10 Foods You Can and Shouldn't Feed Your Dogs At Thanksgiving

10 Foods You Can and Shouldn't Feed Your Dogs At Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a great time to show your pet some extra love. Dogs and cats typically love being around people and other animals, so Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to let them socialize. Of course, ensure your pet is comfortable around crowds before subjecting them to a house full of guests. And as always, have fun and be safe!

DO Feed Your Dog These Foods

Most Fruits

Make sure you and your pet have plenty of room for dessert. Fruits are a great treat for both of you to enjoy. Dogs and cats can eat blueberries, watermelons, peaches, and strawberries. Even a small amount of Thanksgiving cranberry sauce is okay for your pet.

Most Vegetables

Pets can enjoy mashed potatoes just like humans, as long as they are plain and free of toppings like cheese, cream, and butter. Other safe veggies for pets include broccoli, carrots, asparagus, celery, cucumber, green beans, green bell peppers, and zucchini.

Turkey

For Thanksgiving, you can give your cat or dog lean protein sources, such as plain chicken or tuna. Just make sure the meat is free of fixins, such as fatty gravy, spices, and onions. These could be dangerous and make your pet sick. The turkey should be all-white meat and free of bones, fat, and skin.

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is great comfort food for both humans and their four-legged friends. Plain pasta is perfectly safe to feed to pets, and as long as your pet can tolerate dairy, a little cheese is fine.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is delicious and has the added benefit of being good for dogs' and cats' digestive systems. Pumpkin can help soothe a tummy and can be given as a delicious treat.

DON'T Feed Your Dog These Foods

Chocolate

Chocolate is dangerous for pets because it contains a chemical called theobromine, which is poisonous to them. Theobromine is a stimulant that can cause animals to become restless, have a rapid heartbeat, and suffer from seizures. In severe cases, it can even be fatal.

Grapes and Raisins

Do not feed your pet raisins or grapes, as they can cause kidney failure. These fruits are toxic and could be dangerous or even deadly.

Bones

It's a common misconception that dogs are okay to give your pet cooked bones, but this is not the case. Bones can crack, splinter, and tear up your dog's mouth and stomach, which can be very dangerous.

Alliums (Onions)

While some vegetables are safe and even healthy for pets, onions and other alliums are not. These vegetables can be harmful, even poisonous, to animals. It's best to keep them away from your furry friends.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, specifically those containing Xylitol, may appear healthier. It is advisable to limit your pet's sugar intake. However, artificial sweeteners can be more dangerous for your dog or cat. They are poisonous and potentially lethal to dogs.

What Food Is Generally Safe for Dogs?

Bland food is best for pets. Turkey, potatoes, and pumpkin are safe, but bones, sweets, alcohol, and fatty foods should be avoided. Turkey bones can damage a pet's digestive tract. The club also recommends not feeding pets turkey skin.

Did you make a sweet potato casserole for your table? While sweet potatoes are safe for dogs to eat, the added sugar and fats, including the marshmallow topping, are unsafe. Think about setting aside some sweet potatoes so they can just be baked or boiled and mashed.

This means that the safest vegetables for dogs to eat are plain and unseasoned. This includes vegetables like green beans and peas. Dairy products like milk and yogurt may also be safe for dogs, but some dogs may be intolerant to lactose.

Consulting with Your Veterinarian

Before making a Thanksgiving feast for your pet, you must speak with a veterinarian first. This will help ensure that your pet's meal is nutritious and safe.

A good menu includes items that are safe for dogs to eat and that are not too heavily seasoned. The items on the menu include turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, and a cheddar and carrot treat.

As a pet owner, you should always be aware of your dog's stomach sensitivities and follow your veterinarian's advice regarding feeding them. A good rule of thumb is that one cup of protein and two cups of carbs would equal one meal for a small to medium-sized dog. Large-breed dogs would need two to three times that amount.

What to Do If You Accidentally Fed Your Dog Unsafe Foods


If your dog has ingested something it shouldn't have, it's important to contact your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to advise you on what to do next and may recommend bringing your dog in for a check-up. In the meantime, here are a few things you can do:

Try to determine what your dog ate and how much. If you know, this information can be helpful to your vet.

Keep an eye on your dog for any signs of distress. If they seem to be in pain or are vomiting, this is an emergency, and you should take them to the vet immediately.

If your dog is acting normally, try to keep them calm and quiet. Avoid giving them food or water, as this may make them vomit.

If you're unsure of what to do or are worried about your dog, the best course of action is always to contact your veterinarian. They’ll be able to help you determine the best course of action for your dog's specific situation.

Conclusion

It’s important to be aware of what you feed your dog during the Thanksgiving holiday. Many traditional foods served during Thanksgiving can be dangerous for dogs, including turkey skin, stuffing, gravy, and desserts. Instead, choose dog-safe foods like cooked turkey without the skin, plain vegetables, and small pieces of fruit. With a little planning, you can ensure that your dog has a happy and safe Thanksgiving feast.

Maggie's Pet Boutique is a one-stop shop to get everything you'd ever need for your furiends, from healthy foods to amazing toys and even gifts and apparel for humans are in abundance, as well. The selection is amazing and every item in the store is approved by Maggie, so you know you're only getting the best selection of foods, treats, supplies, and more for dogs, cats, and other pets everywhere! If you’re looking for a pet supply store in Millsboro, DE, look no further! Visit our shop today!