11/24/2024
We all love to include our pets in the holidays, but many foods can be dangerous to our furry friends.
What to avoid?
Bones — Turkey bones become brittle after cooking and can splinter easily. If your pet swallows a splintered bone, they could choke or suffer internal injuries, such as a blockage or punctured intestine.
High-fat foods — Fatty foods, such as rich sauces, turkey skin, and buttery mashed potatoes, can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) upset in pets and may trigger pancreatitis, a life-threatening condition.
Onions and garlic — Onions and garlic are commonly used to season Thanksgiving side dishes, but these members of the Allium family can cause injury to your pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Grapes and raisins — Some stuffing recipes call for grapes or raisins, which can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
Bread dough — Yeast dough can expand in your pet’s stomach, leading to bloating and discomfort.
Alcohol — Many people enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine during the Thanksgiving festivities, but even a small amount can be dangerous for pets.
Chocolate — Chocolate is always on the list of Thanksgiving foods pets should avoid. It is toxic to both dogs and cats. Remember, The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous.
Xylitol — This artificial sweetener, also sometimes called “birch sugar, found in sugar-free desserts, gum, and some peanut butter, is highly toxic to pets.
What treats can we share with our four-legged family?
- Plain, cooked white turkey meat with no bones, skin, or seasoning
- Plain green beans, carrots, and pumpkin
- A small amount of plain sweet potatoes
- Frozen blueberries
We hope you and all your pets have a safe, happy and very yummy holiday dinner.
