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As we gather for the holidays and enjoy tasty meals with friends and family, let’s not forget our furry friends may want to join in the feast! Texas Ruff House is here with some guidance on which foods are safe to be shared with our pets and which should stay out of reach this Thanksgiving.
What Foods Are Safe For Pets This Thanksgiving
Plain Turkey (No Seasonings)
Turkey, the star of many Thanksgiving dinners, is generally safe for dogs and cats—as long as it’s unseasoned, skinless, and boneless. Too much seasoning can be rough on their tummies, so keep it simple if they’re getting a taste. Avoid giving them the skin or bones, as these can cause choking or digestive issues.
Vegetables: Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, and Green Beans
Cooked, unseasoned veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans are great low-calorie treats that many pets enjoy. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and vitamins, but make sure they’re plain and free from butter, marshmallows, or any sweet glaze. The ASPCA offers helpful holiday pet safety tips, including which vegetables are safe, on their Thanksgiving safety page.
Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin is a pet-safe treat often found in Thanksgiving dishes, but be sure it’s plain, canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling). The pumpkin can be great for digestion and is a tasty addition for pets with sensitive stomachs.
Foods to Avoid
Onions, Garlic, and Scallions
Many Thanksgiving recipes contain onion, garlic, or similar ingredients that may add flavor to our meals but are harmful to pets. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), these ingredients can cause anemia and digestive upset in pets. The AVMA's Thanksgiving safety guide provides more details on toxic foods to keep away from pets.
Chocolate and Sweets with Artificial Sweeteners
Chocolate and candies containing xylitol (an artificial sweetener) are very dangerous for pets, especially dogs. Chocolate toxicity can cause heart arrhythmias, seizures, and in severe cases, can be fatal.
Fatty Foods
Gravy, butter-laden potatoes, and fatty meats can lead to gastrointestinal issues for pets, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and in serious cases, pancreatitis. The Pet Poison Helpline emphasizes keeping such foods out of paw’s reach to avoid accidental ingestion and holiday mishaps.
Watch Out for Trash Leftovers
Thanksgiving Clean-Up Tips
Even after the meal, pets can find ways to “celebrate” by investigating the leftovers! Thanksgiving trash, like food wrappers, aluminum foil, and turkey strings, can be tempting but hazardous. Consider taking out the trash promptly and giving your pets some toys or a puzzle feeder to keep them happily distracted while you clean up. For a comprehensive list of foods and other holiday hazards, the Pet Poison Helpline is a valuable resource.
While you’re enjoying Thanksgiving with family and friends, it’s a great time to celebrate with your pets too. Consider setting up a safe, quiet spot for them to retreat to if things get overwhelming. And if you’d like to make sure your dog enjoys some fresh air during the holiday weekend, Texas Ruff House offers private walks with our Walking Club! We’ll make sure your dog gets their daily dose of exercise while you savor all the holiday treats.
Thanksgiving is all about sharing gratitude, and at Texas Ruff House, we’re thankful for every wagging tail, gentle purr, and happy pet we care for. We hope you have a safe and joyful holiday with your furry friends by your side!
Carla Tittle left the world of child education in 2015 to pursue her passion for helping people and their pets. Over time Carla has been able to cultivate a team of pet care experts and Texas Ruff House now services Pflugerville, Hutto, Round Rock, and Georgetown. As passionate pet owners ourselves, we know how important it is for your furry friends to receive the best care. Our daily visits make sure your pets get the exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need, giving you peace of mind while you finally take that long-awaited trip. From leash training and cat care to fun dog field trips, this blog is packed with expert tips straight from the pros in pet care!