What Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs to eat?
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. As you gather around the table to enjoy your Thanksgiving feast, it's only natural to want to include your furry friend in the celebration. But before you start sharing your plate with your pup, it's important to know which Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs to eat.
Don't want to share? Make them their own Thanksgiving feast - recipe below!
1. Turkey
Turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving table, and good news for your pup, it's generally safe for them to enjoy too. However, it's important to remove the skin, bones, and excess fat before sharing a small amount of cooked, unseasoned turkey with your dog. Remember, moderation is key!
2. Sweet Potatoes
Rich in vitamins and fiber, sweet potatoes are a healthy and dog-friendly Thanksgiving side dish. Just make sure to serve them plain, without any added butter, sugar, or marshmallows. Your pup will appreciate the natural sweetness!
3. Green Beans
Green beans are a nutritious and low-calorie vegetable that can be a great addition to your dog's Thanksgiving meal. Simply steam or blanch them, and serve them plain. Your pup will love the crunchy texture!
4. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is not only a staple of Thanksgiving desserts, but it's also a fantastic source of fiber and can aid in digestion for dogs. Serve your pup a small amount of plain, canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling - they are different!) for a tasty and healthy treat.
5. Cranberries
Cranberries are a Thanksgiving classic, and luckily, they can be enjoyed by your furry friend too. However, it's important to serve them in moderation and without any added sugar or sweeteners. Fresh or frozen cranberries can be a tart and refreshing treat for your pup.
What foods should dogs avoid on Thanksgiving?
While it's tempting to share your entire Thanksgiving meal with your pup, there are certain foods that should be strictly off-limits for dogs:
- Gravy and sauces: These are often high in fat, salt, and seasonings that can upset your dog's stomach.
- Stuffing: Traditional stuffing often contains onions, garlic, and other ingredients that can be toxic to dogs.
- Desserts: Many Thanksgiving desserts, such as pies and cakes, contain ingredients like chocolate, raisins, or xylitol, which are toxic to dogs.
- Alcohol: It should go without saying, but alcohol is extremely dangerous for dogs and should never be given to them.
- Turkey Bones: okay in moderation with close supervision, but can become a choking hazard. Best to avoid them & offer your dog something like a lick mat or bully stick.
Thanksgiving Feast Recipe
- Camp Hound lick mat: here.
- Dry food of your choice, we used this one.
- Turkey wet food, we used this one.
- Turkey freeze dried raw, we used this one.
- Green beans, we used frozen & steamed them.
- Pumpkin, canned or this dehydrated one.
Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy good food and good company, and there's no reason why your furry friend can't be a part of the festivities. By knowing which Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs and which ones to avoid, you can ensure that your pup has a happy and healthy holiday season. Remember, always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions about your dog's diet.
xo, Shelby + Soph
