11/25/2024
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒔𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑺𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑫𝒐𝒈𝒔: 𝑨 𝑷𝒆𝒕 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕'𝒔 𝑮𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒆
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, all the indulgent nomz! While enjoying a table full of yummy dishes, it’s natural to want to share the holiday cheer with your four-legged family members. **Cue the most wicked puppy-dog eyes!**
However, not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs. To ensure your pup stays healthy and happy during the festivities, here’s a guide to the foods you can safely share with your canine companion. And what to avoid.
𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬
𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐲 (𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝)
W̲h̲a̲t̲’̲s̲ ̲S̲a̲f̲e̲: Cooked, skinless, unseasoned turkey meat - great protein source!
W̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲t̲o̲ ̲A̲v̲o̲i̲d̲:̲
*Turkey skin - can be high in fat; any turkey seasoned with onions, garlic, or other spices. - Excessive fat in the diet can lead to acute or chronic pancreatitis
*Cooked bones–keep these far out of reach. Because cooked bones can splinter and pose a choking hazard, they should never be given to dogs.
𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬
W̲h̲a̲t̲’̲s̲ ̲S̲a̲f̲e̲:̲ Cooked, plain sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, a good source of a little added fiber
W̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲t̲o̲ ̲A̲v̲o̲i̲d̲:̲ Sweet potato casseroles or dishes with added sugar, marshmallows, or spices.
𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬
W̲h̲a̲t̲’̲s̲ ̲S̲a̲f̲e̲:̲ Plain, steamed green beans are low-calorie and high in fiber, making them a nice occasional snack for dogs.
**If you want your dog to get any nutrients, be sure they are diced, steamed, or put through a food processor. Dogs do not produce the enzyme Amylase, which is necessary for breaking down starches and carbohydrates. Basically, if you want your dog’s body to successfully use the green bean for nutrients, you have to “predigest” the food for their body to access the good stuff.
W̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲t̲o̲ ̲A̲v̲o̲i̲d̲:̲ Green bean casserole, which often contains cream, onions, and other ingredients that aren’t dog-friendly.
𝐏𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐤𝐢𝐧
W̲h̲a̲t̲’̲s̲ ̲S̲a̲f̲e̲:̲ Plain, cooked, or canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is a digestive aid and a good source of fiber.
W̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲t̲o̲ ̲A̲v̲o̲i̲d̲:̲ Pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar, spices, and sometimes xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐞𝐬
W̲h̲a̲t̲’̲s̲ ̲S̲a̲f̲e̲:̲ A small amount of plain, cooked potatoes without butter, cream, or seasonings can be shared.
W̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲t̲o̲ ̲A̲v̲o̲i̲d̲:̲ Mashed potatoes with garlic, onions, butter, or heavy cream.
**NEVER feed raw potatoes to your dog. Raw potatoes contain solanine, a compound that is toxic to some dogs and can lead to major health consequences. Cooking potatoes reduces the amount of solanine to generally non-toxic levels. But if you are wary, skip feeding the potatoes altogether.
𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐬
W̲h̲a̲t̲’̲s̲ ̲S̲a̲f̲e̲:̲ Raw or cooked plain carrots are a crunchy, vitamin-rich treat.
*Again, properly prep this carbohydrate so your dog’s body can process the food and use it effectively for its natural health benefits.
W̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲t̲o̲ ̲A̲v̲o̲i̲d̲:̲ Avoid carrots glazed or seasoned with sugar or spices.
𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬
W̲h̲a̲t̲’̲s̲ ̲S̲a̲f̲e̲:̲ Raw apple slices are a sweet, fiber-rich dog snack.
**Yep, you guessed it—you better be sure to “pre-digest” this health treat for your dog so it's actually useful and yummy.
W̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲t̲o̲ ̲A̲v̲o̲i̲d̲:̲ Apple pie, applesauce, or apple desserts with added sugar or spices.
Be sure to remove all seeds and the core, as apple seeds contain cyanide.
𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
W̲h̲a̲t̲’̲s̲ ̲S̲a̲f̲e̲:̲ Plain, cooked, and processed cranberries can be a tasty treat in moderation.
*Try mashing up a few cooked cranberries and freezing on a lick mat or ice cube for a cool, delicious treat that offers health benefits like healthy urinary function.
W̲h̲a̲t̲ ̲t̲o̲ ̲A̲v̲o̲i̲d̲:̲ canned cranberries or sauce with added sugars and seasonings.
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𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝
Some foods on the Thanksgiving table are best kept away from your dog. Here’s a list of typical holiday dishes that are unsafe:
*𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠: Often contains onions, garlic, raisins, or spices that are toxic to dogs.
*𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐬/𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐬: even a single grape might lead to acute kidney damage or failure in some dogs, so keep your dogs away from these foods
*𝐎𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬, 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: these are not dog-friendly vegetables
*𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐲: High in fat and often seasoned with ingredients harmful to dogs.
*𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐞: Many recipes include sugar or artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol.
*𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐬/𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬/𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞: These typically contain sugar, spices, and sometimes chocolate or nutmeg, which are toxic to dogs.
*𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐠: This spice is used often in various holiday dishes but is toxic to dogs.
*𝐀𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥: Even small amounts can be dangerous and should never be given to pets.
*𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬: excess fat can lead to digestive upset or pancreatitis, and many seasonings can be toxic for dogs.
*𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬: Foods like buttery rolls, fried dishes, and turkey skin can cause digestive upset or even pancreatitis.
*𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬: Casseroles are often made with multiple fatty ingredients or spices that are not dog-friendly.
*𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐬: yeast-based bread dough (cooked or uncooked) can cause problems for pets, including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.
*𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬: cooked bones change in consistency and can easily splinter, causing intestinal blockage or injury.
*𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐬 many nuts are toxic to dogs
*𝐗𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐥: (also called birch sugar) This very commonly found artificial sweetener is found in many foods, so be sure to read the label and keep it far away from your dog. It is exceptionally toxic and potentially fatal for a dog.
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𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐬𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐨𝐠
*𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Even safe foods should be given in small amounts to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach. And if you aren’t sure about a particular food, just don’t feed it.
*𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬: If your dog hasn’t tried a particular food before, introduce it cautiously or skip sharing it with your dog.
*𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞: Bones, food wrappers, and scraps can be tempting and hazardous to curious dogs.
*𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐃𝐨𝐠-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 Set aside a small portion of safe, plain foods before adding seasoning for your human guests.
*𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐭-𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞: Holiday prep can get messy, so consider a setup that keeps your dog out of the kitchen and dining area.
𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬: Let your guests and family know you do not want them to feed any food to your dog and to keep an eye on their plates and cups.
*𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐠: Holiday visits are often high-energy and full of distractions. While some dogs tolerate this well, others may not. Consider simply tucking your dog in for the day for some quiet, safe rest time in the crate or their special safe space. Your dog might appreciate the time away from the Holiday chaos…I mean cheer. By advocating for your dog’s space this way, you avoid mishaps and misunderstandings.
Always remember, you can consult your vet. If you have concerns about what your dog can and cannot eat, consult your veterinarian or certified canine nutritionist. When in doubt, just stick to their regular diet.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to bond with your loved ones—including your pets. Knowing which foods are safe to share can keep your dog healthy and happy during the holiday. You and your canine companion can enjoy a festive feast with a little preparation! 🐾
The more you know, the better you can do to advocate for your dog’s well-being.
