Thanksgiving Do's and Don'ts: Safe Foods for Your Dog

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends, and of course, enjoy a delicious meal. While it's tempting to share some of your feast with your furry friend, it's important to know which foods are safe for dogs and which ones are not. Here's a guide to help you keep your dog healthy and happy during the holiday.

Foods Dogs Can Have

1. Plain Turkey Meat
   • Safe: Plain, cooked turkey meat (without skin or bones) is a great source of protein for dogs. Just make sure it's not seasoned or covered in gravy.

2. Pumpkin

   • Safe: Plain, cooked pumpkin is good for dogs and can help with digestion. Avoid giving them pumpkin pie, which contains sugar and spices.

3. Sweet Potatoes
   • Safe: Plain, cooked sweet potatoes are a healthy treat for dogs. They are rich in vitamins and fiber. Just make sure they are not seasoned or mixed with other ingredients.
4. Green Beans
   • Safe: Plain, cooked green beans are a low-calorie snack that dogs can enjoy. They are full of vitamins and minerals.
5. Carrots
   • Safe: Raw or cooked carrots are safe for dogs and make a crunchy, healthy treat. They are good for their teeth and overall health.

Foods Dogs Can't Have

1. Turkey Bones
   
   • Not Safe: Cooked turkey bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Always dispose of bones safely.

2. Stuffing

   • Not Safe: Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, and herbs that are toxic to dogs. These ingredients can cause serious health issues.

3. Gravy
   • Not Safe: Gravy is high in fat and may contain onions and garlic. High-fat foods can lead to pancreatitis in dogs.
4. Mashed Potatoes
   • Not Safe: Mashed potatoes often contain butter, milk, and sometimes garlic or onions. These ingredients can upset your dog's stomach.
5. Cranberry Sauce
   • Not Safe: Cranberry sauce is high in sugar and may contain raisins or currants, which are toxic to dogs.
6. Pumpkin Pie
   • Not Safe: Pumpkin pie contains sugar, spices, and sometimes nutmeg, which can be harmful to dogs. Nutmeg can cause hallucinations and seizures.
7. Chocolate Desserts
   • Not Safe: Chocolate is toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting to seizures and even death. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous.
8. Nuts
   • Not Safe: Certain nuts, like macadamia nuts and walnuts, are toxic to dogs. Even non-toxic nuts can be a choking hazard or cause digestive issues.

The Takeaway

By knowing which foods are safe and which are not, you can help ensure that your dog has a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving. If you want to include your dog in the festivities, stick to plain, cooked turkey meat and other safe foods. Happy Thanksgiving!