Dog-Safe Thanksgiving Foods
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and of course, delicious food, and you probably want to include your furry family member in the holiday feast. Many traditional Thanksgiving foods are perfectly safe for dogs, as long as they’re kept plain and free of harmful seasonings.
Dog-Safe Thanksgiving Foods
Turkey - Turkey is a lean protein that dogs can enjoy raw or cooked. Just make sure to remove the skin, since too much fat can cause digestive upset or pancreatitis.
Sweet potatoes - Plain cooked sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and vitamins like A and C. Avoid added butter or seasonings.
Pumpkin - Pumpkin is a gentle digestive aid for dogs and provides fiber and antioxidants. Stick to plain pumpkin purée or cooked pumpkin, not pie filling.
Green beans - Steamed or boiled green beans are low-calorie, high-nutrient snacks. Avoid added butter or seasonings.
Carrots - Carrots, whether raw or cooked, are crunchy and naturally sweet. They’re also packed with beta-carotene for eye health.
Apples - Apple slices (without seeds or core) make a crisp, healthy treat. Seeds contain cyanide compounds, which are toxic to dogs, remove them first.
Cranberries - Raw or cooked cranberries are safe in moderation. Avoid cranberry sauces with added sugar.
Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Should Avoid
Cooked turkey bones - Cooking makes bones brittle, and they can easily splinter, leading to choking hazards, blockages, or tears in the digestive tract.
Gravy - High in fat and salt, which can lead to pancreatitis or dehydration.
Stuffing - Often contains onions, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia, and sometimes raisins, which can cause sudden kidney failure
Desserts - Chocolate, xylitol (a sugar substitute), and nutmeg are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues from tremors to liver failure.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is even better when you can safely share it with your dog. By setting aside plain portions of dog-friendly foods and keeping unsafe foods out of reach, you can let your dog join the celebration without worry.