We love our dogs! And we love to spoil them. Thanksgiving is no exception, so let’s be reminded of some of the things on our dinner table that could make our best friends really sick—or worse.
Here are some common foods around the Thanksgiving table that should NEVER be fed to dogs:
COOKED BONES: Cooked turkey bones become brittle and can break easily and become a choking hazard, or worse, cause punctures in your pet’s intestines or stomach.
GRAPES AND RAISINS: Grapes and raisins can make a dog sick, and in large amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs.
YEAST DOUGH: Yeast can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can cause painful stomach bloating and could become a life-threatening emergency.
ONIONS AND GARLIC: Garlic, onions, leeks, and chives are all poisonous for dogs. They contain the chemical thiosulfate, which can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapsing.
SALTY FOODS: Like people, large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death.
CHOCOLATE: Chocolate contains substances called methylxanthines, which are very toxic to dogs. Even just a little bit of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. A large amount can cause seizures, irregular heart function, and even death. If your dog does ingest chocolate, contact a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline as soon as possible.
MACADAMIA NUTS: Macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, increased body temperature, inability to walk, and lethargy. Even worse, they can affect the nervous system.
AVOCADO: Not only are the pits of avocados a choking hazard for your dog, but avocados contain persin in their leaves, seeds, bark, and fruit. Persin isn’t harmful for humans, but it’s toxic in large amounts for dogs.
CINNAMON, SAGE, NUTMEG: While not technically toxic for dogs, cinnamon and sage have essential oils that can irritate the inside of dogs’ mouths, making them uncomfortable and sick. Cinnamon can lower a dog’s blood sugar too much and can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, increased, or decreased heart rate, and even liver disease. Nutmeg can cause seizures and central nervous system issues if ingested, and in extreme cases, can even cause death.
The good news is, there are still plenty of foods to spoil your dog with on Thanksgiving via Dan’s Pet Care:
Turkey is a lean, tasty protein that your pet can enjoy! