Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food. While you enjoy the holiday feast, it's natural to want to share some of the festive spirit with your dog. However, not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for pets. In fact, some can cause serious health issues. Let’s explore what’s safe for your pet and what to avoid. If you have any concerns about your dog's health or aren’t sure what’s safe to share this holiday season, call Walnut Creek Veterinary Clinic at (402) 505-5445 or request an appointment today.
Turkey: Can Dogs Eat It?
Turkey is often the star of Thanksgiving dinner, and the good news is that your dog can enjoy this protein-packed treat too! However, there are important guidelines to follow:
- Plain, Cooked Turkey Is Safe: Turkey, when cooked plain without any seasonings or added fats, can be a great source of lean protein for your dog. It's best to stick with white meat, as it is lower in fat, which is gentler on your dog’s stomach. Dark meat has more fat, which can cause digestive issues like pancreatitis if consumed in large amounts.
- Turkey Bones Are a No-Go: While you might be tempted to hand your dog a turkey bone, turkey bones can splinter, leading to choking, internal injury, or blockages in the digestive tract. Always dispose of cooked bones where your dog can’t access them.
- Watch for Seasonings and Additives: Many Thanksgiving turkeys are prepared with seasonings, butter, garlic, and onions—ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Onions and garlic, in particular, are toxic and can lead to serious health problems like anemia. Stick to plain turkey if you want to offer your dog a bite.
Vegetables: What’s Safe and What’s Not?
Thanksgiving is full of hearty vegetable sides, but not all are safe for your dog. Knowing which veggies are safe can help you make better decisions when it comes to sharing your meal.
Safe Vegetables for Dogs
Several vegetables are not only safe but can also offer health benefits for your dog:
- Carrots: Raw or cooked, carrots are a great, crunchy treat rich in vitamins and fiber.
- Green beans: Low in calories and high in fiber, plain green beans are a safe and healthy choice.
- Pumpkin: Plain, cooked pumpkin (not the spiced or sweetened kind) is beneficial for digestion and can be fed in small quantities.
- Sweet potatoes: Like pumpkin, plain cooked sweet potatoes are safe for dogs. They are high in fiber and vitamins, making them a great addition in moderation.
Unsafe Vegetables for Dogs
On the other hand, some vegetables can be harmful:
- Onions and garlic: Both are toxic to dogs and can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Mushrooms: Store-bought mushrooms may be safe, but it’s best to avoid them entirely due to the risk of ingesting harmful varieties.
- Mashed potatoes with butter or cream: Plain mashed potatoes are okay, but those loaded with butter, cream, and garlic are not safe for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Stuffing?
Stuffing is a Thanksgiving staple, but it’s one dish that should never end up in your dog’s bowl. Most stuffing recipes contain onions, garlic, seasonings, and sometimes even raisins—all of which are harmful to dogs. Raisins, in particular, can cause acute kidney failure, even in small amounts. If you want to include your dog in the meal, consider setting aside some plain, cooked vegetables or lean turkey before adding seasonings or mixing them with other ingredients.
Desserts: What to Share and What to Avoid
When it comes to dessert, it's best to avoid sharing your sweet treats with your dog. Many desserts contain sugar, spices, and other ingredients that can make dogs sick.
Unsafe Desserts for Dogs
- Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and even small amounts can cause serious symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
- Pies: Pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie—these are common Thanksgiving desserts, but they are not safe for dogs. The sugar, spices, and ingredients like nutmeg can cause digestive upset or toxicity.
- Raisins and grapes: As mentioned earlier, raisins are highly toxic to dogs, so any dessert or dish that contains them should be off-limits.
Dog-Safe Treat Alternatives
Instead of offering dessert, consider making your dog their own special treat, like a small serving of plain pumpkin or a dog-friendly biscuit. You can also find pet-safe pumpkin treats at many pet stores during the holiday season.
Other Thanksgiving Foods to Watch Out For
Beyond the main courses and desserts, there are several other Thanksgiving foods that could pose risks to your dog. Here are a few to be cautious of:
Gravy
Gravy is often high in fat and can contain onions or garlic, making it a risky choice for your dog. High-fat foods can lead to pancreatitis, which is a serious and painful condition.
Cranberry Sauce
Plain cranberries are safe for dogs in small quantities, but cranberry sauce is often made with sugar, sweeteners, and other additives that are not healthy for dogs. In particular, avoid sauces made with artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is extremely toxic to pets.
Alcohol
While this may seem obvious, it's important to emphasize that no amount of alcohol is safe for your dog. Even a small sip can cause alcohol poisoning, leading to symptoms like vomiting, disorientation, and difficulty breathing.
What Are Some Signs of Toxicity in Dogs?
If your dog accidentally consumes something harmful during Thanksgiving, you’ll want to be able to recognize the signs of toxicity and act quickly. Symptoms can vary depending on what they ingested but may include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Seizures or tremors
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal pain
If you notice any of these symptoms, or if you’re unsure whether your dog has eaten something dangerous, contact Walnut Creek Veterinary Clinic immediately at (402) 505-5445 for guidance or to schedule an emergency appointment.
Make Thanksgiving Safe for Your Dog
Keeping your dog safe during Thanksgiving doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the holiday with you. By being aware of the foods they can and can’t eat, you can make informed decisions that protect their health while still letting them partake in the festivities. Setting aside safe portions of plain turkey, vegetables, or even making them a special dog-friendly treat can help them feel included without risking their well-being. If you ever have questions about their health, contact Walnut Creek Veterinary Clinic at (402) 505-5445 or request an appointment.
