Can you believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner?! It feels like we just got through the holidays. I’m definitely not complaining – time sure does fly when you’re having fun! This time of year is one for feasting, and sharing it all with our dogs! Well, maybe not the entire feast, but here’s a list of Thanksgiving food for dogs that you can and cannot share.
Thanksgiving Food for Dogs
Turkey: Most people enjoy turkey on Thanksgiving. Your dogs can definitely get in on this delicious main course! Make sure excess fat is trimmed from it and there aren’t any bones. Don’t give your dog too much turkey, as it can cause gastrointestinal issues. Of course you can also share plain ham or chicken!
Mashed potatoes: Potatoes aren’t bad for dogs but what will make mashed potatoes harmful is anything added to it. Many people like to add onion or garlic to this famous side dish, but those ingredients are toxic to dogs. If you aren’t sure what’s in the potatoes, refrain from giving them to your dog.
Cranberries: Cranberries are indeed safe for dogs to eat. Be careful about how much you give however, because cranberry sauces can have a lot of sugar in them.
Green bean casserole: Don’t feed your dog green bean casserole. It can be full of simple ingredients that your dog shouldn’t have. With that being said, plain green beans are perfectly fine for dogs to eat, so put some fresh ones aside!
Stuffing: While the bread in stuffing is not harmful to dogs, what’s mixed into the stuffing might be. I’m personally going to refrain from sharing stuffing with my dogs because I know our family recipe has onions in it.
Pumpkin: Pumpkin is fantastic for dogs, as it offers a plethora of health benefits. Read more details about how pumpkin helps your dog!
Absolutely don’t feed your dog:
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Grapes or raisins
- Xylitol: this is a sugar substitute that is most often used by diabetics. It is deadly to dogs.
- Turkey bones: bones can splinter or break and get lodged into your dog’s insides. It’s extremely dangerous. Don’t give your dogs turkey bones!
If you don’t typically give your dog human food, don’t overwhelm them with a full Thanksgiving doggy feast. You may not know how they will react to certain foods so keep a close eye on them if you do decide to share the goodies. If you aren’t sure whether you can give something to your dog, take the safe route and don’t share it. If you have a medical emergency with your dog or cat on Thanksgiving Day, contact your local emergency vet immediately.
For any specific question’s about your pet or their health, contact your local veterinarian. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
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