Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, express gratitude, and, of course, enjoy a delicious feast. But when it comes to our furry family members, the holiday table can be a minefield of dangerous foods and tempting treats. To ensure your pet has a safe and enjoyable holiday, here’s a guide on what they can (and definitely shouldn’t) indulge in this Thanksgiving.
Pet-Friendly Treats: The “Dos” of Thanksgiving
Here are some safe and nutritious holiday foods that you can share with your pet—always in moderation:
- Turkey (Plain and Cooked)
- DO: Offer your pet small, boneless, and skinless pieces of cooked turkey. Make sure the meat is plain, free of any seasonings, butter, or oil.
- Benefits: Turkey is a great source of lean protein that can be a delicious and healthy treat for your pet.
- Sweet Potatoes (Plain)
- DO: Serve plain, cooked sweet potatoes. Skip the marshmallows, sugar, or any spices commonly used in holiday recipes.
- Benefits: Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious snack for pets.
- Pumpkin (Unsweetened)
- DO: Add a spoonful of plain, cooked pumpkin or canned pumpkin (without added sugar or spices) to your pet’s meal.
- Benefits: Pumpkin is great for digestion and can be a tasty, healthy addition to your pet’s Thanksgiving dinner.
- Green Beans (Plain)
- DO: Offer plain, cooked green beans without salt, garlic, or any other seasoning.
- Benefits: Green beans are low in calories and full of vitamins, fiber, and iron.
- Apples (Without Seeds or Core)
- DO: Slice up fresh apple pieces, removing any seeds and the core, and let your pet enjoy a crisp, healthy treat.
- Benefits: Apples provide vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, and are a fun snack for pets.
Foods to Avoid: The “Don’ts” of Thanksgiving
While some foods are safe, others can be harmful or even life-threatening. Here are some common Thanksgiving dishes to keep far away from your pet:
- Turkey Bones, Skin, and Gravy
- DON’T: Give your pet turkey bones, as they can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Turkey skin and rich gravy are also off-limits because they contain high levels of fat and seasonings that can upset your pet’s stomach or even cause pancreatitis.
- Stuffing and Casseroles
- DON’T: Allow your pet to have any stuffing or casserole dishes, as these often contain onions, garlic, and other ingredients that are toxic to pets.
- Warning: Even small amounts of onions or garlic can damage your pet’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.
- Mashed Potatoes with Add-Ins
- DON’T: Share mashed potatoes that have been prepared with butter, cream, garlic, or other rich ingredients.
- Alternative: If you’d like to share potatoes, give your pet a small portion of plain, boiled potatoes with nothing added.
- Desserts (Especially Chocolate and Pies)
- DON’T: Feed your pet desserts like chocolate cake, pumpkin pie, or anything containing artificial sweeteners like xylitol. These ingredients can be toxic and potentially fatal.
- Warning: Chocolate can cause severe health issues, and xylitol (found in some sugar-free products) can lead to liver failure and dangerously low blood sugar.
- Alcohol and Caffeinated Beverages
- DON’T: Let your pet consume alcohol or caffeinated drinks. Both substances are extremely dangerous for pets and can lead to serious health complications.
Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving Feast for Pets
- Stick to Pet-Safe Foods: As tempting as it is to share your full holiday spread, make sure your pet only receives food that is known to be safe for them. Stick to simple, unseasoned ingredients.
- Prepare Special Pet Treats: Consider preparing a separate “Thanksgiving plate” for your pet with their safe favorites, like a small piece of plain turkey, sweet potato, and green beans.
- Keep an Eye on the Table: Pets can be sneaky, especially when delicious smells fill the room. Make sure food isn’t left unattended, and remind guests to be mindful of where they set their plates.
- Know When to Call the Vet: If your pet does manage to sneak a forbidden treat, monitor them closely for signs of distress like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, and call your vet if you’re concerned.
Give Thanks for a Safe and Happy Holiday
Thanksgiving is all about family, and that includes our beloved pets. By keeping a watchful eye on what they eat and preparing pet-safe treats, you can make sure your furry friends stay healthy and happy. This holiday season, let’s show our gratitude by making the feast safe and joyful for all members of the family—four-legged ones included! Happy Thanksgiving!
