6 Healthy Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs: What Can Dogs Eat on Thanksgiving & What to Avoid

 

There is so much love around Thanksgiving, not to mention some good food, but among pet parents and paw-rents, the fact is that one question still flies in the air: What dogs can eat on Thanksgiving?

 

Even though it may be hard to resist giving your dog a bite of each dish at Thanksgiving dinner with you, not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs.

 

With this information about which Thanksgiving foods are safe to provide and which are the greatest to skip, you may always keep your four-legged buddy wholesome and happy.

 

And if you have any type of question don't hesitate to call : Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661

 

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Safe Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Can Enjoy

1. Turkey Meat Unseasoned

 

Plain, unseasoned white meat turkey, is a good lean protein for your dog. It shall not contain any turkey skin, bones, or seasonal ingredients like garlic or onions, which are toxic to the animal. Small portions of white meat from turkey will make for good treats for the canines and shall be enjoyed without irritating their digestion.

 

2. Plain Pumpkin

 

Plain pumpkin is a safe food for your dog at Thanksgiving. Canned or fresh, cooked is fine for them to eat. Plain pumpkin contains dietary fiber, which promotes good digestion and regular bowel movements. Avoid the pumpkin pie filling as it may contain added sugars and spices that are toxic. This plain pumpkin is tasty as a low-calorie treat and nutritious for your dog.

However, it's worth noting that while plain pumpkin can aid digestion, excessive amounts may cause diarrhea. Moderation is key (and it's the same with every food).

 

3. Green Beans (no seasonings)

 

Green beans are a healthy treat for both dogs and cats. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber but very low in calories, they will make an excellent addition to your dog during the Thanksgiving feast. Just be sure green beans are not seasoned with anything, including butter, salt, or spices, as all these can result in an upset stomach or upset or gastrointestinal distress.

Note that raw sweet potatoes can be difficult for dogs to digest and may cause gastrointestinal upset. Ensure they are thoroughly cooked and served in moderation.

 

4. Sweet Potatoes without Butter or Seasoning

 

Cooked sweet potatoes are another healthy option, rich in fiber and vitamins. These Thanksgiving staples are generally safe for dogs, provided they're served butter-free and seasoning-free. Steer clear of high-fat foods and go for the plain unseasoned sweet potato for a tummy-friendly treat.

 

5. Carrots

 

Carrots are among the vegetables that are relatively low in calories your dogs can eat and may love either raw or cooked. Carrots are packed with vitamins and fiber, while the crunchiness can also help clean your dog's teeth (It doesn’t replace teeth brushing or other dental care routines). Make them special as part of a Thanksgiving dish or a normal snack but will be great add-ins to your dog's diet.

 

6. Apples (minus the seeds and core)

 

Apples are fruits that are friendly and safe for dogs too. They contain vitamin C and antioxidants. Remove the seeds and core, though, because it can be a choking hazard. And apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
A few small slices of apple that dogs can eat will be one of those refreshing friendly treats he will love.

 

Foods to Avoid during Thanksgiving

While these Thanksgiving dishes may be tempting, many of the foods surrounding Thanksgiving are toxic to dogs.

 

 

The following foods that are toxic to your canine companion and must be avoided at all costs:

1. Seasoned Turkey

No seasoned turkey. Regular turkey poses no danger to dogs. However, adding garlic, onions or spices can transform the turkey from dog dog-friendly treat into a harmful meal. Garlic and onions may destroy a dog's red blood cells. This destruction can also lead to muscle weakness and tiredness. Turkey bones are very risky, as they might cause your dog to choke. They might also cause severe internal harm.

 

2. Stuffing

Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, and sometimes raisins-all toxic ingredients to dogs. Even without these toxic ingredients in your stuffing, the high fatty foods and salt content within it can cause digestive distress or dehydration in dogs.

 

3. Mashed Potatoes with Butter and Garlic

Plain potatoes in themselves are not really harmful to dogs if they are well cooked, but mashed potatoes loaded with high-fat content along with butter, garlic, and salt are not ideal at all. Such high-fat foods can upset the dog's stomach and may result in pancreatitis in some dogs.

 

4. Desserts made from Chocolate or Xylitol

Chocolate can be highly toxic to dogs and may lead to life-threatening emergencies because their liver cannot process theobromine and caffeine. For example, just 20 grams of dark chocolate can cause symptoms in a 20-pound dog. These symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, excessive urination, restlessness or panting, and an abnormally fast heart rate.

 

Several sugar-free baked products, candies, and gums contain the sugar substitute xylitol. Xylitol may cause a sudden decrease in blood sugar levels, seizure, or liver failure. Keep these temptations always well away from your dog's reach.

5. Gravy

Gravy is usually highly high in fat content and may be made with onions or garlic as well. Both onions and garlic can result in digestive upset, and even worse reactions for canines, so don't go near the gravy with just plain, unseasoned turkey.

 

6. Nuts

First, the macadamia nuts are toxic for dogs and should be completely avoided. Walnuts and pecans carry a lot of fats that could lead to gastrointestinal distress or pancreatitis.

 

7. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is yet one of those treats that may appear all but festive while being actually rather bad for dogs due to usually containing added sugar or sugar substitutes. While plain cranberries themselves aren't really harmful to your pet, due to the ingredients and sugar substitute included in the sauce, the dog may develop some digestive problems.

 

8. Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol poisoning is serious in canines as well, and even small quantities of alcohol in human food may be harmful to dogs. Keep all alcoholic beverages out of your dog's reach at all times.

 

9. Bread Dough

Raw bread dough is another canine food taboo. It can rise in your dog's stomach and cause bloating and stomach upset. It can even lead to alcohol poisoning as it will ferment.

Tips for Portion Control

Feeding your dog Thanksgiving table scraps can lead to overeating and digestive upset. To keep their portion sizes in check this Thanksgiving meal, follow these tips:

 

Keep Portions Small: Offer only small quantities of safe Thanksgiving foods, such as a spoonful of pumpkin pie or a few slices of carrot.

 

Adjust Their Regular Meal: If you’re giving your dog Thanksgiving treats, consider adjusting their regular holiday meal amount to avoid overfeeding.

 

Serve in a Separate Bowl: Food safe for dogs and cats, should be presented in a separate bowl rather than serving off from the table. This would help in keeping the portion size under control to avoid overfeeding.

Also Read -  5 Vet Secrets to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

The Benefits of Choosing Dog-Safe Foods

By giving your dog safe Thanksgiving foods, you are rewarding them with a healthy treat; you are improving their general well-being. You can avoid high-fat foods during holiday festivities to potentially prevent serious pancreatitis, digestive upset, and weight gain.

 

Joint Health with Jope's Hip & Joint Chews

The cold season is finally here, and it's important to care about your dog's joint health. Ensure your furry friend that you incorporate Jope's Hip & Joint Chews for Dogs into their routine. These chews will keep your dog's joints healthy through our science backed formula with UC-II collagen, EPA & DHA, and curcumin. Your dog's ability to be active and comfortable throughout and beyond the holiday season is facilitated through these chews!

 

Don't forget to keep your dog active and stick to their regular walks. This could be the perfect time for relaxing family strolls and chats.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is about sharing with family including our fur babies!

 

By following the above guidelines, your dog will have a safe Thanksgiving. Make sure to give your dog Healthy treats such as Thanksgiving staple food like plain turkey, pumpkin, and carrots, while avoiding toxic foods like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and chocolate.

 

When in doubt, always go with dog-friendly treats. Happy Thanksgiving to one and all, and your fur babies!