Ensuring Your Dog's Thanksgiving Is Safe With Pet-Friendly Leftovers and Snacks

While Thanksgiving is a holiday built on the premise of gratitude, most people see it as a time for feasting and indulging in delicious treats. For people with dogs, it is hard to eat a large meal and look into those big, round, begging eyes. Most pet owners will allow their favorite furry companion to have a Thanksgiving plate or at least table scraps. However, be careful when dishing out a doggie-sized helping. Not all holiday food is good for your furry friend.

Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods

While the American Veterinary Medical Association does not recommend giving your pooch turkey bones, most vets agree there are several pet-friendly dishes at your dinner table. According to several veterinary professionals, it is safe to give your dog seven table treats:

1.      Potatoes: Regular or sweet potatoes are excellent options for your dog. Sweet potatoes contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, fiber, and beta-carotene. However, when giving your dog potatoes, ensure they are plain potatoes with no added ingredients.

2.      Apples: Apple seeds can be toxic to your dog, but the fruit itself is not. Apples contain vitamins A and C and a healthy amount of fiber, all of which are healthy and welcome parts of your pet's diet.

3.      Green beans: As with other items on the list, green beans provide nutrients for your pet, but you cannot feed them leftover green bean casserole. It is best to give your dog plain beans; perhaps toss it a few while you're doing meal prep.

4.      Plain peas: A healthy choice for people and dogs, peas are safe. You should only feed whole peas, however, not creamed or mashed. Peas are a fattier food and can upset your dog's stomach.

5.      Pumpkin: The orange hallmark is a staple of thanksgiving feasts and healthy for dogs. If you feed your dog canned pumpkin, make sure there are no other ingredients. Pumpkin is great for your best friend's skin and coat.

6.      Turkey Meat: As long as turkey is not prepared with seasoning, it is safe for your dog to eat. You want to feed it only the meat, no bones or skin. Bones can damage the dog's digestive tract, and the skin is usually prepared with spices, butter, or other fatty ingredients that can cause pancreatitis in dogs.

7.      Dessert: There is no reason your dog cannot enjoy dessert with the rest of the family. You will want to give it a dog-friendly option like frozen yogurt, which is rich in calcium, protein, and probiotics.

Unsafe and Unhealthy Thanksgiving Foods

Did you know Thanksgiving coincides with increased emergency vet visits in the U.S.? The uptick is due to dogs eating human foods that are not safe or healthy for them. To prevent emergencies, it is best to plan your pet's meal ahead of time and prepare it separately, if necessary, from the rest of the meal. If you want to feed your dog table scraps, ensure its plate does not include any of the following foods:

•         Ham

•         Turkey bones, skin, or gravy

•         Chocolate

•         Side dishes (stuffing, casseroles, creamed peas, etc.)

•         Raisins, grapes, garlic, onions, scallions

Basically, you do not want to feed your pet any fatty foods or foods containing spices. Also, avoid yeast dough.

Finally, you want to remove the trash after dinner to eliminate any temptation your dog might have. The scent of even a trashed Thanksgiving meal is enticing to your pet.

Top 5 Healthy and Safe Holiday Treats

Your dog does not have to eat human food to feel like it is part of the family tradition. Many dog food manufacturers create turkey and pumpkin-based treats that are safe for your canine companion. Some of the best options include:

1.      The Lazy Dog Leftover Turkey Sandwich Dog Treats: Made with real turkey and sweet potato, the Lazy Dog treats are American-made options without wheat, soy, or corn. They are a soft-baked treat sure to give your dog a real Thanksgiving experience.

2.      Puppy Cake Pumpkin Cake Mix: There is no reason your dog cannot enjoy a pumpkin treat on Thanksgiving. This unique cake mix from Puppy Mix comes with everything you need to bake your furry friend a cake, including the icing. Also, if you are not a baker, the mix can be thrown into the microwave.

3.      Grandma Lucy's Organic Pumpkin Treats: Grandma knows best, right? You can't go wrong with Grandma Lucy's organic dog treats, and this pumpkin treat is sure to please your pooch's taste buds. These dog-shaped treats are 100% USDA organic with no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colorings.

4.      Fruitables Pumpkin and Cranberry Dog Treats: You love cranberry sauce, right? Well, why not give your dog a taste of this traditional Thanksgiving flavor? Fruitables cranberry flavored treats contain several all-natural ingredients, including pumpkin and cranberry, and they smell delicious, but remember they're not for you.

5.      Blue Buffalo Health Bars With Pumpkin and Cinnamon: Blue Buffalo is a quality pet food brand that prides itself on using real ingredients, and the company's Health Bars are no different. Made with quality ingredients, your dog is sure to enjoy this sweet holiday treat. The treats are oven-baked and contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude and sharing. While you might want to share your entire meal with your dog, it is not safe. There are several food items your pet can have, but it is usually best to give your dog food designed with its system in mind. If you must share table scraps, avoid anything with spices or other added ingredients that can be dangerous to your pet.