo skewers
• Grill
• Bowl
• Knife

Yield:
6 large or 12 small kabobs

Serving size:
1 larger-sized kabob for dogs, or 1 smaller-sized kabob for cats

Prep time:
15 minutes

Cook time:
4-8 minutes

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350-450 degrees Fahrenheit) and soak the skewers in warm water for at least 20 minutes. Combine the turkey breast and rice in a bowl and mix well.

2. For dogs, form the mixture into 12 (1-ounce) balls, about 1 ½-inches in diameter. For cats, form the mixture into 24 (¼-ounce) balls, about ½-inch in diameter.

3. Chop the veggies as directed above, slicing the red bell pepper into squares, the zucchini into either thirds or wedges, and the green beans crosswise.

4. Thread each skewer with 1 piece of bell pepper, 2 meatballs, 1 zucchini wedge, and 1 piece of green bean.

5. Place the kabobs directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and grill, turning occasionally until the turkey is cooked through, about 8 minutes for the dog-sized kabobs, or about 4 to 5 minutes for the cat-sized kabobs.

6. Cool completely before removing the ingredients from the skewers and treating your pup or kitty.

To ensure proper food safety, refrigerate leftovers within 1 hour of preparation and consume within 3-4 days, or transfer to freeze-safe containers and store for up to 1 month. This recipe was designed for both cats and dogs, and reviewed by a veterinarian. It is intended as a treat or snack. Treats should only constitute a small percentage of your pet’s daily food. Feeding too many treats can lead to nutrient deficiencies. If your pet has health issues (including food allergies or sensitivities to fats) or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering this food item.