Thanksgiving Foods: What Your Dog or Cat Can (and Can’t) Eat
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, gathering, and, of course, a feast full of tempting aromas! As you prepare your holiday spread, your furry friends are sure to notice, hoping for a taste of the celebration. But what’s safe to share, and which classics should stay off your pet’s plate? Here’s a pet sitter’s guide for keeping dogs and cats happy and healthy around the Thanksgiving table.
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs and Cats
1. Plain, Unseasoned Turkey (White Meat Only)
- Both dogs and cats can enjoy a little bit of plain, skinless turkey breast. Avoid seasonings, especially onions, garlic, and excess salt or fat.
- Skip the skin and definitely never offer bones, cooked or raw bones can splinter and cause choking or serious injury.
2. Plain Cooked Vegetables
- Sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, and pumpkin are all safe when served plain (no butter, brown sugar, or spices).
- For cats, mash or puree veggies to make them more appealing.
3. Pumpkin & Squash
- Plain, cooked pumpkin or squash can ease digestion and provide fiber.
4. Apples (Seedless and Core Removed)
- A slice or two of apple is a nice treat, just make sure to avoid seeds and the core, which contain toxins.
5. A Spoonful of Plain, Mashed Potatoes
- In moderation, plain mashed potatoes (without butter, salt, garlic, or cream) are a safe treat.
Treats to Avoid: Thanksgiving Foods That Are Harmful
1. Turkey Skin and Bones
- The fat in turkey skin can trigger pancreatitis, and bones are serious choking and injury hazards.
2. Gravy, Stuffing, and Casseroles
- These dishes often contain onions, garlic, chives, leeks, excessive salt, or butter, all of which can cause gastrointestinal upset or even life-threatening anemia in pets.
3. Desserts (Including Chocolate and Sweet Baked Goods)
- Chocolate, xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free treats), grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and excess sugar are all toxic for pets.
- Never give your pets pie, fruitcake, cookies, or whipped cream.
4. Alcohol, Caffeinated Drinks, and Raw Dough
- Any amount of alcohol or caffeine can quickly poison pets.
- Raw dough can swell in their stomachs, leading to painful (and dangerous) bloating.
5. Nuts and Uncooked Foods
- Macadamia nuts are especially toxic, and raw potato or sweet potato can upset digestion or cause illness.
Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving With Pets
- Set Boundaries: Ask guests not to slip snacks under the table.
- Keep Plates and Trash Secure: Dispose of bones, wrappers, and scraps promptly.
- Have Pet-Friendly Treats Ready: Make a small plate with their safe favorites so they won’t feel left out.
- Watch for Symptoms: If your pet acts strangely, vomiting, drooling, lethargy, or diarrhea, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline right away.
Sample Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving Plate
- Shredded, skinless turkey breast
- A spoonful of plain sweet potatoes
- A few green beans
- A dollop of plain pumpkin puree
This simple treat will let your furry companion join the feast without putting their health at risk!
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