Dogs can enjoy many traditional Thanksgiving dishes. The key is to let them indulge in moderation. That’s because Thanksgiving weekend is notorious in the veterinary world for causing a spike in pancreatitis, vomiting and diarrhea. These things happen when dogs eat too much (and too much!) rich food that they are not used to.
Sometimes dogs get into trouble because family members hide too many treats from them, but other times the dog uses the counter, table, or trash can. Either way, these “treats” can lead to temporary or even long-term illness in your dog.
We suggest that, to ensure that both you and your dog can enjoy the festivities at this time, you:
- Instruct guests not to feed the dog without your permission, especially dogs with known food allergies or sensitive or sensitive stomachs
- Separate treats for your puppy so you know how much he eats throughout the day
- Avoid fatty cuts of meat
- Avoid dairy products
- Keep spices to a minimum for any food you feed your dog
- Use baby gates to keep your dog away from the food preparation area
- Consider crating your dog or locking him in another room if he is a known food thief
- Secure turkey carcasses and other trash in a can that your dog can’t access or open
What can dogs eat on Thanksgiving?
Sure, your dog can eat plenty of plain, unseasoned vegetables, but in case you’re wondering about the Thanksgiving staples your dog can have in moderation, we’ve got you covered:
Turkey: Offer your dog a small amount of cooked meat. Skin tends to be higher in fat and salt/spice, making it less ideal for your pup. Stomachs and organ meats are tasty treats for dogs who tolerate them, but they are also rich.
ham: Allow small pieces of cooked ham, avoiding fatty areas. Ham is usually both fatty and salty, so just give your dog a taste.
mashed potatoes: Plain mashed potatoes without too much stuff are safe for your dog, although they may not enjoy them, but skip the sauce.
carrots: Your dog can enjoy carrots cooked or raw! It is ideal to feed those who are not very spicy.
sweet potatoes: Offer it to your dog simply, with minimal spices.
pumpkin: Canned pumpkin is a great healthy treat for dogs. Offer a teaspoon or so if your dog hasn’t had it before. You can even make pumpkin treats for your dog.
Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkin pie has a lot more sugar than regular canned pumpkin, but your dog may taste it a little.
green beans: Plain, cooked beans are a great snack for your dog.
cranberries: Plain and cooked cranberries are safe for your dog. If your family uses a classic cranberry sauce recipe of just cranberries, sugar, and water, your dog may even taste a little cranberry sauce (don’t overdo it because of the high sugar content). If you add extra ingredients to your cranberry sauce, your dog should skip this dish.
Thanksgiving for your dog: Caution
Always remember that even though there are many Thanksgiving foods dogs can eat, be careful. Offer your dog small portions that don’t have excess sugar or spices, and avoid fatty foods.
The simplest option is often to set aside your dog’s “meal” in advance so you know exactly how much of each thing he will get. And if your puppy has a sensitive stomach, save your carpets by not giving him food he’s not used to.
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