As we gather around the table to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with friends and family, it's hard not to want to share those delicious dishes with our furry companions. However, not all foods that are safe for humans are safe for dogs. At Ingleside Animal Hospital, we want to make sure your pup enjoys the holiday without any unwanted health risks. Here’s a helpful guide to which Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs—and which ones to avoid.
Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Can Eat
While it's important to be cautious, there are some Thanksgiving staples that can be enjoyed by your dog in moderation. Here are some dog-friendly options to share with your furry friend:
1. Plain Turkey
Turkey is one of the most iconic Thanksgiving dishes, and the good news is, dogs can enjoy it too—as long as it’s plain and cooked without seasonings or additives. Avoid any skin, bones, or fatty parts, as they can cause digestive issues or choking hazards. Simply remove the meat from the bone, trim off any excess fat, and serve it in small, manageable pieces.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and are generally safe for dogs. They provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a healthy treat. Serve them plain, without butter, sugar, or marshmallows. You can boil or bake them and cut them into small cubes for easy eating.
3. Carrots
Carrots are a nutritious, low-calorie vegetable that dogs love. You can serve them raw or cooked, and they are a great source of vitamins and fiber. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces to prevent choking.
4. Green Beans
Green beans are another healthy vegetable option for dogs. They're low in calories and high in fiber, which is good for digestion. As with other vegetables, it's important to serve them plain, without added salt, butter, or seasonings. Fresh or frozen green beans are both great choices.
5. Cranberries (in moderation)
Cranberries are safe for dogs in small amounts and are even known to have health benefits, such as supporting urinary tract health. However, some dogs may find them a bit tart, so it's best to offer them in moderation. Avoid cranberry sauces that may contain sugar, artificial sweeteners, or spices, which can be harmful to dogs.
6. Pumpkin
Plain, cooked pumpkin is a fantastic treat for dogs. It’s high in fiber and can aid digestion. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin—avoid pumpkin pie mix or canned pumpkin with added sugars or spices. A spoonful of pureed pumpkin can be a nice addition to your dog’s meal.
Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Cannot Eat
While there are some tasty Thanksgiving foods that dogs can safely enjoy, there are many others that can pose a serious health risk. Here are the most common Thanksgiving foods to avoid feeding your dog:
1. Turkey Skin and Bones
While plain turkey meat is safe, turkey skin and bones should be avoided at all costs. The skin is often high in fat, which can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially dangerous condition in dogs. The bones, especially cooked turkey bones, can splinter and cause choking or injury to the digestive tract.
2. Stuffing
Stuffing may contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as onions, garlic, raisins, or nuts. Onions and garlic are toxic to dogs and can lead to gastrointestinal upset and even damage red blood cells. Raisins (found in some stuffing recipes) can cause kidney failure in dogs, and nuts, like walnuts or macadamia nuts, can be toxic as well.
3. Mashed Potatoes
While plain mashed potatoes might seem like a safe treat, mashed potatoes with butter, garlic, cream, or seasonings should be off-limits. These ingredients can cause digestive issues, and large amounts of butter or cream may lead to pancreatitis.
4. Gravy
Gravy is often high in fat and can contain ingredients like onions and garlic, which are dangerous for dogs. Additionally, the high salt content in gravy can be harmful to your pet's kidneys, especially in larger quantities.
5. Cranberry Sauce
While fresh cranberries are safe for dogs, cranberry sauce is a different story. Many store-bought cranberry sauces contain sugar, artificial sweeteners (such as xylitol, which is toxic to dogs), and other ingredients that can upset your dog’s stomach or cause more serious issues.
6. Chocolate and Sweets
It’s no secret that chocolate is harmful to dogs, but other holiday sweets—such as pies, cakes, or cookies—can also contain harmful ingredients like chocolate, raisins, or xylitol (an artificial sweetener). Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure.
7. Alcohol
While it might be tempting to let your dog taste a tiny bit of your festive drink, alcohol is extremely dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or worse. Keep alcoholic beverages well out of your dog’s reach.
Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving for Your Dog
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Moderation is Key: While some Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs, they should only be given in small, occasional amounts. Overindulging in new foods can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or other health issues.
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Keep Human Food Out of Reach: With so much activity during the holiday, it's easy to forget about the food left unattended on counters or tables. Make sure to keep any potentially harmful foods out of your dog's reach.
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Stick to Your Dog’s Regular Diet: If you're unsure about a particular food, it's best to stick with your dog's regular food and treats. The stress of a holiday feast may upset your dog's stomach, so it's safest to keep their diet consistent.
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Consult Your Veterinarian: If you're ever in doubt about whether a specific food is safe for your dog, don't hesitate to consult your vet. They can give you the best advice based on your dog's individual health needs.
Happy Thanksgiving from Ingleside Animal Hospital!
We hope you and your furry friends have a safe and joyful holiday season. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's health, we're here to help—don’t hesitate to reach out for any advice or emergency care. Stay safe, and enjoy the festivities!
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (602) 833-7511, or you can email us at [email protected]. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram.