Which Thanksgiving Food Is Safe for Pets to Eat
Thanksgiving is a time when friends and family get together to celebrate. Many people also include their family dog in the celebration, but some traditional holiday foods are unsafe for dogs.
Some people may not know that it's not just okay, but actually beneficial to share human food with their dogs—in moderation. Like with people, variety is the spice of life for dogs, and letting them share in small amounts of the holiday feast can be a great way to show them some extra love.
Safe Foods to Feed Your Dog
Here is a list of safe and healthy foods you can share with your dog at Thanksgiving:
- Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a healthy food for dogs. They are high in fiber and vitamins and low in fat. Dehydrated sweet potatoes make a great treat for dogs. Just be sure to choose a product with no added ingredients.
- Potatoes
You can feed your dog both boiled and baked potatoes, but you should avoid giving them potatoes that have been fried or covered in butter, sour cream, salt, or pepper. Feeding them potatoes in moderation is the best way to ensure their health.
- Apples
Apples are a healthy snack for your pet; just make sure to remove the seeds first.
- Turkey Meat
Turkey meat without bones and skin is okay for dogs. The turkey's skin may have been prepared with butter, spices, or other fatty ingredients that may cause pancreatitis or other issues for your dog. Only feed them turkey meat that has not been prepared with any seasoning.
The star of most Thanksgiving dinners, turkey, is generally safe for dogs. However, it is important to remove any fat or skin and avoid giving them the bones, which can splinter and cause tears or blockages in the digestive tract. Additionally, it is best to give them plain unseasoned turkey, as seasoned or processed turkey may contain harmful ingredients.
- Wheat
It is okay to give your dog plain white or wheat bread as a snack every once in a while, as long as they are not allergic to wheat. Do not give them too much bread, as it can make them obese. Also, ensure the bread does not have artificial sweeteners or salt, and never give them raw bread dough.
- Cheese
So long as your pup doesn't have lactose issues, cheese can be a good option for an occasional snack - especially if you choose lower-fat varieties like mozzarella. You could also opt for low- or nonfat cottage cheese.
- Green Beans
Green beans are a healthy food for dogs. They are high in fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K. They should be given to dogs plain, without added ingredients like butter or spices.
- Plain Peas
You should avoid feeding your dog creamed peas, as they are high in fat and may upset your dog's stomach. Plain peas are a much better choice.
- Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a healthy snack for dogs because it helps with digestive health and makes their skin and coat healthy. When feeding your dog canned pumpkin, ensure that it is just pumpkin and not the pre-spiced pie mix.
- Frozen Yogurt
Dogs can enjoy a healthy and delicious frozen yogurt treat if it does not contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol. This treat provides calcium, protein, and live bacteria that can act as probiotics, making it a great way to give your dog a nutritious snack.
Unsafe Foods to Give Your Dog at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving can be a dangerous time for dogs because of all the extra food. Many people don't realize that some food we eat can be toxic to dogs. To keep your dog safe, it's important to be aware of what foods to avoid and take precautions to ensure they don't get into anything they shouldn't.
Here is a list of foods you should not feed your dog:
- Alcohol
It's not a good idea to give your animal alcohol. They can have a reaction that makes them very tired, weak and could cause them to faint.
- Chocolate
Do not give your dog chocolate under any circumstances. Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs and can cause serious symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, abnormal heart rate, seizure, and muscle tremors. In rare cases, chocolate can be fatal to dogs.
- Garlic and Onion
If your dog has eaten a garlic clove or slice of onion, watch it closely for symptoms of onion toxicity. These symptoms can include decreased appetite, weakness, lethargy, and fainting. If you notice any of these signs, contact a vet immediately.
What to Do If You Accidentally Fed Your Dog Unsafe Foods
As a dog owner, you must ensure that your dog doesn't eat anything harmful. But if you accidentally fed your dog a food that is on the list of unsafe foods for dogs, the first thing you should do is call your vet. Your vet will be able to tell you what to do next. If your vet is unavailable, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Be prepared to give the following information to the poison control center:
- Your contact information
- Your dog's age, weight, and breed
- The name of the product and the amount that your dog ate
- The time your dog ate the product
- The time you noticed the symptoms
- Your dog's symptoms
Keep Your Dog Safe During the Holiday Season
It is safe to say that not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for pets to consume. If you are unsure about whether a particular food is safe for your pet, it is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving it to them.
During the holidays, don't leave your dog alone for a long time. If you have to leave them alone, ensure they have plenty of food and water. Also, keep an eye on your dog when they're around food to ensure they don't eat anything that could make them sick.
The holiday season is a great time to show your dog how much you love them. However, it's also a time when you must take extra precautions to keep your dog safe.
Earthwise Pet Fremont are certified pet dietitian and pet nutrition specialists. Our natural pet food offerings are vetted extensively and all food products that we select for the store are meat-based and free of corn, wheat, soy and by-products. It is our goal is to help you find the most biologically appropriate foods for your pet. Visit our local pet store in Fremont, WA, for healthy dog food and snacks to feed your pet!