We all love the holidays and time spent eating good food with family. But, unfortunately, and to none of our surprise, so do our furry family members. And while it is so incredibly tempting to give our pets what they want and sneak a little here and a little there, it can be hazardous to give our pets foods that they can’t have. Sometimes though, the thanksgiving food that’s bad for dogs are those that seem completely harmless.
So, how do we know what’s on the no-fly list?
Can I Feed My Dog Turkey?
We know this one was coming, so we figured we’d clarify. Turkey seems like the perfect piece of the meal to share with your dog. However, while plain roasted turkey is perfectly fine for a pooch, the skin, bones or any spices and dressings can cause an upset stomach and be very dangerous.
Thanksgiving Foods Toxic to Dogs
So while carefully prepared Turkey can be okay, we’d be remiss not to cover the foods that are most harmful to your dog so you can enjoy a stress-free holiday season.
Onions, Scallions, and Garlic
While flavorful, these tasty garnishes can undoubtedly threaten the health of your pet. Onions and garlic are known to cause life-threatening anemia to cats and dogs. Because these are common ingredients in many Thanksgiving dishes, be sure to watch out for foods that seem otherwise safe for pet consumption. Stuffing is an excellent example of a food that likely has these staples and should be avoided.
Chocolate
Chances are, you’ve heard this one a time or two, but it’s always a good reminder that chocolate is a big no, no for dogs. Toxicity is certainly dependent on the amount of chocolate, but it is crucial to keep it far away, nonetheless. Chocolate treats appear frequently around the table during the holidays, so keep this one in mind.
Grapes and Raisins
While this ingredient does not frequently appear in dishes, some Thanksgiving meals such as salads or stuffing may contain poisonous grapes or raisins. This food can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but the most concerning result of consumption is kidney failure. Kidney failure is irreversible, so be sure to practice extreme caution around grapes or raisins.
Fatty Foods
As a final note, be mindful of your pets’ calorie consumption! Fatty foods such as ham, turkey skin, and dairy products can cause obesity, gastrointestinal distress, and even pancreatitis. So, keep the gravy for the humans and avoid any mishaps.
What are some safe foods to give your dog on thanksgiving?
- Sweet potato
- Pumpkin
- Apple
- Green beans
- Frozen yogurt
While there are plenty of foods off-limits, there are tasty options if you want to bring your pup in on the festivities. As with turkey breast, be sure to serve these ingredients prepared plain with no added butter, spices, or ingredients.
Short on time, but want to make sure Fido and Fluffy get a special meal for the holiday? Then come in-store and pre order a takeaway plate for doggo!