You know it. Your dog knows it. Thanksgiving is here, and there’s no way you’re going to resist those adorable, pleading eyes. And that’s okay! As long as your pup doesn’t have any food sensitivities or GI issues — and you know which foods to avoid feeding your dog at all costs — you can feel free to share the joy.
Here’s a handy guide to hazardous and safe holiday food items:
NO WAY (with a brief explanation why)
- Turkey skin, fat trimmings, gravy and other high fat foods (GI upset/pancreatitis risk)
- Cooked bones (Choking/GI hazard)
- Yeast dough (can ferment and expand in stomach causing blockages and alcohol poisoning)
- Chocolate (the darker the chocolate, the more toxic)
- Xylitol (this highly dangerous ingredient is found in some candies, baked goods, gum, mints, certain brands of peanut butter)
- Raisins/currants/grapes (may cause acute kidney failure)
- Macadamia nuts (can cause temporary paralysis)
- Nutmeg (may cause tremors/seizures)
- Rhubarb (can cause neurologic, organ and GI problems)
- Onions, chives, high quantities of garlic (can damage red blood cells)
- Caffeinated drinks (can cause dangerously elevated heart rate, body temperature and more)
- Alcoholic drinks (can cause elevated heart rate, collapse, coma and more)
- Cooking twine, skewers, foil and other items covered in meat juice (GI/choking hazards – wrap these up carefully before discarding and secure all trash)
OKAY (in moderation, of course!):
A bite or two (alright, three) of the following is considered safe for dogs with no food sensitivities or tummy issues. Just be sure to set this food aside for your pup BEFORE its seasoned or covered with sauces:
- Plain, skinless cooked turkey
- Cooked yams or potato
- Canned or fresh cooked pumpkin or other squash
- Steamed or raw green beans, apple slices, berries
Happy Thanksgiving!
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