What to Feed Your Dog on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time of abundance, and as the savory scents fill the air, even our dogs seem to know there’s something special in store.

But amidst the bustling kitchen and the clinking of dishes, it’s crucial to consider what’s on your dog’s plate. Not all holiday fare is pup-approved! The last thing you want is an emergency vet visit interrupting your festive cheer.

This guide is your secret ingredient to a pet-friendly celebration.  Indeed it will ensure that the holiday spirit is shared safely with every wag and woof in your home.

Let’s make this Thanksgiving a feast that truly includes the whole family.

What to Feed Your Dog on Thanksgiving

Hungry dog in front of roasted Thanksgiving turkey

As the leaves turn and the air chills, Thanksgiving offers a cornucopia of culinary delights that we’re eager to gobble up. But what about our loyal companions with their wagging tails and hopeful gazes? Fear not, for there’s a bounty of Thanksgiving goodies that are not only safe for your pup to indulge in but are also tail-waggingly delicious!

Let’s talk turkey—the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table. Lean, white turkey meat is a fantastic source of protein for your pooch.  Of course, this has to come minus the skin and bones. It’s like their own version of a Thanksgiving feast, minus the frills and spices that we humans relish.. Bear in mind, when serving up this poultry prize, keep it plain and simple.

Now, onto the sides! Sweet potatoes, a staple in many Thanksgiving spreads.  These are a treasure trove of vitamins for your furry friend. They’re rich in beta-carotene and fiber, which are excellent for your dog’s digestive system. But Hold the marshmallows and spices.  Your dog will thank you for a plain, boiled, or baked slice of this sweet tuber.

Besides, carrots being another canine favorite, perfect for a crunchy, nutritious snack. Full of beta-carotene and fiber, they can be served raw or cooked.  Just ensure they’re free of any sugary glazes or seasonings. And let’s not forget about green beans, an excellent low-calorie treat that’s full of iron and vitamins. Serve them up plain and watch your dog crunch away happily.

Dog eating an apple

For a fruity treat,apples can be a refreshing and healthy snack. Full of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber they’re great as is.  Plain and raw!    Of course, just remember to remove the core and seeds to prevent any choking hazards. And while cranberries are often a no-go due to their high sugar content in sauces, a few fresh cranberries can be a tart treat.

Indeed, pumpkin is another festive favorite that’s great for dogs. Not only is it packed with fiber, but it also helps with digestive regularity. A dollop of pure, unsweetened pumpkin can make for a delightful doggy dessert.

As we consider these dog-friendly options, it’s important to remember that moderation is key. Even safe foods can lead to an upset stomach or weight gain if overdone. So, while it’s tempting to let Fido feast to his heart’s content, portion control should be observed.  This keeps the holiday happy and healthy for everyone.

What Not to Feed Your Dog on Thanksgiving

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, it’s natural to want to share our feast with our furry family members. However, even with the best intentions, some traditional dishes are better left off the canine menu. Let’s carve into the details of what not to pass under the table, no matter how politely your pup asks.

Onion, good in stuffing, but not a dog’s stomach

As we all know, Stuffing is a Thanksgiving staple, but it’s a complex mix often loaded with onions, garlic, and herbs. Undoubtably these are a recipe for trouble in Dogville. These ingredients can cause gastrointestinal upset and potentially lead to anemia in dogs. So, it’s best to keep the stuffing to the human side of the celebration.

While gravy might seem harmless, but it’s often a fatty, seasoned concoction that can upset your dog’s stomach. High-fat foods can lead to pancreatitis.  Moreover, the spices and seasonings may be ingredients that are toxic to dogs. It’s a silky-smooth path to potential distress for your pooch.

Now, let’s talk sweets. Desserts are a definite no-fly zone for dogs. Many contain chocolate, which, as we know, is a big canine no-no due to theobromine. But it’s not just chocolate.  Desserts can be high in sugar and worse, contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol.Xylitolcan cause a rapid and dangerously lethal drop in a dog’s blood sugar. Read morehere.

