As Thanksgiving approaches, our homes are filled with the scents of delicious foods that make the holiday special. While it’s tempting to share the goodies with our furry friends, not all Thanksgiving treats are safe for pets. But what Thanksgiving foods are safe for pets?
Turkey? Potatoes? Peas? No need to guess! Here’s a guide to what you can and can’t feed your pets during the Thanksgiving feast.
Tasty Turkey: Is it Safe for Spot and Whiskers?
Turkey is a Thanksgiving staple, but is it suitable for your pets? While plain, cooked turkey is generally safe for dogs and cats in small portions, it’s important to avoid giving them skin or fatty parts. Those parts can possibly cause pancreatitis.
Also, avoid bones since they can splinter and cause blockages or tears in the digestive system. These injuries can be life threatening and even require surgery.
Don’t forget that ingredients like garlic and onions that are toxic to pets are often found in Thanksgiving dishes. And that’s why it’s best to keep seasoned turkey and stuffing off the pet menu.
Always check with a vet before introducing new foods to your pet’s diet!
“Paws” for Pie: Can Fido Enjoy a Dessert?
Who doesn’t love a sweet and savory dessert after a Thanksgiving meal? But when it comes to our pets, most traditional desserts are off-limits. Chocolate, xylitol (a common sugar substitute), and certain nuts are toxic to dogs and cats. However, there are still some safe options for your pet’s sweet tooth.
Pumpkin, for instance, is a nutritious option for pets! Pure pumpkin without added sugar or spices can help with your dog’s digestion. It’s a taste that most pets love!
For a special occasion like Thanksgiving, you can also consider making a pet-friendly dessert using pet-safe ingredients. For example, freezing plain pumpkin puree or plain yogurt can make a simple, pet-safe ice cream. Remember, the key is to keep it plain and simple! Be careful with serving sizes to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
Say No to Stuffing
Stuffing is indeed a flavorful component of the Thanksgiving feast. It’s usually bursting with a mix of savory herbs, spices, onions, garlic. Some recipes may call for raisins or nuts.
While these ingredients create a symphony of flavors for our human taste buds, they can spell trouble for our pets.
Onions and garlic, for example, are toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts. They can cause gastrointestinal upset and potentially lead to more severe conditions like anemia.
Raisins, often found in stuffing, are highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
Furthermore, walnuts or macadamia nuts are also toxic to pets and can cause a variety of health issues. Your pooch or cat may experience anything from a digestive disturbance to neurological problems.
Even the herbs and spices that make stuffing so delicious for us can be too much for a pet’s digestive system, leading to an upset stomach or more serious health issues.
“Berry” Good Choices: Which Fruits are Pet-Approved?
Is your cat or dog bananas about fruit? Fruit packs a nutritional punch of vitamins and antioxidants. Many can be a healthy addition to your pet’s diet! But it’s important to know which ones are pet-friendly. Some fruits are perfectly safe for pets, while others cause problems.
What fruits are safe for pets? Try apples. Apples are an excellent choice for a pet-safe treat. They’re high in fiber and vitamin C, which can be beneficial for your pet’s digestive system and general health. Just make sure to remove the seeds and core before serving them to your pet. That’s because apple seeds contain cyanide which is harmful to pets in large quantities.
Looking for another tasty treat? Blueberries are another superfood for your pets, full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C and K. They are also small and soft, making them an easy treat for pets to eat.
Finally, Bananas are a good source of potassium and soluble fiber. But be careful–their high sugar content, they should be given in moderation as a special treat, not a regular part of your pet’s diet.
Vegetables: The “Veggie-tails” of What’s Pet-Safe
Vegetables can be a healthy and nutritious snack for your pets, packed with fiber and essential nutrients while being low in calories and fat. However, it’s important to distinguish which vegetables are safe and beneficial for your pets.
Carrots are a fantastic choice for dogs and cats alike. They are low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins. Chewing on raw carrots can also help improve your pet’s dental health.
Green beans are another excellent option. They are a good source of plant fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese. They can be served to your pet raw, steamed, or canned, as long as they are plain and free from any salt or seasoning.
Sweet potatoes, like pumpkin, are rich in beta-carotene and fiber. They should be served cooked and without any added butter, sugar, or spices.
Cucumbers are perfect, especially for overweight pets. They’re low in calories and can help boost hydration due to their high water content.
When it comes to veggies on Thanksgiving, your cat or dog has plenty to pick from!
The Bone Debate: Should They Chew or Should They Pass?
Ah, turkey bones. Coming in all shapes and sizes, you might not be surprised if your pup begs for the bone. Bones are often a dog’s best friend, but are they a safe treat?
Despite the popular image of dogs gnawing on bones, turkey bones are not a safe treat for your canine companion. Cooked bones are brittle and can easily splinter. These splinters can lead to choking or even damage your dog’s internal organs if ingested.
Even larger bones can lead to blockages in the intestines if they’re broken down into large chunks that are difficult for a dog to digest. It’s a tough pill to swallow for pet owners who want to indulge their pets. But the risk of injury from bones far outweighs the momentary joy they might provide.
Instead, it’s safer to stick to dog-friendly chew toys or treats that can satisfy their chewing instinct without the hazards.
What Thanksgiving Foods are Safe for Pets? Ask Us at Animal Care Center
Are you looking to give your pet the best possible care, tailored specifically to their needs? At Animal Care Center of Smyrna, we treat every pet like our own family. With a compassionate team dedicated to the highest standards of veterinary medicine, we’re ready to support your pet’s health and safety this fall season.
Don’t wait until the next Thanksgiving scare to get to know us. Connect with our expert team today and become part of a community that puts your pet’s well-being first.
