Paws Off the Table! Thanksgiving Foods to Keep Away from Your Pets
By Annie Dineen Owner of Fetch & Favor
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, lots of tasty food! While it may be tempting to slip your favorite four-legged friend a morsel or two, choose wisely! Many popular holiday foods can be harmful or even life-threatening to dogs and cats. Here’s a quick guide on what to avoid sharing with your pets this Thanksgiving:
Turkey Bones and Fatty Trimmings
While cooked turkey meat is safe in moderation, avoid giving pets bones or fatty trimmings. Cooked bones can splinter, causing choking or intestinal blockages, while fatty trimmings can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis. Be sure to remove the skin as well and any seasonings that may be on it!
Stuffing and Seasonings
Stuffing often contains pet-toxic ingredients like onions, garlic, and certain herbs (chives, oregano, and bay leaves, e.g.), which can lead to serious health issues such as anemia in pets. Even small amounts can be dangerous, so it’s best to keep stuffing off the menu for your furry friends.
Chocolate and Desserts
We all know chocolate is toxic to dogs, even sometimes causing severe symptoms in pets, but watch out for xylitol as well! Xylitol is a sugar substitute and can be extremely dangerous for dogs, even in low amounts. Some peanut butter brands even include xylitol, so be sure to read labels when shopping for a Kong-filler treat! Keep an extra eye on any foods including raisins, as raisins (and grapes) are toxic to dogs as well.
Mashed Potatoes and Dairy Products
Plain potatoes are fine in moderation, but traditional mashed potatoes made with butter, cream, or cheese can upset a pet’s stomach, especially in those who are lactose intolerant. That goes for mac and cheese too!
Safe Thanksgiving Alternatives
If you’d like to share a safe treat, lean turkey meat, plain green beans, or cooked sweet potatoes are great options. Pet-safe treats made with pumpkin or peanut butter (without xylitol) are another good choice. A scoop of 100% pure pumpkin puree, while you’re baking that pie, is a perfect treat for a behaved pup!
By keeping your pet’s diet consistent and avoiding table scraps, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone. Be sure to keep dishes away from the edge of the table (or keep your pets out of the kitchen or dining area entirely) if any of your pets are notorious counter surfers!
