Can my dog eat that?

Whenever we gather with friends and family for Thanksgiving, we love to include our pets in the festivities. We share the things we are thankful for, and we share a meal. Sharing Thanksgiving dinner is a great way to include your furry family members, but we need to keep in mind that there are things that our furry family members can and cannot eat. Added sugars and seasonings can cause stomach upset for your dog, and some foods are toxic (like onions). So prepare your food accordingly if you plan on sharing from your table. Otherwise, prepare your pet a special dinner just for them, and keep everything as plain as possible.

What Thanksgiving foods and treats can I share with my dog?

Here are some tips for safe foods for your dog:

  • Plain sweet potatoes – baked, mashed, or chip treats are a great source of dietary fiber and certain vitamins. But leave off the marshmallow or candied toppings. Those can cause upset stomachs, and some sweetened toppings may contain a sugar substitute called Xylitol (also sold as birch sugar), which is highly toxic for pets.
  • Plain Potatoes – baked or mashed: These make a great side dish for your pet, as long as you keep ot plain. Don’t add salt or any flavorings. Gravy is ok, as long as it’s used sparingly and is homemade with no added salt, onions, or other herbs/spices.
  • Apple slices make a great snack or treat, but again – keep it plain. Remove any seeds (apple seeds are toxic) and don’t feed the core. Apples are another great source of fiber, and are already naturally sweet so no added sugar is needed. Don’t use any candy coatings or caramel. Those can upset your dog’s stomach, and really – who needs all that added sugar anyway?
  • Turkey meat is a great treat, in moderation. Keep it simple – no bones, no skin, no seasonings. If you’re going to share some turkey from your table, make sure you select pieces that don’t have any skin attached, and as unseasoned as possible.
  • Plain green beans: Green beans are another good source of fiber, and other vitamins. Skip the casserole and butter, though. Just feed a few plain green beans as part of a meal, or give a few as a treat.

Some Thanksgiving dinner foods to avoid

There are some things that you shouldn’t feed your dog, as they might make your dog sick:

  • Turkey bones, skin, and gravy: Turkey bones can splinter or get caught in your dogs throat; some gravies and sauces have spices or other flavorings that could make your pet sick.
  • Stuffing (can contain onion, which are toxic for dogs)
  • Chocolate, cookies, pies, and sweets (especially anything containing xylitol)
  • Raisins and grapes (these are toxic for dogs)
  • Onions, scallions, and garlic contain compounds and oils that are toxic to dogs
  • Fatty foods (too much fat can cause pancreatitis)
  • Foods containing spices and herbs (some are toxic for dogs)

Avoid overfeeding

As with any food treats, moderation is important. It’s a good idea to mix small amounts of these special treats in with their regular food at their regular feeding time, and adjust the amount of their regular food accordingly to avoid overfeeding.

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for friends, family, and your pets. Be safe this holiday season, and keep your pets happy and healthy with these safe feeding tips.