Did you know that Thanksgiving tends to coincide with an increase in veterinarian visits from dogs being fed unsafe human foods? It's true!
It’s not just humans that overeat during the holidays. Some of us may also be a bit indulgent with our dogs. But it doesn’t have to be the turkey bones or other not-so-great items from the Thanksgiving menu. There are healthier choices to share with your dog. Plenty of fall favorites can be safe options for your dog to share in small portions during holiday festivities.
Turkey bones can be tempting to give our furry family members, but they can cause serious damage to your pup's digestive tract. Since turkey bones are off the table, here are some safe foods to feed your doggos:
Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Sweet potato treats can be as simple as a dehydrated sweet potato chew. Just remember not to give your pet sweet potatoes containing any added ingredients.
Potatoes are another option, but give only boiled or baked potatoes with no butter, sour cream, salt, or pepper, and serve in moderation.
Apples are full of vitamins A and C and contain lots of great fiber, making them a healthy Thanksgiving treat for your pet. However, if you’re sharing an apple with your pooch, be sure to cut around the core, as large amounts of apple seeds can be toxic.
Turkey meat (no bones & no skin). For those that wonder if dogs can eat turkey at Thanksgiving, the answer is yes. The main dish is okay to offer up as long as it has not been prepared with any seasoning. In addition to avoiding bones as discussed above, it's also best to avoid feeding our dogs turkey skin. Poultry is likely to have been prepared with butter, spices, or other fatty ingredients that may cause pancreatitis or other issues for your dog.
Green Beans have ample amounts of plant fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K, plain green beans are great for dogs. The key here, as with turkey, sweet potatoes, and other options mentioned in this list, is the bean dish should be plain—without added ingredients like butter or spices.
Plain peas are a good choice.
Pumpkin itself is a very healthy snack for dogs. Pumpkin helps with digestive health and it’s great for a dog’s skin and coat. Also, if feeding canned pumpkin, make sure it’s just pumpkin and not the pre-spiced pie mix.
Since our dogs have an amazing sense of smell, make sure to keep the trash put away so they're not tempted to get into anything that could hurt them. If your pet gets into something that they shouldn't, seek help right away. In the event of an emergency, contact the Pet Poison Helpline or your local vet that offers weekend, holiday, and after hours emergency services.
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!