Although we may be tempted to share our feast, it’s important only to share safe Thanksgiving foods for dogs. This way, we can all enjoy a joyous and healthy celebration together, filled with the warmth of family and the wagging tails of our beloved pets.
Safe Foods for Dogs at Thanksgiving
You can create your own little mini-feast for your dog while being safe and boosting their health at the same time. Grab a decorative dish (or any ole’ dish would be fine) and get ready to prep your dog’s plate before you add in all those special spices.
1. Plain Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and beta-carotene. They can make a delicious and nutritious treat as long as there aren’t any additives. They can be served in several ways, including:
Dehydrated: Sweet potatoes can be cut into strips and dehydrated for several hours to create the perfect chewy snack.
Mashed: Mashed sweet potatoes can be fed plain (no butter, brown sugar, marshmallows, etc.).
2. Apples Raw Or Dehydrated
Apples are a wonderful source of essential nutrients, packed with vitamins and fiber, including beneficial vitamins A and C. These fruits can be offered to your pets in various forms, either as raw slices or as dehydrated treats.
The raw form provides a juicy, crunchy snack, while dehydrated apples offer a chewier texture that can be a delightful treat.
Need to Know: Don’t feed your dog the core—it contains seeds that can be toxic to your dog in large amounts.
3. Skinless Turkey Meat
Plain-cooked turkey meat can be offered to your dog during your Thanksgiving feast. Keep it simple and safe—no added spices or flavorings, as these aren’t good for our canine pals.
And, though it might be tempting to give them a piece of the crispy turkey skin, it’s best to resist. That skin, rich in fats, can be tough on their tummies and even lead to serious health issues like pancreatitis.
4. Green Beans Without Salt
Green beans are a delightful treat for dogs, brimming with plant fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K. When you’re preparing these crunchy greens, consider making a special, plain batch just for your pup—no butter or salt needed.
5. Plain Peas Contain Antioxidants
Peas are pretty awesome for dogs—they’re like a little superfood. They’ve got lots of protein and fiber, which is great for keeping their tummies happy and helping them stay at a good weight since they’ll feel full and satisfied.
Plus, they’re loaded with all sorts of important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, B vitamins, and Vitamin K, which are important for keeping their skin healthy, their immune systems strong, and their blood clotting just right.
And there’s also this cool thing called lutein in peas, which is an antioxidant that’s really good for their eyes, especially for aging dogs.
6. Plain Canned or Fresh Pumpkin
Pumpkin is like a wonder food for dogs! It’s not just for Halloween; it’s packed with all sorts of good stuff. First off, it’s a fiber superstar, which means it’s fantastic for your dog’s digestion.
It’s also great for keeping your pup’s weight in check because it makes them feel full without loading them up with calories. Plus, pumpkin is full of important nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, along with some essential minerals like iron and potassium.
Toxic Foods for Dogs
There are a handful of foods that are toxic to your dog. They should be kept out of reach at all times. Here are some of the most common around this time of year:
- Chocolate: Can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and even death
- Cooked bones: Cooked bones can splinter and perforate the intestines
- Ham: Besides its high fat content, ham is also quite salty, which can lead to severe stomach pain or pancreatitis
- Onion: Can do permanent damage to an animal’s red blood cells
- Raisins: Can lead to sudden kidney failure
Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving
If your dog consumes something they shouldn’t, it’s important to act immediately and seek professional assistance. In case of an emergency, such as your pet ingesting a toxic substance, you should promptly get in touch with the Pet Poison Helpline or reach out to your nearest emergency veterinary clinic, particularly one that provides services during weekends and after hours.
Many clinics offer 24/7 emergency services, specifically for situations like this. It’s also a good idea to keep these contact details handy at all times, as quick action can be crucial in preventing serious health consequences for your dog.