Thanksgiving will always be a favorite holiday tradition. Family, friends, food, fall weather and maybe football mean lots of FUN! As pet parents, we are so grateful for our dogs and the impact they have on our lives. Because of this appreciation, you may want to share your delicious Thanksgiving feast with your beloved dog. After all, they are as deserving as we are. Before you give in to those adorable puppy eyes begging for treats, be sure to read this to find out what’s safe for your fur baby so they have the perfect pet Thanksgiving feast!
Most of our favorite Thanksgiving foods are high in fat and sugar. It should therefore come as no surprise that they are on the list of foods not to be eaten by our pets. It’s probably too rich and fatty for your dog, which can lead to stomach upset and unexpected cleaning later. To prevent stomach upset in your dog, here’s what you CAN give him!
What Thanksgiving Foods Can I Give My Dog?
Thanksgiving Turkey
Provided it is well cooked, choose the breast or white meat of the turkey. But not too much, because Thanksgiving turkey is prepared with oil and butter, which can cause tummy aches in your fur baby. Be sure to remove the skin and never give your dog bones of any kind, but especially turkey bones. Bones can break and get stuck in the throat, which is a surefire way to end up at the emergency veterinary clinic.
Sweet potatoes, plain
On its own, this healthy root vegetable is a treat for your dog. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and are considered a very healthy treat for adults, children and pets. The best way to serve it to your pet is to peel it, cook it and chop it to mix with your dog’s food.
However, sweet potato casserole with marshmallows and brown sugar is on the DO NOT give your dog list. There are too many sweet ingredients in this dish that will upset your dog’s tummy. Canned yam, its other name, is also on the banned list.
Pumpkin, canned
Dogs can enjoy canned pumpkin, and some people give it to them to add vitamins and fiber to their dog’s diet. However, you cannot give your dog pumpkin in the form of a delicious and delicious pie. Canned pumpkin isn’t sweet or spicy, but what we add to it is what’s not good for our fur babies: pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, and sweetened or condensed milk. Canned pumpkin straight from the can is high in fiber and vitamins. Veterinarians often recommend it to relieve loose stools in sick animals.
Remember, pumpkin spice it will not do your pet any good. Just a teaspoon of plain pumpkin is enough to make them grateful!
Raw vegetables
These are wonderful treats for pets. Fresh vegetables are a great addition to any pet diet. Most vegetables make a great snack for dogs, including broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, green beans, and sweet potato. My dog particularly likes carrots. And just like sweet potato casserole isn’t on your pets’ menu, so is green bean casserole because of the other added ingredients. Vegetables provide a a low-calorie, high-fiber snack for dogs and keeps them feeling fuller.
What Thanksgiving Foods Should I Not Give My Dog?
Padding
The variety of spices present in this delicious dish makes it a food banned from your dog’s plate.
Mashed potatoes
There is just too much of a good thing in mashed potatoes with all the butter and milk additions. This will upset your dog’s tummy.
Cranberries
The plain type will be too tart for your dog or cat. They wouldn’t eat them in this form. When you add sugar, alcohol and raisins to your cranberry dish, it becomes toxic to your dog. Always avoid anything with raisins, including fruit cakes.
Chocolate
Depending on the type of chocolate and quantity, various concerns may arise. This deserves an article of its own. Find out what we covered in our recent article here.
Festive decorations
The decorations come out and they’re not food, but your dog (or cat) might think they are. Part of the season brings the addition of decorations into the home. This could include a centerpiece of flowers, plants, poinsettias, lilies and a Christmas tree – not all of which are edible or even toxic to your dog or cat.
What’s the best way to show your fur baby you’re grateful? As always, showing them lots of love is the best way!
Also read our blog: Top Toxic Foods for Dogs
If you want to cook something special for your fur baby, Check out some of these great pet-specific recipes here!