Thanksgiving is coming and we all know what that means. Bring on the feast! This holiday is known for the extravagant meals we make to celebrate our thankfulness for those around us – family, friends, and even our pets. How many of us love to include our pets in everything we do, especially our holiday events? Well, one important thing to remember at the Holidays is that while we can include our dogs in the festivities, it is essential to keep them safe, most importantly when it comes to dinner time. Here are a few foods to keep away from your pets and some healthier options to keep everyone, dogs included, happy and full.
Foods to Avoid
Many of the foods that may be on your Thanksgiving menu are harmful to dogs. They can cause discomfort, allergic reactions and even trips to the vet. Just a few of the staples that you may enjoy, but need to keep out of your dog are:
- Cranberry Sauce – The added sugar in this favorite is a no-no along with nuts, fruits, and other additions.
- Gravy – Dogs do not need the added fat in this topping, much less the high sodium content.
- Turkey Bones – These can break apart and cause tears in your dog’s mouth or intestine and even get lodged in their throat.
- Green Bean Casserole – While green beans themselves are fine, the cream, mushrooms, and onions that go into this dish are not dog-friendly.
- Pies – Any sweets that contain large amounts of sugar, butter and creams should not be given, particularly those with chocolate.
Also keep in mind that if your dog isn’t used to human food, even those foods that may be safe can cause indigestion and unfamiliar reactions, so try to stick to what your dog knows.
Safe Human Foods for Your Dog
A few foods that you can share with your pet can be a great addition to your holiday grocery list. These items can be given to your dog that is lurking around the kitchen in lieu of the foods on the “to-avoid” list. While turkey is safe for dogs, the added spices and fat from gravies and sauces should be withheld. You may be tempted to offer a turkey bone, as stated above; they can break easily, so save those bones for a nice after-Thanksgiving soup for yourself. Vegetables and even mashed potatoes are more foods that you can share. When served plain they are easy to digest and a delicious alternative from their typical dog food. Pumpkin is also safe for dogs, so when it is time for dessert they can have their fair share of a version of pumpkin pie.
Dog-Specific Treats
Another way to keep your pooch happy is to make or buy prepared Thanksgiving-themed treats specifically for canines. You can keep him occupied with his own special dinner so you can enjoy your own. You can even provide your dog walker with a few to give on scheduled walks as treats for behaving or just to ensure that your dog doesn’t miss out on celebrating with special foods as well. Instead of the usual dog biscuits that you use to tell your pup they did a good job, try this recipe for these yummy sweet potato dog treats.
Finally, remember that while preparing your Thanksgiving feast and enjoying your dinner, you may not be able to fit in those long walks your dog needs. Be sure to snag a reservation with your dog walking service to see that your pet enjoys a much-needed stroll while also keeping him or her away from the pie crumbs and green bean casserole bits falling on the floor while you cook, have dinner and dessert. Those yummy dog treats will definitely make up for your dog missing out on table scraps! To find out more about what type Thanksgiving foods are best to keep away from your dog, click here. Happy Holidays!