Thanksgiving Day is a time of feasting with a mouthwatering array of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pies. But have you ever wondered how much of this delicious spread is safe for your furry friend? Dr. Danielle Bernal, a global veterinarian with Wellness Pet Company, sheds light on this important question.Health Risks Vary with Dog's Size and Breed
"The health risks associated with Thanksgiving foods for dogs depend on factors such as their size, breed, what they ate, and the amount consumed," explains Dr. Bernal. "If a pet parent has any concerns about their pet's health after they've eaten something potentially dangerous or is showing abnormal behavior, it is crucial to contact the veterinarian immediately."
Establishing Ground Rules
Dr. Bernal advises pet owners to establish clear "ground rules with your guests" regarding feeding dogs human food. It's important to be open about whether or not you want to offer your dog any human food and to determine where pets are allowed inside or outside. Additionally, knowing what to do when trash begins to overflow and how to handle pets that may experience anxiety with guests is essential.
Turkey - Safe but with Precautions
Plain, boneless, and skinless turkey is generally safe for dogs to eat, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Dr. Bernal emphasizes that the meat provides a source of protein that supports muscle health and a lean body condition. However, stuffing, seasonings, skin, and bones are not suitable for dogs and can lead to digestive issues. "Prepared high calorie and fatty foods like the skin from a roast turkey, gravies, and sides with extra butter, creams, and oils can trigger acute digestive upsets, vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea, or even cause painful and dangerous pancreatitis," warns Dr. Bernal. She also explains that turkey bones are prone to splintering, increasing the risk of choking and intestinal punctures. "An emergency trip to the vet is the last thing we want to avoid," she adds.
Fruits and Vegetables - Good for Canines
Sliced raw carrots, apples, and cranberries are excellent choices for dogs. Carrots are low in calories and help protect against cataracts and heart disease. The pectin in apples supports the digestive system. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support urinary health and prevent UTIs and bacterial growth. In vegetables, steamed sweet potatoes, butternut squash, green beans, and peas are great options. Sweet potatoes are abundant in vitamins A, B6, C, and calcium and support fiber and digestion in dogs.
Desserts - Beware of Toxic Ingredients
While canned 100% pumpkin puree and unsweetened applesauce are popular dessert options for dogs as they provide a healthy source of fiber, pumpkin pies and prepared desserts are not suitable and should be kept out of reach. The AVMA warns that pumpkin pie can contain ingredients that are toxic to animals. Uncooked, yeast-based bread dough can also cause problems for pets, including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.
Foods to Keep Away from Dogs
Chocolates are highly harmful to pets as caffeine and theobromine in them can increase heart rate, blood pressure, cause agitation, tremors, seizures, and even lead to death. Xylitol, commonly used in gum and sugar-free baked goods, is deadly for both dogs and cats. Onion and garlic contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, resulting in lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, pale gums, and red or brown urine. Processed foods with added ingredients like butter, brown sugar, marshmallows, and syrup can cause digestive issues. Consuming large amounts of nutmeg can be toxic due to the hallucinogenic compound myristicin. Grapes and raisins are also toxic to dogs.
Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes
Although dogs can enjoy a few treats from the Thanksgiving table, Dr. Bernal recommends limiting the "extras" to only 10% of their daily nutrition. Feeding them before dinner begins can help decrease their interest in human food. "This allows them to enjoy the delicious tastes for mealtime variety while keeping them healthy and their nutrition balanced," she says. Pet owners can create a "pet-friendly barkcuterie board" to make their pooch feel included. You can add safe Thanksgiving foods like sliced apples and carrots, along with healthy dog treats such as Wellness Old Mother Hubbard treats or options that incorporate typical Thanksgiving ingredients. Adding fresh boneless and skinless turkey, pureed pumpkin, or baked vegetables to your dog's dry kibble or preferred main meal is a great way to use the delicious leftovers as a festive topper.Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at
[email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.This story has been updated with new information.
