Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing delicious meals, and reflecting on all the things we’re grateful for. At Brownswitch Animal Hospital, we know that your pets are part of the family, and you naturally want to include them in the holiday festivities. While it’s tempting to share your Thanksgiving feast with your furry friends, not all holiday foods are safe for pets. To help you have a pet-friendly holiday, we’ve put together a list of Thanksgiving foods that you should never feed your pet.
Turkey Troubles
Turkey is the traditional center of most Thanksgiving tables, but think twice before offering your pet a bite. While plain, cooked, lean cuts of turkey meat in small amounts are generally safe, the danger for pets lies in the skin and bones.
Turkey skin is often seasoned with herbs, butter, and spices that can upset your pet’s stomach—or even potentially be toxic. Turkey bones can splinter easily—particularly when cooked—leading to choking hazards or serious internal injuries like a punctured stomach or intestines.
For safe Thanksgiving pet-friendly options, stick to small pieces of plain, unseasoned turkey meat, and always remove the bones first.
No Stuffing Allowed
Stuffing is a traditional Thanksgiving favorite, but it’s definitely not always a safe choice for your pets. Many stuffing recipes contain ingredients like onions, garlic, raisins, and herbs, all of which can be harmful to pets. Onions and garlic can damage red blood cells, and lead to anemia, while raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Even a small amount can be dangerous, so it’s best to keep the stuffing on your plate and out of your pet’s reach.
Say No to Sweets
Thanksgiving desserts are the perfect way to end a meal, but they’re also a major no-no for pets. Chocolate is a well-known hazard. It contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Darker and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous.
But chocolate isn’t the only sweet treat to avoid. Many desserts, especially those labeled as “sugar-free,” may contain xylitol. This artificial sweetener can cause a rapid drop in your pet’s blood sugar, and lead to seizures or liver failure. And don’t forget about the dangers of baked goods with raisins or grapes, which are toxic to pets.
Skip the Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes, gravy, and casseroles may be delicious, but they often contain ingredients that can upset your pet’s stomach. Mashed potatoes are often made with butter, milk, or cream, which many pets have difficulty digesting.
Gravy, while savory and tempting, is typically high in fat and salt, both of which can lead to pancreatitis or sodium poisoning in pets. Casseroles can also be risky, especially those containing onions, garlic, cheese, or heavy cream.
Minding Your Sips
It’s not just the food that poses a risk—Thanksgiving drinks can be dangerous, too. Alcohol is very toxic to pets, and even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, or death. Keep alcoholic beverages well out of reach, and be mindful of other drinks that might contain caffeine or artificial sweeteners, which can also be harmful.
Pet-Friendly Alternatives
Don’t worry, though! Your pet doesn’t have to miss out on all the Thanksgiving fun! There are plenty of pet-friendly alternatives you can offer to make your pet feel included. Consider:
- Plain, cooked vegetables like carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes (without added butter or seasonings)
- Baked apples
- A tablespoon or two of plain pumpkin (sans sugar please)
- A small taste of cooked turkey, as long as it’s unseasoned and boneless.
Our team at Brownswitch Animal Hospital wants you and your pets to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. By avoiding these common Thanksgiving foods and sticking to more pet-friendly choices, you can ensure that your holiday is both enjoyable and safe for everyone in your family, including the furry members.
If you have any questions about pet Thanksgiving safety, don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re here to help! Wishing you a joyous and pet-friendly holiday season!