This Thanksgiving, and throughout the holiday season, your pet will most likely be exposed to more than their fair share of nibbles. Of course, you want to feed them nutritious food, but if they are receiving more than usual or different types of food, it could cause them digestion issues. Some of these hand outs, especially from other family and friends, who don’t know their specific diet, may be excessive and even be toxic for them. Here’s some pet friendly food tips for getting through this holiday season…
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs & Cats
1. Turkey
Turkey is safe for dogs and cats who have no poultry allergies. Prepare lean cuts chopped into bite-sized pieces. Pets don’t need their food heated after it’s cooked, and can be safely served at room temperature. Heating their food simply makes it more appealing to their sense of smell.
Avoid giving them turkey skin or bones, seasonings and sauces or gravies. Too much fatty stuff can lead to obesity and pancreatitis, and the bones can splinter and damage the dog’s mouth and digestive tract. Seasonings, including salt, can lead to toxicity, so you’ll also need to avoid processed turkey.
Homemade Recipes: Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner- The Works!
Store Bought Picks: Grain Free Thanksgiving Day Canned Wet Food
2. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is safe and considered healthy for dogs and cats.
Avoid any pumpkin with added spices, sugar, or artificial sweeteners (especially not xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats). Canned or fresh pumpkin is good as long as the canned version isn’t pre-seasoned, and definitely don’t give pumpkin pie to your pet!
Homemade Recipe: Pumpkin Puree
Store Bought Pick: Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up! Pumpkin Pouches for Dogs & Cats
3. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are safe and they are full of nutrients and vitamins.
Avoid potatoes that aren't cooked, and only give them a small amount, without any seasonings or butter. However, if your dog is diabetic, less active, or overweight, you may want to limit the amount of sweet potatoes you give them because they have a high glycemic index.
Homemade Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Store Bought Pick: Chip’s Naturals Sweet Taters
4. Green Beans
Green beans are safe and full of vitamins, fiber, and manganese. They are considered healthy vegetables if served raw or cooked plain (steamed or canned).
Avoid serving with butter and salt or in a casserole with any other condiments.
Homemade Recipe: Green Bean & Chicken Crunchies
Store Bought Pick: Greenies Smart Topper Chicken, Green Beans & Sweet Potatoes Recipe Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Topper
5. Cranberries
Plain cranberries are safe as long as they’re offered in moderation.
Avoid cranberry sauce and juice because they are not good for dogs or cats due to all the sugar.
Homemade Recipe: Cranberry Dog Treats
Store Bought Pick: Addiction Homestyle Venison & Cranberry Dinner Raw Dehydrated Dog Food
6. Corn
Corn is a safe veggie for dogs and according to Dr. Jason W. Gagné, DVM, DACVIM, board certified veterinary nutritionist, “When it’s properly cooked, corn provides a highly digestible source of carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, and protein that pets need.”
Avoid adding butter or salt, and don’t give your dog an entire cob. That can prove to be a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage.
Homemade Recipe: Peanut Butter Popcorn
Store Bought Pick: The Farmers Dog
7. Cheese
Cheese is a tasty treat for dogs, especially lower-fat choices like cottage cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, swiss, and cheddar.
Avoid dairy if your dog is lactose intolerant. Aim for low-fat cheeses if you’re also concerned about your dog’s weight.
Homemade Recipe: Cheddar Dog Treats
Store Bought Pick: Wagwell Freeze Dried Cheese Treats
8. Apples
If you’re planning on making a tasty apple pie, forgo the pie for your dog, and give them plain apple slices. Apple is healthy and tasty for canines, but ensure that you don’t give your pet any of the core, especially not the seeds. Apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, which won’t harm your dog unless they eat too many. But it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Homemade Recipe: Apple Pie Dog Treats
Store Bought Pick: Nulo Gently-Cooked Meals Pork & Apple Recipe Wet Dog Food
9. Bread
A small amount of plain bread is safe for dogs unless they have a grain allergy. Any bread that you give your pup should not have any added ingredients, such as raisins, seeds, or nuts. Canines don’t get many nutritional benefits from bread, anyway, so it should only be an occasional snack.
Homemade Recipe: Pumpkin Bread For Dogs
10. Carrots & Peas
These are safe vegetables for both dogs and cats.
Always, avoid putting salt and butter, seasonings or condiments on them when serving.
Homemade Recipe: Carrot & Pea Balls
Store Bought Picks: Chicken with Peas and Carrots Treats for Dogs
Definite Foods To Avoid
Turkey bones, skin, and gravy
Stuffing
Casseroles
Mashed potatoes
Creamed peas
Chocolate, cookies, pies, and sweets (as well as anything “sugar-free” or containing xylitol, which can be fatal for dogs)
Alcoholic beverages
Raisins and grapes
Onions, scallions, and garlic
Ham
Yeast dough
Fatty foods
Foods containing spices
Whatever you decide to cook, bake and serve your pet this holiday season…have a paws-atively yummy one!
Resources courtesy of petsonthebay.com, Dogster.com, akc.org, rover.com, dogfix.com, pawspetcare@home.com, petmd.com, chewy.com, and gofromm.com
Images licensed from Adobe Stock
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