And while nuts might seem like a healthy snack, certain types are toxic to dogs. Macadamia nuts, for example, can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. It’s best to keep the nut bowl out of paw’s reach.

When it comes to Cranberry sauce, with its high sugar content and sometimes additional ingredients like raisins (which are also toxic to dogs), should Not be shared with your four-legged friend. The same goes for Any glazed dishes that are often high in sugars and syrups.

As we’ve navigated the treacherous waters of what Not to feed Fido this Thanksgiving, it’s clear  the key to a pet-safe holiday is awareness and prevention. With knowledge, we can ensure our dogs are safe but, also part of the festivities in a secure, healthy way.

How to Prepare a Feast for Your Dog on Thanksgiving

With the “don’ts” out of the way, let’s turn our attention to the “dos” of a dog-friendly Thanksgiving feast. Creating a special menu for your pooch doesn’t have to be a puzzle.  It can be as enjoyable as preparing your family’s favorite dishes. A little bit of planning goes a long way in making sure your dog’s tail keeps wagging from appetizers to dessert.

Give your dog boneless meat

First up, the main event: turkey. This bird can be the centerpiece of your dog’s Thanksgiving plate, too. Select boneless, skinless cuts of white meat. Ensure it’s well-cooked and free from all the flavorful adornments we humans might enjoy.  These include salt, garlic, onions, and gravy that are off the guest list for this Pet Party.

Next, let’s talk sides. A medley of steamed vegetables can be both colorful and nutritious for your dog. Carrots, green beans, and even a bit of spinach can provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. Remember to serve them plain—no butter, salt, or sauces required. These veggies are naturally full of flavor and fiber that are excellent for your dog’s digestion.

For a touch of sweetness and a lot of fiber, a spoonful ofplain pumpkin puree(not the pie filling loaded with spices and sugar) can be a delightful treat. It’s not only tasty but as we said, it can also help with your dog’s digestive health.

Now, for the pièce de résistance: a special doggy dessert. While our pies and cakes are strictly off-limits, a small serving of apple slices (without the seeds, of course) is good. It can be a crisp and refreshing end to your dog’s meal. Or consider freezing someplainyogurt to create a creamy, cool treat they’ll love.

Furthermore, as you prepare these dishes, keep in mind portion sizes. Even healthy foods can lead to an painful pooch if overeaten. A good rule of paw is to ensure that treats and ‘extras’ don’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

Dog eating Thanksgiving meal

With a little creativity and a lot of love, your dog’s Thanksgiving menu will be both safe and satisfying. And as we’ve put together a feast fit for a furry king or queen, let’s not forget the ambiance. After all, Thanksgiving is as much about the warm, fuzzy feelings as it is about the food.  Wrapping our dog-friendly Thanksgiving tips, remember that the heart of the holiday is togetherness—paws, claws, and all.

Banixx Dog Blog

With our Banixxblogarticles, we’re committed to helping you make every day with your pup a celebration of health and happiness.  If you’re curious about other dog topics, we have a whole variety for you.  For example, what to do when you have toClean up messy eye boogers or goopor how to maintain your dog’s healthwhen you can’t afford a vet…we have reliable suggestions.

Keep trotting back to us for tips to you keep your dog’s tail wagging with wellness and for any skin calamity or infection reach for your bottle ofBanixx Pet Care.  You don’t have one? clickhereto find out where to buy Yours. It’s the most trusted, canine-friendly antiseptic solution on the market.

Sources

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/thanksgiving-foods-to-share-with-your-dog-or-avoid/

https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-nutrition/what-can-dogs-eat/thanksgiving-foods-for-your-dog-and-what-to-avoid

https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/thanksgiving-recipes-with-dogfriendly-ingredients

https://www.pethub.com/articles/92609/how-to-make-a-yummy-safe-thanksgiving-feast-for-your-pets

https://www.thedogbakery.com/blogs/news/recipes-safe-healthy-thanksgiving-dinner-for-your-doghttps://wagwalking.com/daily/thanksgiving-food-for-dogs-dos-donts-and-dog-safe-recipes