Eat This, Not That: Thanksgiving Edition!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It’s a holiday where you spend time with family, catch up on events, and gather around the table to share memories, but let’s be honest – it’s all about the food!

While you’re enjoying your holiday feast, don’t forget about your pets. Obviously, they can’t (and shouldn’t) have everything on your table, but you can make some simple substitutions to your meal staples that allow your pets to take part in the family meal without also having to take a trip to the vet. Keep your pet’s stomach safe with this handy list of foods that are safe, and some that are not.

As with all extra food and treats, please feed these items to your pet in moderation. These foods should not replace their normal meal. As always, check with your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns before adding anything to your pet’s diet.

Yes to Pumpkin, NO to Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin actually has a lot of benefits for your dog, but the trick is to figure out which type of pumpkin is safe. Canned pumpkin, in pureed form, provides a lot of health advantages for your dog when served in appropriate quantities such as aiding digestion, preventing diarrhea, and even preventing hairballs. Raw pumpkin, pumpkin pie filling, and sugary versions of pumpkin desserts are NOT healthy for your pet to eat. Pumpkin pies and other desserts contain sugars and spices that are dangerous for your pet to consume. Stick to the can!

Yes to Green Beans, NO to Green Bean Casserole

Fresh green beans are a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and are a low-calorie addition to your dog’s diet. Make sure to only serve your dog fresh green beans with no added salt and stay away from the green bean casserole. The extra ingredients in the casserole will not agree with your pet’s stomach.

Yes to Turkey, NO to Turkey Skin

Most people assume all meat is fine for dogs to eat, and that’s partially true, but you have to be careful with turkey, and turkey skin in particular. The skin in turkey is fatty and can cause health problems for your pet down the road. But a small amount of skinless turkey is fine for your pet to snack on, as long as you stick with white meat (it tends to be less fatty) and keep bones away from hungry pets. Bones can splinter and cause problems for your furry friend.

Yes to Sweet Potatoes, NO to Candied Yams

Candied yams are delicious and popular around the holidays, but the butter and other ingredients make them dangerous for your pets to consume. Instead of the sugary deliciousness that is candied yams, share some plain sweet potatoes with your pet instead. Plain sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins C and B6 and they make a great treat for your dog, especially when sliced and dehydrated.

Yes to Yogurt, NO to Ice Cream or Whipped Cream

Pumpkin pie ala mode is a staple for the Thanksgiving feast, but your pet should stay away from this sugary treat and indulge in yogurt instead. Plain yogurt is high in protein and calcium, while also helping to aid digestion. Make sure you choose a yogurt that has no added sweeteners or sugar. Yogurt is a tasty treat for your pet that replaces the ice cream and whipped cream that are full of sugar and dairy that can wreak havoc on their digestive tracts.