Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means that your house will probably be filled with tasty foods that draw your pets’ attention. However, the truth is that many popular Thanksgiving dishes aren’t safe for dogs and cats. So, while it’s tempting to share the deliciousness with your pet, it could be a bad idea. Today, we will discuss the most unhealthy and unsafe foods for pets at Thanksgiving and what you should feed them instead. Let’s get started!
Avoid these Unhealthy & Unsafe Foods
Many pet owners may not realize that Thanksgiving coincides with a sharp increase in emergency veterinary visits across America. A large number of these visits are required because of the unsafe foods that dogs and cats consume during the holiday. The good news is that you can protect your faithful friend this year by preparing them a special menu that does not contain certain foods. Here are some foods that are not only potentially unhealthy for your animal but could even be toxic:
- Onions, garlic, and scallions
- Turkey skin, bones, and gravy
- Ham
- Casseroles
- Stuffing
- Creamed peas
- Mashed potatoes
- Foods that contain spices
- Fatty foods
- Yeast dough
- Grapes and raisins
- Alcoholic beverages
- Pies, cookies, chocolate, and sweets (especially those containing xylitol)
For an extra good measure, be sure to take out your trash on Thanksgiving night and don’t leave anything out on the counter. The last thing you want is for a nosy super-smeller to come across something they shouldn’t eat.
Healthy and Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Pets
As we mentioned, there are lots of safe and satisfying human foods that you can share with your pets this holiday season. Let’s take a look at the best foods to feed dogs and cats at Thanksgiving time.
Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes
Regular potatoes are a safe and tasty treat for pets when served in moderation. The only catch is that they must be only baked or boiled and not topped with salt, pepper, butter, or sour cream. An even better option is plain sweet potatoes. These are a great source of vitamin B6, beta-carotene, dietary fiber, and vitamin C, providing your animal with lots of necessary nutrients.
Apples
One of the best snacks to give your pet on Thanksgiving is apples. This fruit is full of vitamins C and A and contains a great deal of fiber. Just ensure that the apple is cored and does not contain seeds, as these seeds in large amounts can be toxic.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is always a healthy snack, especially for dogs. It’s great for supporting a healthy digestive tract and beneficial for your dog’s coat and skin. The only thing you need to watch with this food is that it’s plain pumpkin and does not contain any pie spices.
Green Beans or Plain Peas
This vegetable contains large amounts of manganese, plant fiber, and vitamins K and C, making plain green beans an excellent option when free of butter and spices. If your pet doesn’t like the taste of green beans, try plain peas instead. As we mentioned above, it’s essential to avoid creamed peas, as they are high in fat and may lead to stomach upset in your dog.
Turkey Meat (No skin or bones)
If you’re wondering about turkey, the answer is yes, as long as it’s just the meat – no skin or bones. Though you may not think that the skin can hurt your dog, the fact is when it’s prepared with spices, butter, and other fatty ingredients, it can lead to severe issues such as pancreatitis in dogs. In addition, avoid preparing the meat with seasoning if you plan to share it with your animals.
Closing Thoughts
Ultimately, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to treat your dog or cat to some delicious treats around the holidays. Just be sure you stick with the healthy foods we discussed and avoid any unsafe foods for pets at all costs.
We here at Paws and Claws hope that you and your family have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
