As a caregiver, you always want to ensure your furry friend is happy, healthy, and well-fed. Thanksgiving, with its abundance of food, presents a wonderful opportunity to share the festivities with your pet. But before you pass the turkey and stuffing, it’s important to know what foods are safe for dogs. This guide will help you understand what your dog can and can’t eat this Thanksgiving.
Foods You Can Share with Your Dog
Even though dogs can’t eat everything we can, there are still plenty of Thanksgiving dishes they can enjoy!
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Turkey: Turkey is a fantastic source of protein for dogs. Be sure to remove the skin, which can be fatty and hard to digest, and avoid seasoning.
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Sweet potatoes: These are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and beta carotene. Just make sure they’re cooked and not candied.
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Green beans: If they’re cooked without any added salt or seasoning, green beans can be a healthy treat for your pup.
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Pumpkin: Plain cooked pumpkin is a good source of fiber and can aid in digestion. Avoid canned pumpkin pie mix, as it contains spices and sugars.
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Apples: Apples are a great low-protein, high-fiber treat. Just remember to remove the seeds and core.
| Food | Preparation | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | Skinless, unseasoned | High protein |
| Sweet potatoes | Cooked, not candied | Fiber, vitamin C, beta carotene |
| Green beans | Unsalted, unseasoned | Low calorie, vitamins |
| Pumpkin | Plain, cooked | Fiber, aids digestion |
| Apples | No seeds or core | Low protein, high fiber |
Foods to Avoid
Unfortunately, not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs. Some can cause stomach upset, while others can lead to more serious health issues. Here are five foods you should avoid:
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Onions and garlic: These can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
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Grapes and raisins: Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs.
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Chocolate: This can be toxic to dogs, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
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Alcohol: Even small amounts can cause significant intoxication in dogs.
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Bones: While it might seem natural to give a dog a bone, cooked bones can splinter and cause serious injury.
Creating a Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Menu
Consider preparing a special Thanksgiving meal for your dog. You could cook a small, unseasoned turkey breast, sweet potatoes, and green beans. Add a few slices of apple for dessert and you’ve got a feast that’s both safe and delicious for your pet.
How to Handle Leftovers
Any leftovers should be stored out of reach of your dog. Even if the food is safe, overindulging can lead to stomach upset or pancreatitis. If you have guests, remind them not to slip any treats to your pet without your permission.
Dealing with Dietary Changes
Introducing new foods to your dog’s diet can sometimes lead to stomach upset. If your dog seems unwell after Thanksgiving, contact your vet. They may recommend a bland diet until your pet’s stomach settles.
FAQ
Q: Can my dog eat cranberry sauce?
A: While cranberries themselves are safe for dogs, cranberry sauce often contains a lot of sugar, which can be harmful.
Q: Can my dog have a piece of pumpkin pie?
A: It’s better to avoid. Pumpkin pie is usually made with spices and sugar, which aren’t good for dogs.
Q: I want to share my Thanksgiving meal with my dog. How much can they eat?
A: It’s best to keep your dog’s portion size small. Even safe foods can cause upset if eaten in large amounts.
Q: My dog ate something they shouldn’t have. What should I do?
A: If your dog eats a harmful food, contact a vet immediately. They can guide you on the next steps to take.
Q: Can I give my dog leftovers?
A: Leftovers should only be given if they’re safe foods and in small amounts. Too much of a good thing can still cause problems.
