Thanksgiving Feast: Pet Safe Foods

Thanksgiving Feast: Pet Safe Foods

The arrival of Thanksgiving brings a time of warmth, gratitude, and a lot of great food. As the tantalizing aromas fill our homes, it’s natural for our four-legged family members to be intrigued by the spread on the table. However, not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for our pets. Let’s dive into what is safe and what is off-limits for your companions during this festive season.

Pet Safe Thanksgiving Foods

1. Turkey Meat (in Moderation):

• Lean, white turkey meat can be a good source of protein for pets.
• Ensure it’s boneless, skinless, and free from garlic, onions, or seasonings.

2. Plain Cooked Sweet Potatoes:

•  A small serving of cooked, plain sweet potatoes is safe. They must be cooked.
• Avoid marshmallow toppings or heavy spices.

3. Pumpkin Puree:

• Pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) can be a healthy treat in moderation.
• It’s good for digestion and can be added to their regular meals.

4. Carrots:

• Raw or cooked carrots, plain and cut into bite-size pieces, are safe and healthy.

5. Green Beans:

• Plain green beans are a good source of vitamins and minerals.

6. Apples:

• Fresh apple slices (without the seeds) make a crunchy, healthy treat. Red apples are best.

Foods to Avoid Giving Pets on Thanksgiving

1. Onions and Garlic:

• These common ingredients can cause anemia, particularly in dogs and cats.

2. Grapes and Raisins:

• Even in small amounts, grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs.

3. Chocolate and Sweets:

• Chocolate is toxic for both dogs and cats.
• Sweets, especially those containing xylitol, can be extremely harmful. Be careful of hidden ingredients in processed foods. Xylitol is also marketed as birch sugar.

4. Bones and Fat Trimmings:

• Turkey bones can splinter and pose a choking hazard.
• Fat trimmings can cause pancreatitis.

5. Alcohol:

• Any form of alcohol is poisonous to pets and should be kept well out of their reach.

6. Nuts:

• Macadamia nuts and other nuts can be toxic, are possible choking hazards, or cause stomach upset.

Pet-Safe Thanksgiving Tips

• Keep an Eye on Your Pets: With the bustle of the holiday, ensure that your pets don’t sneak any unsafe foods by keeping a close eye on them. If you are busy entertaining, it might be best to put your pet in a closed room with a yummy, long lasting, pet-safe treat.
• Create a Pet-Friendly Feast: Consider preparing a small plate with the  pet safe foods listed above.
• Stick to Their Routine: While it might seem fun to let our pets indulge, changes in their diet can cause stomach upset. t’s best to maintain your pet’s regular feeding schedule and diet, even during the holidays.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for our furry friends, who bring so much joy into our lives. By being mindful of what we share with them from our table, we can ensure they enjoy the holiday safely by our side. Wishing you and your pets a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!