6 Thanksgiving Foods That Aren’t Pet-Safe (and 6 That Are)
The time of year when we start wearing our extra-stretchy pants and prepare to eat more than we should has arrived! Thanksgiving is a holiday of spending time with family, being thankful, and eating plenty. As part of your family, you may want to let your pets get involved. But what can or can’t they eat?
Here are 6 Thanksgiving foods that aren’t safe for your pets and 6 that are!
Unsafe Foods:
1. Stuffing
Stuffing is a staple thanksgiving food. Oftentimes made chives, garlic, and scallops. These ingredients are extremely toxic to dogs and cats and can cause life-threatening anemia.
2. Ham
Ham and other pork products can cause pancreatitis, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. Ham has a dangerously high salt content, which may cause dehydration and lead to bloating. It is also high in fat. Even a small amount of ham can contribute a very large amount of calories to in a small dog or cat’s diet.
3. Mashed Potatoes
While plain potatoes are safe for pets to eat, mashed potatoes usually contain butter and
milk. Most dogs are unable to properly digest dairy products, so eating these products can cause diarrhea. Some mashed potato recipes call for onion powder, garlic, or chives which are very toxic to pets.
4. Salads with Raisins or Grapes
Some salads served during Thanksgiving include raisins or grapes. These are very deadly and can cause severe kidney failure in dogs.
5. Chocolate
While pumpkin and sweet potato pies are the staple Thanksgiving desserts, chocolate pies and cakes may be brought to the table. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which can lead to potentially fatal health issues including seizures and irregular heartbeats.
6. Pumpkin Pie
While canned or fresh cooked pumpkin is healthy for pets, pumpkin pies usually contain spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice, which may cause problems if eaten. Whipped cream may be too rich and hard to digest for lactose intolerant pets.
Safe Foods:
1. Turkey
Turkey is great for pets, as long as it is not covered in garlic and other spices. Be sure to remove excess fat and skin from the meat and check for bones. Poultry bones can splinter and cause damage to the inside of the stomach and intestines.
2. Corn
Corn isn’t the best but it’s also not bad for your pet. It is often used as a cheap filler in dog foods. If you decide to give your pet corn, make sure it is off the cob as it can be difficult to digest.
3. Green beans
Green beans are very high in fiber and low in calories. They are highly recommended by veterinarians for owners looking to help their pet lose weight.
4. Carrots
Carrots are high in fiber and vitamin A while being low in calories, so they make a great snack. Chewing raw carrots is also beneficial for your dog’s teeth.
5. Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin or fresh, cooked pumpkin is great for dogs with unhappy tummies. It is also an excellent source of vitamin A and fiber. Make sure not to add any sugars or spices.
6. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are similar to pumpkins. They are also high in vitamin A, fiber, and other nutrients. They are best when steamed or baked, and served unseasoned. Be careful to avoid brown sugar and marshmallows. Sugar-free marshmallows contain xylitol, a serious toxin for dogs.
Keep a vigilant eye on your pets during Thanksgiving since they might just try to snatch some food that’s could cause them to become ill. Also, this Thanksgiving , remember to be thankful not only for your family, but for your pets!
What Thanksgiving foods will you let your pet try? Let us know in the comments!