Did you know that Black Friday is the busiest day of the year at veterinary ERs? This is due to animals being fed unsafe human food during Thanksgiving! Also, pet owners are preoccupied with food prep, visiting family members, decorations, etc. during this time, and may not notice if their pet gets into food they shouldnāt. I know it is tempting to make your furry friend their own plate of the food you are eating, but itās very important to watch what you give them. Here is our guide for what Thanksgiving foods dogs can and canāt eat so that you can avoid a trip to the vet this holiday:
Safe foods-
- Sweet potatoes- This is a great option to feed your dogs for Thanksgiving! Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and fiber.
- Apples- Apples are also a great source of vitamins and fiber for your dog.
- Turkey meat- Dogs can eat Thanksgiving turkey as long as there is no skin or bones, and as long as the turkey was prepared with no seasoning.
- Green beans- Green beans are a common Thanksgiving food that is actually great for dogs!Ā
- Pumpkin- Pumpkin is also very healthy for dogs, just be sure it does not have any spices added.
- Dessert- Certain desserts are safe for dogs, such as frozen yogurt. Be sure to avoid anything containing xylitol!
- Turkey and Chicken Chips from Farm to Pet, obviously!Ā
Unsafe foods-
- Turkey bones, skin, and gravy- These are all very difficult for dogs to digest.
- Stuffing- Stuffing contains lots of seasoning like onion and garlic which is a no no!
- Casseroles- Like with stuffing, casseroles have many ingredients dogs may be sensitive to or have difficulty digesting.
- Mashed potatoes- Mashed potatoes are very starchy and contain lots of carbohydrates/calories which adds up quickly for dogs.
- Creamed peas- Anything creamed should be avoided because fattier foods can upset a dogās stomach.
- Sweets- Too much sugar should be avoided, as well as anything containing xylitol.Ā
- Alcohol- A dogās kidneys canāt process alcohol! Whether you are giving them some as a joke or what, just donāt do it!
- Raisins/grapes- Grapes contain an acid that is poisonous to dogs.
- Ham- Ham contains too much salt and sodium for dogs.
- Yeast dough- Eating yeast dough will poison a dog.
Following this list should help your dog stay safe over the holidays! However, accidents happen. If your pet gets into something they shouldnāt make sure to seek help immediately by contacting the Pet Poison Hotline or visiting your vet.
Treat you Thankful Turkeys next week!