Gobble Gobble...Thanksgiving Food Dos and Don'ts for Pets
Pet Friendly Thanksgiving
Pets can eat small portions of plain, cooked Thanksgiving foods. However, certain foods should be avoided. These foods could cause serious health risks to your pet.
Safe Thanksgiving Foods For Pets
- TURKEY – Offer small pieces of unseasoned, skinless, and boneless white meat.
- SWEET POTATOES – Plan, cooked sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber.
- GREEN BEANS – Plain, cooked or raw green beans are a low-calorie, high-fiber food.
- PUMPKIN – 100% plain pumpkin puree is great for your pets’ digestion.
- CARROTS – Plain, unseasoned carrots are a low-calorie choice.
- APPLE SLICES – Small pieces of apple without the core and seeds can be a nice treat.
Foods To Avoid
- BONES – Turkey bones and other bones can splinter, cause choking, or lead to intestinal punctures.
- FATTY FOODS – Turkey skin and rich, fatty foods can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and life-threatening pancreatitis.
- SEASONING – Avoid any dishes with butter, salt, or other seasoning.
- STUFFING – Stuffing containing onions and garlic are toxic to pets.
- TOXIC INGREDIENTS – Raisins, grapes, chocolate, alcohol, onions, and garlic are poisonous and must be kept out of reach.
- CRANBERRY SAUCE – The higher the sugar content, the more potential to make it unsafe.
Tips for Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving
- Offer in Moderation: Even safe foods should be given in small amounts.
- Keep it Plain: Ensure any Thanksgiving food you share with your pet is plain, unseasoned, and cooked.
- Prevent Overheating: Too much new food can cause stomach upset or serious health issues.
- Create a Pet-Friendly Treat: Consider making a special treat for your dog or cat using pet-safe ingredients.
