Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, but while you’re enjoying the holiday feast, it’s important to keep an eye on your four-legged family members. Many of the traditional foods we love can be dangerous—even toxic—for dogs. From seasoned turkey to sweet treats, the holidays are filled with tempting dishes that aren’t safe for our pups. Maintaining a balanced and safe diet for your dog during Thanksgiving is crucial to avoid any health risks. In this blog, we’ll explore which Thanksgiving foods to avoid, how to keep your dog safe during the festivities, and what dog-friendly options you can offer instead to ensure a happy and healthy holiday for all.
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The turkey trouble: it’s not all good
While plain, cooked turkey without bones or seasoning can be okay for dogs in moderation, the way we usually prepare it for Thanksgiving makes it risky. Turkey skin is often loaded with butter, oils, and seasonings, making it one of the fatty foods that can upset your dog’s stomach or lead to pancreatitis. And don’t forget those bones—cooked turkey bones can splinter and cause serious damage to your dog’s digestive system.
Beware of buttery, rich sides
Thanksgiving side dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffing might seem harmless, but many are packed with ingredients that can cause harm to your dog. When dogs eat stuffing, they are at risk because many stuffing recipes contain harmful ingredients like garlic, onions, and chives. Garlic, onions, and chives—common in stuffing and mashed potatoes—are toxic to dogs and can lead to anemia. Even the rich, buttery sauces we love can cause digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting.
Sweet treats and hidden dangers
Pumpkin pie might be a holiday favorite, but the sugar, spices, and fat that make it delicious for humans can be problematic for dogs. Similarly, while apple pie is a classic dessert, it can be harmful to dogs due to sugar and spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol (often found in sugar-free desserts) are toxic to dogs. While pumpkin itself is a healthy snack for pups, it’s best served plain and without any seasoning.
Thanksgiving foods to absolutely avoid
- Grapes and raisins: These can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.
- Chocolate: Found in many desserts, chocolate is toxic and can lead to vomiting, seizures, and even death.
- Alcohol: Be careful with cocktails and wine—alcohol can be extremely dangerous for dogs.
- Raw bread dough: The active yeast in raw bread dough can ferment in a dog’s stomach, producing alcohol and causing bloating and alcohol poisoning. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if ingested.
- Garlic and onions: These vegetables can damage red blood cells and lead to hemolytic anemia in dogs. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if ingested.
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Safe Thanksgiving food for dogs
While it’s essential to be cautious when introducing new foods to your dog’s diet, there are some traditional Thanksgiving foods that are safe for dogs to eat in moderation. These foods can be a delightful treat for your furry friend, allowing them to join in the holiday festivities without compromising their health. You can even make a small “doggy plate” with these foods so your pup feels included in the celebration without the risks.
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and easily digestible food for dogs. They’re rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great addition to your dog’s Thanksgiving dinner. However, make sure to cook them without any added ingredients like butter, marshmallows, or brown sugar and to remove the skin. Plain, peeled, cooked sweet potatoes given in moderation can be a delicious and healthy treat that your dog will love.
Green beans
Green beans are a low-calorie, nutrient-rich snack that dogs love. They’re easy to digest and can be served cooked or raw. Plain green beans are a great option for dogs but do not give them green bean casserole or other creamy, onion-laden side dishes. Stick to simple, unseasoned green beans to keep your pup happy and healthy.
Other safe foods
- Pumpkin: Canned pumpkin is a healthy treat for dogs and can help support their digestive health. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin puree without any added spices or sugars.
- Carrots: Carrots are a crunchy, healthy snack that dogs enjoy. They’re packed with vitamins and are great for your dog’s teeth. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Apples: Apples are a tasty and nutritious treat for dogs, but be sure to remove seeds and cores, as they can be harmful.
- Turkey breast: Cooked, unseasoned turkey breast is a lean protein source that can be safely shared with dogs in moderation. Avoid giving them turkey skin or bones, which can be dangerous.
Preparing for a safe Thanksgiving
Make sure to keep your regular veterinarian’s phone number and the nearest emergency veterinarian’s number handy in case of an emergency. Poison control helplines are also available 24/7:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC): (888) 426-4435
It’s also essential to keep an eye on your dog’s behavior and health after eating new foods and to introduce new foods in small amounts to prevent digestive issues. Avoid overfeeding your dog, as this can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Consider a dog-friendly Thanksgiving feast or treat instead of human food.
By being mindful of the foods you share with your dog and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving for your furry friend.
Keeping your dog safe during the feast
With guests, food, and holiday chaos, it can be hard to keep an eye on your dog every second. It is important to monitor what is on the Thanksgiving table and ensure only safe foods are shared with dogs. Make sure they have a safe space away from the food and offer them plenty of dog-friendly snacks to keep them from getting too curious about what’s on the table. Remind your family and guests not to slip your dog anything from their plates.
As tempting as it may be to share your Thanksgiving meal with your dog, many holiday foods are harmful to their health. It is crucial to carefully consider what foods to feed dogs during Thanksgiving to ensure their safety. By keeping a watchful eye on what’s being served and offering dog-safe alternatives, you can ensure your pup has a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
Scenthound is the first wellness-focused, membership-based dog grooming company. We offer convenient, affordable solutions through our wellness memberships to help pet parents keep their fur family clean and healthy. Unlike traditional dog grooming that focuses on breed-specific styling, Scenthound services are centered around routine and preventive care for dogs in five core areas: Skin, Coat, Ears, Nails, and Teeth (SCENT).
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