Thanksgiving is right around the corner; whether you’re hosting or visiting family, one thing is a given. The holidays are always more fun when our furry family members join us. There’s no better feeling than grabbing a plate of delicious food and gathering with the ones you love with your pup by your side. As this holiday for gratitude comes closer, you might wonder how to involve your pet in all the festivities.
A great way to celebrate with them is by serving them traditional Thanksgiving foods. Today, we’ll look at the most popular Turkey Day foods and determine whether they’re safe to feed Fido!
Safe Thanksgiving Foods to Feed Your Dog
Turkey: Unseasoned turkey without bones or skin is a great way to incorporate protein into your dog’s diet. Save the bones and other inedible turkey parts for a bone broth. This broth is great mixed into your pup’s food for extra nutrition.
Vegetables: Depending on how the vegetables are prepared, dogs can eat them. Veggies should be eaten without seasonings or butter, which can cause an upset stomach. Carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes are all safe options for your festive pet.
Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are another yummy treat that should be served plain. Avoid cream, butter, and any other seasoning. Please understand that too much starch in a dog’s diet can cause digestive issues and weight gain. If you give your furbaby plain potatoes, do not overfeed them.
Fall Fruits: Fresh cranberries, apples without seeds and the core, and real canned pumpkins are perfect ways to get something sweet into your dog’s bowl. These fruits are all safe for your pup. Pumpkin treats are incredibly delicious to dogs, with various yummy options.
Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Canine on Thanksgiving
Pies: Most pies, no matter the flavor, are too sugary and fattening for your pup. This desert also tends to have ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Extra caution should be given to pies that include xylitol, pecans, or chocolate, as these can cause health issues if eaten.
Stuffing: Many traditional stuffings are made with toxic ingredients. Avoid foods with grapes, raisins, onions, or garlic.
Dinner Rolls: Small pieces of cooked dinner rolls are okay to feed your pup, but do not let them get raw dough. The raw dough can expand in Fido’s stomach and cause dangerous blockages or discomfort if eaten.
Trash: While trash is never on the menu on Thanksgiving, with all the holiday excitement, it may be easier for your dog to get into the garbage. To avoid this, keep the trash in an unreachable area. This could be in the garage or an unmoveable can. If your dog gets into the trash, do not panic. Keep a close eye on your pet and contact your veterinarian if their condition worsens or they get ahold of something toxic. Being proactive when this happens lessens the change of garbage gut and other health issues.
You’ll be glad you prioritized a safe Thanksgiving with your dog when you see how happy their yummy meal makes them! Enjoy the holiday, and don’t forget to split the wishbone with your pup (just don’t let them chew on it, as cooked bones are not safe for dogs).