“Every year during the holidays I make my dogs pumpkin cinnamon treats. I even use fun fall and winter cookie cutters for the treats (which is really for me) and they turn out so cute! My 6-yr-old pug, Betty White (above), loves them most.” -Olivia Henley, Firehouse Animal Health Centers
Charlie Brown always shared Thanksgiving with Snoopy. If you plan carefully, your pets can join in on the holiday too.
Some human foods are unsafe for pets. Yet, plain ingredients (or single ingredients) are fine.
Avoid a Thanksgiving trip to the ER with these pet-safe foods:
1. Plain turkey breast, please
Offer small bites of unseasoned turkey breast. First remove the skin, bones, and excess fat. Be careful: turkey bones are dangerous. They can break and get stuck in your pet’s throat.
Don’t overdo it – pets have trouble digesting fat, which can lead to pancreatitis. Or, more often, a mess for you to clean up.
2. Eat your fresh veggies
Save plain carrots, green beans, or broccoli chunks from side dishes for your pet to gobble while your family enjoys the meal. Hold the garlic and onions. They’re poisonous for cats and dogs.
3. A side of unseasoned mashed potatoes
Pets love a mash! Set aside a scoop of plain mashed potatoes before adding milk and seasonings. Fun fact: many pets are lactose-intolerant. Even cats can vomit or get diarrhea from milk.
4. Off to bed without dessert
Don’t offer your pets foods like chocolate or desserts that include xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is toxic to pets.
Pro tips from our vets:
- If you’re unsure about which goodies to share, make your pet their own platter with squeeze cheese and peanut butter.
- Hosting at your home means new or frequent visitors. Watch for sneaky lunges at plates or tables when you’re not looking.
- Ask guests not to feed your pet from their plates. If your family—and your pet—can’t resist the holiday treats, put your pet in their crate or a bedroom for safety.
- Our last tip is non-food related, but relevant. If your pet gets anxious with a house full of people, watch they don’t dash for the door.
If your furry pal runs off with the turkey or digs through the trash for leftovers, check in with us to treat his upset stomach and have a Happy Thanksgiving!