With Thanksgiving coming up, chances are you’re going to let your dog join in on the feast because it’s too hard to say no to their irresistibly cute begging face. But, before you share your favorite dishes with your four-legged best friend, it’s important to know what Thanksgiving foods are dog-friendly.
After research, we came up with the best Thanksgiving foods that are acceptable to give to pets, in moderation.
Turkey
High in protein, turkey is the ultimate dream dish for dogs. Luckily it is safe for them to eat, but only if it is unseasoned and skin-free. Turkey skin is fatty and salty, which can easily make your dog sick and cause gastrointestinal problems. Also, turkey bones are off-limits for dogs since they can splinter and cause internal bleeding or intestinal blockage.
Sweet Potatoes
Loaded with beta-carotene, potassium, fiber and many other nutrients, sweet potatoes are the perfect treat for your pup. Make sure you give your dog raw or dried pieces of sweet potato, not the canned mix. And stay away from feeding your dog marshmallows, which contain xylitol – an artificial sweetener toxic to pets.
Carrots
Low in calories and high in antioxidants, carrots are another vegetable that are very beneficial to feed your dog. Similar to sweet potatoes, this orange-hued veggie is also loaded with beta-carotene, vitamin A and fiber. Whether they are cooked or raw, carrots are a delicious treat for your pup that they’ll love. Feel free to steam or boil them and give a couple of unseasoned ones to your dog.
Pumpkin
Used to help regulate your dog’s digestive tract, pumpkin is a very healthy snack for your four-legged friend. If your dog is not feeling well from all of the Thanksgiving goodies, give them raw or cooked pumpkin to help settle their stomach. Not only is it great for digestion, but pumpkin gives your dog healthier skin and a shinier coat!
Also, if feeding canned pumpkin, make sure it’s just pumpkin and not the pre-spiced pie mix. Always avoid any sugar or spice when giving food to your pet.
Apples
A healthy treat for your pet, apples are full of vitamins A and C and are packed with fiber. While you’re prepping homemade apple pie for Thanksgiving, feel free to give a few slices to your dog before adding the sugary pie filling. Also, be sure to remove any apple seeds from the core, as a large amount can be toxic.
Green Beans
Your dog will love these snappy veggies served raw. Rich in fiber and vitamins C and K, green beans are loaded with nutrients. Remember, don’t serve them any added ingredients like butter or spices. And avoid giving your dog your grandma’s famous green bean casserole, which contains ingredients toxic to pets, like mushrooms and onions.
Cranberries
A great source of antioxidants, cranberries are the perfect way add a little bit of flavor to your dog’s meal. However, not all dogs are a fan of this tartie fruit so we recommend giving your dog one or two to begin with to see if they will eat it. They can be served regular or dried, but make sure you don’t buy them mixed with other fruits because raisins are very harmful to dogs.
Foods NOT to Give Your Dog at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving tends to coincide with an increase in vet visits due to dogs being fed unsafe human foods that are loaded with flavor and seasoning. Rich food can often upset your dog’s stomach and cause diarrhea and pancreatitis, a painful inflammatory condition that can have lifelong effects on your pet.
According to the AVMA, here are foods you should avoid giving your dog at Thanksgiving because of their unsafe or unhealthy ingredients:
- Turkey bones, skin, and gravy
- Stuffing
- Casseroles
- Mashed potatoes
- Creamed peas
- Chocolate, cookies, pies, and sweets (especially anything containing xylitol)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Raisins and grapes
- Onions, scallions, and garlic
- Ham
- Yeast dough
We hope you have a fun and safe Thanksgiving and avoid a trip to the vets with these food tips!
Sources: AKC