This time next week we will all hopefully be enjoying Thanksgiving with friends, family, and our furbabies. It’s a day to celebrate the things we are most grateful for, and many of us tend to overindulge – loosening the belt after dinner is not an uncommon sight on many couches as we settle in for the football!
But unfortunately, the Thanksgiving period tends to correspond to an increase in visits to vets’ offices across the country, usually due to dogs being fed unsafe human foods.
So, which Thanksgiving foods can my dog eat?
Plain turkey meat, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are all safe, healthy foods to share with your dog in moderation – but only if there are no added ingredients like salt or butter, for example.
Small amounts of green beans and plain peas are also fine for your dog; they have good amounts of fiber and vitamins that are good for your pup. But again, only if served plain – no salt, spices, or creamed versions. Creamed peas or green bean casserole are not good news for your pets’ digestive systems – they are too fatty.
How many styles of potatoes will be on your table? Thanksgiving is a meal where we’ll usually find plenty of potato options – but only give your dog boiled or baked/roasted potatoes with no butter, sour cream, salt or pepper, or spices, and always in moderation.
Many dog owners already know that pumpkin can help dogs with their digestive health and it’s great for a dog’s skin and coat. If you feed your dog some canned pumpkin, make sure it’s just pumpkin, and not a pre-spiced pie mix version.
Now when it comes to dessert, are you making an apple pie to go with the mandatory pumpkin pie? Plain, raw apple slices are full of vitamins A and C and contain lots of fiber, making them a healthy Thanksgiving treat for Fido. But slice off pieces for them – don’t give them the apple core as apple seeds can be toxic. And again, don’t give your dog any pre-spiced canned pumpkin pie, or anything with chocolate or the sweetener Xylitol.
You will have noticed a lot of ‘Buts” in the above – the key thing to remember is plain is usually the key. No foods with added ingredients like sugar, salt or pepper, butter, spices, etc.
To avoid issues, avoid feeding Fido these foods
Turkey bones and skin, sweets and candies, alcohol, and fatty foods are all common Thanksgiving treats that you should NOT feed your dog. But below is a more comprehensive list of items the ASPCA and the American Veterinary Medical Association say should NOT be fed to dogs under the table at this year’s Thanksgiving meal:
- Turkey bones, skin, and gravy
- Stuffing
- Casseroles
- Mashed potatoes
- Creamed peas
- Chocolate, cookies, pies, and sweets (especially anything containing xylitol which is toxic)
- Alcohol
- Raisins and grapes
- Onions, scallions, and garlic
- Ham
- Yeast dough
- Fatty foods
- Foods containing spices
All are unhealthy, some are harmful, and some are toxic – please avoid all of these temptations for Fido. Also remember to be careful with your trash can after dinner has been cleared. Your dog’s nose is way more powerful than yours…and the odors coming from that trash can could be way too tempting if Fido is left unattended while you snooze through your food coma on the couch!
Contact Compassionate Animal Care Today
Questions? Please contact us at the clinic – 480.774.6995 – with any questions or concerns. Please note that we are taking some time to enjoy our own Thanksgiving Holiday, and will be closed Thursday 24th and Friday 25th November. We will be back to our usual hours – Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm – on Monday 28th November.
Please have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
If we are not available, call:
The Pet Poison Helpline*: 855-764-7661
*Fee applies for the Pet Poison Helpline – $75 at time of writing
