Thanksgiving Treats Your Pet Can Enjoy and What to Keep Away

By Taquera Woodson, Social Media Intern and Deniza Marcinkevica, Manager Business Development, Skytails.com

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and festivities, but for pet owners, it’s also a time to be extra cautious about what your furry friends can and can’t eat. Many of the delicious foods we enjoy during the holiday season can be harmful or even dangerous to our pets. While it’s tempting to share a bit of that Thanksgiving turkey or pumpkin pie with your dog or cat, it’s important to know which foods are safe and which ones should be kept off-limits.

THANKSGIVING FOOD PETS CAN EAT

1. Plain Turkey (Without Skin or Seasonings)

Turkey is a traditional Thanksgiving favorite, and while pets can enjoy a small amount of plain turkey meat, it’s crucial to avoid giving them any skin, bones, or seasoning. The skin is high in fat and can lead to digestive upset or pancreatitis in pets. Additionally, bones can splinter and pose a choking hazard or cause damage to their digestive tract.

Tip: Remove all skin, bones, and seasoning before offering turkey to your pets.

2. Cooked Carrots, Green Beans, or Sweet Potatoes

Many Thanksgiving side dishes include vegetables like carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes. These vegetables are generally safe for pets to eat, but they should be plain no butter, salt, or seasoning added. You can give your pet small pieces of cooked vegetables as a healthy, tasty treat.

Tip: Steamed or boiled vegetables are the safest option for your pet. Skip the ones prepared with spices, butter, or garlic.

3. Plain Mashed Potatoes (Without Butter or Garlic)

Plain mashed potatoes are safe for pets in moderation, but you should avoid any recipes that include butter, garlic, or onions. These ingredients can be toxic to pets and should never be shared. If you're offering mashed potatoes, ensure they're plain and free from any added ingredients.

Tip: A small spoonful of plain mashed potatoes without seasoning is usually fine, but it should never be a regular part of their diet.

4. Plain Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a common Thanksgiving ingredient that can actually be beneficial for pets, especially for dogs. It’s great for their digestive health and is often recommended for pets with upset stomachs. Make sure you're giving your pet plain, canned pumpkin not the spiced, sugary variety used for pies.

Tip: A teaspoon or two of plain pumpkin puree can help support your pet’s digestion.

5. Apples (Without Seeds)

Apples are a healthy, safe treat for pets when given in moderation. They are packed with fiber and vitamins that can benefit your pet’s health. Just make sure you remove the seeds, as apple seeds contain cyanide, which can be toxic to animals.

Tip: Slice apples into small pieces for easy eating and always remove the seeds before offering them to your pet.

THANKSGIVING FOOD PETS CAN'T EAT

1. Turkey Skin and Bones

While the turkey meat itself is safe in small amounts, turkey skin and bones are dangerous for pets. The skin is high in fat and can lead to digestive problems or more serious issues like pancreatitis. Turkey bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.

Tip: Never give your pet turkey bones or skin, only lean meat with no seasoning or bones.

2. Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are highly toxic to pets, particularly dogs. These foods can cause severe damage to your pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Whether they’re cooked, raw, or powdered, onions and garlic should be completely off-limits.

Tip: Be mindful of dishes that may contain these ingredients, such as stuffing or gravy. Keep your pet away from anything that could contain onions or garlic.

3. Stuffing

Stuffing is often made with a variety of ingredients, including onions, garlic, butter, and herbs, and all can be harmful to pets. Even if the stuffing doesn’t contain these ingredients, it’s typically high in fat and salt, making it unsuitable for your pet.

Tip: Avoid sharing stuffing with your pet and make sure they don’t sneak a bite from the table.

4. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries themselves are safe for pets in small amounts, but the sugary, sweetened cranberry sauce is another story. It’s packed with sugar, which can be harmful to pets and lead to obesity, diabetes, and digestive issues. Additionally, some cranberry sauces contain grapes or raisins, which are toxic to dogs.

Tip: If you want to share cranberries with your pet, give them a few fresh, unsweetened ones, but avoid the sauce.

5. Chocolate and Desserts

It’s tempting to share a slice of pumpkin pie or a few bites of chocolate dessert with your pet, but both chocolate and sugary desserts are not pet-friendly. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in pets. Dessert's high in sugar can lead to weight gain, digestive issues, and long-term health problems.

Tip: Keep all sweets and desserts out of reach of your pets and avoid sharing them.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a time to gather, share, and give thanks and our pets are one of the biggest blessings of all. By being mindful of what they eat, you can make sure your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and part of the celebration.

SkyTails Connection

Thanksgiving is about gratitude and what better way to show gratitude for your pet than by keeping them safe, loved, and healthy. With SkyTails you can have a dedicated pet savings account. SkyTails helps you build a secure financial future for your pet so you can enjoy every season, stress-free.

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