Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, food. Did you know not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs? Some holiday staples can pose serious health risks to your pet. To help you navigate the meal, we’ve put together a guide on which Thanksgiving foods your dog can safely enjoy and which ones to avoid. If you have concerns about your pet's health or if your dog eats something they shouldn’t, call Ridgeview Animal Hospital at (402) 333-3366 or request an appointment online.
What Thanksgiving Foods Are Safe for Your Dog?
Certain Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs, as long as they are prepared in a way that avoids added fats, seasonings, and other harmful ingredients. Here’s a list of items that are generally safe for your dog to enjoy in moderation.
Plain Turkey (Without Skin or Bones)
Turkey is a lean protein that many dogs love. Plain, cooked turkey meat can be a healthy treat for your dog on Thanksgiving. However, it’s important to remove the skin, as it’s often seasoned with ingredients that can upset your dog’s stomach or cause more serious health issues. Also, make sure no bones are included, as they can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
Sweet Potatoes (No Additives)
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, making them a nutritious choice for dogs. If you’re serving your dog sweet potatoes, be sure they are plain and free from butter, sugar, or marshmallows. Seasonings like cinnamon and nutmeg, often used in holiday dishes, can be toxic to dogs, so keep it simple.
Green Beans
Green beans are low in calories and high in vitamins, making them a dog-friendly vegetable. Serve them steamed or boiled without salt, butter, or other additives. Green beans provide a healthy crunch that your dog will enjoy without the risk of digestive upset.
Pumpkin (Plain and Cooked)
Pumpkin is a great source of fiber and can be beneficial for your dog’s digestive health. Just make sure it’s plain, cooked pumpkin—not pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices that can harm your dog. Plain pumpkin can also be mixed with your dog’s regular food to give them a nutritious boost.
Apples (Without Seeds)
Apples are a healthy snack for dogs, providing vitamins A and C as well as fiber. Just be sure to remove the core and seeds, as apple seeds contain cyanide, which is harmful to dogs. Offer plain slices of apple for a sweet, safe treat.
Thanksgiving Foods Your Dog Should Avoid
While some holiday foods can be safe in small amounts, others should be completely off-limits. Certain ingredients commonly found in Thanksgiving dishes can be harmful or even life-threatening to dogs. Here are some foods you should avoid sharing with your pet.
Turkey Bones and Skin
As mentioned earlier, turkey bones can splinter and cause serious internal injuries. The skin, often seasoned with garlic, onions, and other spices, can lead to digestive upset or more serious conditions like pancreatitis. Stick to plain turkey meat without any skin or bones to avoid these risks.
Stuffing
Stuffing may seem like a harmless side dish, but it often contains onions, garlic, and other ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Even in small amounts, these ingredients can cause severe health issues, including anemia and gastrointestinal distress. It’s best to avoid giving your dog any stuffing at all.
Gravy and Fatty Foods
Gravy, butter, and other high-fat foods may taste delicious, but they can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system. High-fat foods can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition in dogs. To keep your pet safe, avoid feeding them any foods that are heavy in fats or oils.
Mashed Potatoes
Plain potatoes might be safe for dogs, but mashed potatoes are typically prepared with butter, milk, and salt—ingredients that can upset your dog’s stomach. Some recipes even include garlic, which is toxic to dogs. If you want to share potatoes with your dog, offer them plain and cooked without any added ingredients.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberries themselves aren’t harmful to dogs, but cranberry sauce is often loaded with sugar and sometimes contains harmful additives like raisins or alcohol. It’s best to avoid giving your dog any cranberry sauce, as even small amounts can cause digestive upset.
Pies and Desserts
Holiday desserts, including pies, cookies, and cakes, should never be shared with dogs. These treats are high in sugar and may contain ingredients like chocolate, raisins, and artificial sweeteners (such as xylitol), all of which are toxic to dogs. Even a small bite of pie or dessert can lead to serious health issues.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Harmful
Despite your best efforts to keep your dog safe, accidents can happen. If your dog consumes something they shouldn’t, monitor them for any symptoms and call Ridgeview Animal Hospital. Some foods can cause immediate reactions, while others may take time to show symptoms.
Signs of Food Poisoning in Dogs
It’s important to watch for symptoms of food poisoning in dogs, especially after a holiday meal. Some common signs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
In more severe cases, you may notice difficulty breathing, seizures, or sudden collapse. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian right away. Ridgeview Animal Hospital is equipped to help during emergency situations and can guide you on the next steps. You can call the clinic at (402) 333-3366 or request an appointment if you have concerns about your dog’s health.
Keeping Your Dog Safe During Thanksgiving Celebrations
Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy the company of loved ones, and that includes your dog. To ensure your pet stays safe throughout the holiday, it’s important to establish boundaries around food and set up a plan to prevent accidents.
Monitor Your Dog Around the Table
During holiday meals, it’s tempting for guests to sneak your dog a bite of food under the table. Be clear with family and friends about what your dog can and can’t eat to avoid any accidents. You might also want to consider setting up a designated eating area for your dog away from the table to minimize temptation.
Provide Dog-Safe Treats
If you want your dog to enjoy Thanksgiving with you, consider preparing a few dog-safe treats. You can make a small plate with plain turkey, sweet potatoes, and green beans for your dog to enjoy while you feast. This will allow your dog to feel included without the risk of them eating harmful foods.
Avoid Using Leftovers as Treats
It’s common to save leftovers after a Thanksgiving meal, but avoid giving your dog leftover table scraps. Many dishes contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, and leftovers may have been exposed to seasonings, fats, and other additives. Stick to their regular diet and offer safe, dog-friendly treats instead.
Ensuring Thanksgiving Is Enjoyable and Safe for Your Dog
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, and your dog can be part of the fun—as long as you take the proper precautions. By offering your dog safe foods and keeping harmful ingredients out of reach, you can help prevent any unwanted trips to the vet. Remember, if you’re ever in doubt about whether a food is safe for your dog, it’s best to avoid it and contact Ridgeview Animal Hospital at (402) 333-3366 or request an appointment for advice.
