Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food—and if you’re anything like us, your fur baby is definitely part of the family! While it’s tempting to share your holiday feast with your pup, not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs. Here’s a guide to help you navigate what’s safe to share and what to avoid.
Safe Foods for Your Pup
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Turkey (Plain, No Skin or Seasoning)
Cooked turkey meat can be a great source of lean protein for your dog. Just make sure it’s plain, unseasoned, and free of skin, bones, or gravy. -
Sweet Potatoes (Plain, No Sugar or Marshmallows)
Rich in vitamins and fiber, plain sweet potatoes are a healthy treat for dogs. Avoid any candied versions or dishes with added sugar or butter. -
Pumpkin (Plain, Cooked, or Canned)
Pumpkin is great for digestion, but make sure it’s plain (not pie filling with spices or sugar). -
Green Beans (Plain, Steamed)
Steamed green beans without seasoning are a crunchy, low-calorie snack for your dog. -
Apples (No Seeds or Core)
Apple slices can be a refreshing treat, but remove the seeds and core first, as they can be harmful. -
Carrots (Raw or Cooked, No Seasoning)
Carrots are a crunchy, nutrient-rich snack your pup will love!
Foods to Avoid
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Turkey Bones and Skin
Bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries, while the fatty skin can lead to pancreatitis. -
Stuffing
Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, and herbs like sage, which are toxic to dogs. -
Mashed Potatoes (With Butter, Milk, or Garlic)
Plain potatoes are fine, but added ingredients like butter, milk, or garlic can upset your dog’s stomach. -
Gravy
Gravy is high in fat and often contains onions or garlic, which are toxic to dogs. -
Cranberry Sauce
Many cranberry sauces are loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. -
Pies and Desserts
Desserts like pumpkin pie or chocolate-based treats can be harmful due to sugar, spices, or toxic ingredients like chocolate. -
Alcohol and Caffeinated Beverages
Even a small amount of alcohol or caffeine can be dangerous for dogs. -
Onions, Garlic, and Chives
These ingredients can damage red blood cells and cause serious health issues in dogs.
Helpful Tips for a Dog-Safe Thanksgiving
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Create a Pup-Friendly Plate: Prepare a small, dog-safe plate with plain turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, and a little pumpkin for your pup to enjoy.
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Keep Leftovers Secure: Make sure trash bags and leftovers are out of reach to prevent your dog from sneaking unsafe foods.
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Have Treat Alternatives Ready: Instead of table scraps, treat your pup to something special like Crewsgiving or TouchDown Treats from our collection!
By keeping these tips in mind, you can include your fur baby in the Thanksgiving festivities without compromising their health. A little planning goes a long way to ensuring a safe and happy holiday for everyone in your family—including the four-legged members!
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at The Hippie Howl!