Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and a delicious feast. But as we gather around the table, let’s not forget our four-legged family members. With so much food on display, it’s natural to want to share a few bites with our dogs. However, not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for pets. To keep your dog happy and healthy, here’s a guide to what’s safe and what should be off-limits.
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs
1. Turkey (Without Skin, Bones, or Seasoning) - Plain, cooked turkey is safe for dogs and can be a good source of lean protein. Just be sure to remove the skin, which often has seasonings that can upset your dog’s stomach, and avoid bones, as they can splinter and cause harm. Avoid sharing any foods seasoned with garlic, as garlic is toxic to dogs.
2. Pumpkin (Plain) - Pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) is great for dogs and can even support their digestion. You can add a small spoonful to their meal for a festive treat!
3. Green Beans (Frozen or Steamed, No Seasoning) - Plain green beans are low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins. Make sure they’re steamed and unseasoned for a healthy veggie option your dog can enjoy. You can also feed frozen green beans to your pup as a crunchy snack!
4. Sweet Potatoes (Plain, No Sugar or Butter) - Sweet potatoes are a great, nutritious treat for dogs. Just serve them cooked and plain without any added sugar or butter. Avoid candied yams or sweet potato casserole, as these contain too much sugar for dogs.
5. Apple Slices (Without Seeds or Core) - Apples can be a crunchy and sweet snack, but be sure to remove the seeds and core, which contain cyanide. Plain slices are perfect for sharing!
Unsafe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs
1. Stuffing and Casseroles - Stuffing and casseroles often contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as onions, garlic, and certain herbs. Keep these savory dishes off your dog’s plate.
2. Turkey Bones and Skin - Turkey bones can easily splinter, posing a choking hazard or causing internal injuries. The skin often has spices, butter, and fat that can upset your dog’s stomach or lead to pancreatitis.
3. Gravy - Gravy is typically high in fat and contains ingredients like garlic or onion that are toxic to dogs. Instead of gravy, try drizzling a little plain, unsalted bone broth on your dog's food to make it special. Be sure to check the ingredients list to be sure it's safe for your pup!
4. Mashed Potatoes with Butter, Cream, or Cheese - While plain potatoes are safe in moderation, mashed potatoes with added butter, cream, or cheese can be too rich for dogs and may upset their stomachs.
5. Pies and Desserts - Pies and other sweets often contain sugar, spices, and chocolate, all of which are unsafe for dogs. Even artificial sweeteners like xylitol are highly toxic to pets. Stick to plain pumpkin if you want to give your dog a taste of dessert!
6. Alcohol and Caffeinated Beverages - Alcohol and caffeine are toxic to dogs, and even small amounts can lead to serious health issues. Keep all drinks out of your dog’s reach to avoid any mishaps.
A Few Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe This Thanksgiving
Create a Special Dog Plate: Prepare a small plate of safe Thanksgiving foods for your dog to enjoy, so they don’t feel left out when everyone else is eating.
Remind Guests of Dog-Safe Foods: If you have visitors, let them know which foods are safe and unsafe for your dog, so no one accidentally gives them a harmful treat.
Have a Cozy Place for Your Dog: Some dogs might get anxious with all the holiday excitement. Set up a comfortable space where they can retreat if things get overwhelming.
Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time to include your dog in the festivities—just make sure you’re giving them treats that are safe for their stomachs! By knowing what’s safe to share and what to avoid, you’ll keep the holiday fun and healthy for everyone.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Barkwells!
