When you’re preparing your Thanksgiving meal, you might be tempted to share some of it with your dog. Be careful with what you feed them, as some common foods are not safe for your dog to eat.
It’s the holiday season, and that means a lot of delicious family meals. Our pets are also our family, and it’s normal to want to share the wealth of food with them (especially since they’re probably at your feet waiting for a handout). However, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), it’s important to be careful about what you share with your dog or other pets to avoid causing digestive problems or accidental poisoning. Veterinarians see a large uptick in sick dogs after the Thanksgiving holiday, due to them getting access to food that isn’t safe for them. Foods that are safe for humans are not always safe for dogs, so it’s crucial that you’re aware of the risks the food on your table represents for your beloved pooch.
Unsafe Foods
It can sometimes be difficult to know which foods are unsafe for our dogs, but there are plenty of useful online lists to help you determine what is safe for them to eat. Some common unsafe foods include, but are not limited to:
- Turkey skin
- Bones
- Ham
- Gravy
- Stuffing
- Casseroles
- Mashed potatoes (if butter/spices are added)
- Chocolate
- Sweets containing xylitol
- Alcohol
- Raisins and grapes
- Onions and scallions
- Garlic (including anything with garlic salt or garlic powder)
- Yeast dough
- Fatty foods
- Foods with added spices
Safe Foods
Some foods are safe to share, and you can also set aside some of your ingredients to make plain versions of a lot of your foods for your dog to enjoy as their own Thanksgiving meal while you and your guests have versions with added butter and spices for extra flavor.
- Potatoes—sweet potatoes are very healthy for your dog, just make sure any potatoes you give them are plain and don’t have any added butter or spices. They can be baked or boiled to prepare them for your pup.
- Apples—these are another amazing and healthy treat for your dog. Feed them raw and plain, and remove the core before giving them to your dog, as apple seeds can be toxic in large amounts.
- Green beans, plain.
- Peas—plain peas only, avoid fatty options with added ingredients such as creamed peas.
- Pumpkin—if you are using pumpkin puree for a recipe and have a little left over, this can be a great option if it’s 100% pumpkin with no added ingredients, such as sweeteners.
- Turkey—you can even share your Thanksgiving turkey with your dog! Of course, follow the previous rules and ensure the turkey is cooked without extra ingredients such as butter, sugar, or other spices. Plain turkey is a great treat for your dog. Make sure the turkey does not have any skin or bones with it, as these are not safe for your dog.
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.