Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family, sharing meals, and enjoying the holiday spirit. As we indulge in our favorite dishes, remember, not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs and you should avoid sharing your meal with your dog. In fact, some can cause serious health issues. At Coventry Veterinary Clinic in Elkhorn, NE, we’re here to help you navigate which Thanksgiving foods your dog can enjoy and which to avoid. If you have any concerns about your dog’s diet during the holiday season, give us a call at (402) 322-2842 or request an appointment.
What Thanksgiving Foods Can You Share with Your Dog?
While the list of foods your dog should avoid is long, there are a few traditional Thanksgiving items that can be enjoyed by your pet in moderation. These safe foods can make your dog feel like part of the celebration without risking their health.
Turkey (Plain, Cooked)
Luckily, turkey is safe for dogs as long as it’s cooked and plain. Remove the skin and bones before giving your dog any turkey. The skin is high in fat, which can upset your dog’s stomach, while bones pose a choking hazard or risk causing internal damage.
Sweet Potatoes (Plain and Cooked)
Plain sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and vitamins, making them a healthy treat for dogs. However, avoid sweet potato casseroles or dishes prepared with butter, sugar, or marshmallows, as these ingredients can lead to digestive issues.
Green Beans (Steamed or Raw)
Green beans are low in calories and rich in vitamins, making them a great addition to your dog’s Thanksgiving plate. However, avoid green beans cooked with butter, seasonings, or casseroles with added ingredients like onions or garlic, as these can be harmful.
Pumpkin (Plain, Canned, or Cooked)
Plain, canned pumpkin or cooked pumpkin (without spices or sugar) is safe and nutritious for your canine. Many pet owners use pumpkin year-round to help with digestion, and a small amount on Thanksgiving can be a nice treat for your pet.
Apples (Raw, Without Seeds)
If you’re slicing apples for pie or snacking, feel free to share a few slices with your dog. Apples are a great source of vitamins and fiber. Just make sure the apple is raw and doesn’t contain seeds, which can be toxic to dogs.
Dangerous Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid
Not every delicious Thanksgiving dish is safe for your dog. In fact, some common holiday foods can lead to serious health issues if consumed. Keep these dangerous foods out of your dog’s reach to ensure their safety during the holiday.
- Stuffing: Stuffing often contains ingredients like onions, garlic, leeks, and spices—all of which are toxic to dogs. Even a small amount of onion or garlic can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Make sure stuffing is kept off your dog’s plate, and be mindful of any stray bites they may grab.
- Gravy and Rich Sauces: While gravy adds flavor to our meals, it’s far too rich for dogs. High-fat foods like gravy can lead to pancreatitis, a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It’s best to stick to plain turkey without any sauce or gravy for your dog.
- Mashed Potatoes: Plain, cooked potatoes are safe for dogs, but most Thanksgiving mashed potatoes are loaded with butter, cream, salt, and garlic—all of which can upset your dog’s stomach. Too much fat and salt can lead to health issues such as pancreatitis and dehydration. If you want to share potatoes, make sure they are plain and free of any harmful additives.
- Cranberry Sauce: Cranberries in their natural state are safe for dogs, but most cranberry sauce recipes are loaded with sugar and often contain harmful ingredients like grapes or raisins. Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. Avoid giving your dog any cranberry sauce, and stick to plain cranberries if you want to share.
- Pies and Desserts: The sugar and fat content in pies and desserts can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system. Additionally, many Thanksgiving desserts contain chocolate, which is highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures. Keep all desserts away from your dog, no matter how tempting it may be to share.
How to Respond If Your Dog Eats Unsafe Foods
Despite our best efforts, dogs are known for sneaking food when we’re not looking. If your dog manages to eat something from the “can’t eat” list, here are a few steps to take if your dog eats something they shouldn’t.
Monitor for Symptoms
After your dog eats an unsafe food, watch them closely for signs of distress. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, contact Coventry Veterinary Clinic at (402) 322-2842 immediately.
Contact Your Veterinarian
If you’re unsure whether a food is harmful or your dog is showing signs of illness, it’s best to call Coventry Veterinary Clinic to speak with a veterinarian who can advise you on the next steps. In some cases, bringing your dog in for a check-up may be necessary to ensure their health.
Don’t Induce Vomiting Without Guidance
It can be tempting to try to make your dog vomit after they’ve eaten something dangerous, but this isn’t always the best course of action. In some cases, inducing vomiting can make the situation worse. Always contact your veterinarian before taking any steps to induce vomiting, and let them guide you on how to handle the situation.
How to Safely Include Your Dog in Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a special time, and it’s understandable to want your dog to be part of the celebration. Fortunately, there are ways to safely include them in the holiday without putting their health at risk.
- Make a Dog-Friendly Plate: Prepare a special plate of safe foods like plain turkey, sweet potatoes, and green beans for your dog. This way, they can enjoy a holiday meal without the risk of ingesting harmful ingredients. Avoid table scraps, and stick to plain, unseasoned foods to keep their digestive system healthy.
- Provide Dog-Safe Treats: If you want to treat your dog during Thanksgiving, consider purchasing dog-safe treats or making homemade ones. Many pet stores offer Thanksgiving-themed dog treats that are safe and healthy. You can also find recipes online to make your own treats using ingredients like pumpkin, apples, and peanut butter.
- Keep Harmful Foods Out of Reach: Thanksgiving can be chaotic, with food everywhere and guests bustling around. Make sure harmful foods are kept out of your dog’s reach by storing them on counters or in the refrigerator. Remind guests not to feed your dog from the table, and keep an eye on your pet to prevent them from snatching food when no one is looking.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Your Dog’s Health in Mind
Your dog should certainly be part of the fun for Thanksgiving this year, but you’ll want to do so in a way that keeps their health and safety in mind. Now that you know which foods are safe and which are harmful, you can keep them healthy throughout the holiday season. If you have any questions or concerns about Thanksgiving foods your dog can and can't eat, contact Coventry Veterinary Clinic. Our team is here to help you provide the best care for your dog during the holiday season. Call us at (402) 322-2842 or request an appointment today to ensure your pet enjoys a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
