Thanksgiving Foods: Dos and Don’ts for Your Dog
Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends and, of course, a delicious feast. As a pet parent, you may also want your dog to be part of the holiday fun! So, what thanksgiving food can a dog eat? When given in moderation, several Thanksgiving foods are safe to share with your furry friend.
It's important to remember that treats, including people's food, should only make up about 10% of your dog's daily calories. While many classic Thanksgiving dishes can be dangerous for pets, there are still dog-safe Thanksgiving food options to help your dog feel included in the festivities. With just a bit of planning, you can let your pup enjoy a taste of the holiday without worry.
So, if you're hoping to make Thanksgiving extra special for your dog, you're in the right place! This guide covers all the dos and don'ts of Thanksgiving foods for dogs, with tips to help you safely share the season's flavors with your best friend.
What Thanksgiving food can dogs have safely?
1. Turkey
Turkey can be a tasty dog Thanksgiving lean protein treat for your dog—just be sure to prepare it safely! Here's how:
- Choose White Meat Only: Start with a piece of white meat, and remove any skin and fat.
- Skip the Seasonings: Serve the turkey plain. Avoid salt, garlic, onions, and any other seasonings or spices, as these can be harmful to dogs.
- Boil for Low Fat: Boiling the meat keeps it low in fat, making it a healthier option for your pup.
- Avoid Spicy Additions: Steer clear of spicy sauces like Tabasco or anything too flavorful.
- Keep Bones Out: Turkey's bones can splinter easily and pose a severe risk to your dog's digestive system. Ensure there are no bones in the meat you serve, and keep your dog away from discarded bones in the trash.
Turkey can make a safe, occasional treat for most dogs when served in small portions. But if your dog has any known allergies to poultry, skip this treat and opt for something else!
2. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is an excellent choice for dogs thanksgiving when served the right way! It supports digestion, and vets often recommend pure pumpkin to ease constipation or firm up stools.
However, pumpkin pie isn't safe for your dog. Stick with simple options like roasted pumpkin or pure canned pumpkin. If you're making pumpkin pie at home, set aside some plain pumpkin for your pup—just be sure it's 100% canned pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
Pumpkin pie filling often contains spices like nutmeg, which are toxic for dogs. The added sugar and fat in pie fillings can also lead to stomach upset or even pancreatitis. So, skip the pie and stick with plain pumpkin for a healthy holiday treat!
3. Cranberries
Cranberries are a healthy, safe dog thanksgiving treat for dogs. They contain lots of antioxidants and can support urinary tract health. If you give your dog raw cranberries, remember to serve them in small amounts and cut them into smaller pieces to avoid any choking risk, as they can be hard to digest.
Be sure to skip the cranberry sauce, as it often has too much sugar or artificial sweeteners that aren't safe for dogs. Dried cranberries can be an alternative, but double-check that no raisins are mixed in, as raisins are toxic to dogs.
4. Green Beans
Green beans can be a great, healthy Thanksgiving food for dogs—just skip the casserole! Plain, raw green beans are a low-calorie treat packed with iron and essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's health.
These veggies also contain insoluble fiber, which helps bulk up stool and promotes healthy digestion. The fiber in green beans can also help your dog feel full, making them a helpful addition to maintaining a healthy weight.
You can serve your pup fresh, frozen, or canned green beans if they're unsalted and unseasoned.
5. Carrots
Carrots are a healthy Thanksgiving dog food, packed with vitamin A and fiber. In fact, many dog foods even include carrots as an ingredient! You can give your dog a raw baby carrot as a treat a couple of times a day, but cooked carrots are often easier on their stomach. Boiled or steamed carrots—whether fresh or frozen—are both great options. Canned carrots are also safe as long as they're low in salt or sugar.
6. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great Thanksgiving dogs treat! They're packed with B vitamins, vitamin A, and fiber, often used in simple, limited-ingredient diets for pets.
If you want to serve sweet potatoes to your dog, make sure they're cooked first. You can cut them into small cubes, steam and mash them, or bake or boil them—whatever works best for your pup!
7. Apples
Many dogs enjoy the sweet, crunchy taste of apples, which are full of fiber and antioxidants, making them a healthy treat in moderation. To safely serve apples to your dog, remove the core and seeds first, as apple seeds contain cyanide and can be harmful to dogs. Once prepped, slice the apple into thin pieces or small cubes for an easy, dog-friendly snack.
8. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can be a tasty, energy-boosting treat for your dog, packed with protein and healthy fats. However, be careful with the amount you give, as too much can lead to weight gain or blood sugar spikes. Also, always check the label—avoid sugar-free peanut butter with xylitol, a sweetener that's highly toxic to dogs.
For a healthier option, try the CBD Peanut Butter Treats for Dogs by Bully Crew CBD, which are packed with 30mg of full-spectrum CBD per bite. Made from high-quality, human-grade ingredients, these peanut butter-flavored treats are both delicious and beneficial, making them a wholesome way to add a bit of wellness to your dog's daily routine!
What dogs thanksgiving food should dogs avoid?
- Candy: Especially dark chocolate and candy with xylitol, which can make dogs very sick or even be fatal.
- Grapes & Raisins: These can poison some dogs and may cause kidney failure.
- Macadamia Nuts: Toxic to dogs, causing vomiting, tremors, muscle weakness, and even seizures.
- Onions & Garlic: Both are toxic to dogs and may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other serious symptoms.
- Mashed Potatoes are safe, but mashed potatoes often contain garlic, onion, butter, and cream, which aren't good for dogs.
- Stuffing: Often contains harmful ingredients like onions, garlic, raisins, or grapes.
- Gravy: High in fat and salt and may contain toxic ingredients like garlic or onion.
- Bread Dough: Raw dough can expand in a dog's stomach, causing serious health issues.
- Pitted Fruits: Choking hazards with pits that can fracture teeth or contain toxic cyanide.
- Chocolate: Contains caffeine and theobromine, which are toxic to dogs.
- Caffeine: Causes symptoms like vomiting, high heart rate, and seizures in dogs.
- Sugary Desserts: High-sugar desserts or dishes with chocolate or xylitol can upset your dog's stomach and even cause poisoning.
- High-Fat Foods: Too much fat can lead to digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating.
- Salty Foods: Excess salt can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and thirst.
- Alcohol: Toxic to dogs, causing vomiting, loss of coordination, salivation, and more.
Conclusion
It's tempting to share Thanksgiving dinner with your dog. Still, you must be careful with what you give dogs for Thanksgiving dinner.
Feeding your dog certain human foods could make it sick or even cause toxicity. Stick to safe foods for your dog and avoid anything cooked with oil, grease, or seasonings. These tips will help you and your furry friend enjoy a happy, healthy holiday together.
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