Thanksgiving Foods: Harmful or Healthy For Your Dog?
Mmmm… Thanksgiving is here and it's everyone’s most cherished time to whip up the old secret family recipes. While we’re nomming down on grandma’s deviled eggs and Aunt Jo Jo’s sumptuous red velvet cake though, there are a few important things to keep in mind when we slip the hand under the table to share with our furry friends.
Mmmm… Thanksgiving is here and it's everyone’s most cherished time to whip up the old secret family recipes. While we’re nomming down on grandma’s deviled eggs and Aunt Jo Jo’s sumptuous red velvet cake though, there are a few important things to keep in mind when we slip the hand under the table to share with our furry friends. Below we’ve highlighted some of the most toxic Thanksgiving feast preparations for your dog as well as some of the healthier options so everyone can grub down without any post-feasting woes:
YES to Turkey and Chicken but NO to the Skin: Plain, lean turkey or chicken meat straight off the bird without the added butters and oils is high in protein and perfectly healthy for your pup! The harmful part is the skin as it absorbs all of the marinade and spices, which are difficult for your dog to digest, and can cause vomiting and abdominal pain which can lead to pancreatitis. No bueno!
NO to Alliums (Onions, Garlic, Leeks): Small amounts of these seasoning veggies tend to be okay however it is difficult to be sure just how much crosses the line from safe to toxic for you pet. When too large a portion is ingested, it can cause toxic anemia so be careful with your beloved friend and simply skip the scrap-share for these.
YES to mashed potatoes: Simple mashed potatoes are perfectly fine for your pup and provide nutrients but the added ingredients us two-legged butter-n-cream tater whippers enjoy are big no-no’s in a doggies diet!
A big NO to Cooked Bones: This one we may all be aware of however it’s easy to look down at the remnants of a chicken leg and want to throw it to those glowing eyes looking hungrily up at us. They’re dogs right? They eat bones? NO! Ham, turkey and chicken bones can splinter in the dog’s digestive tract leading to intestinal bleeding and trauma. Toss out those leftover bones carefully so that your pooch doesn’t nose around and accidentally find those long lost Scooby snacks he’s been dreaming of.
NO to Nuts: Walnuts and macadamia nuts are especially dangerous for your dog. Within 12 hours of eating them, dogs can experience symptoms including: being unable to stand, severe tremors, fever, raised heart rate and more. Definitely avoid!
NO to Nutmeg: Sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, and maple cookies - OH MY! While this savory fall flavor creates the perfect synergy for our seasonal sweets, it can cause seizures and central nervous system problems if your dog ingests it! Plain or salted sweet potatoes and pumpkin are fine for your little one in moderation, but avoid those pre-seasoned and baked with nutmeg.
If you suspect that your pet ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call the Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435
Remember that pet ID tags are an important part of your furry friend's health and safety too! We are very thankful this year to be providing you all with personalized pet tags.
Tiffany Narron is eager to celebrate Thanksgiving this year with her faithful companion Bella. She can't wait to sample all the delicious holiday fair but wants to make sure that her pet pal remains safe and happy. Tiffany wrote this article in the hopes that her research can help out other pet parents this year at the family Thanksgiving table.
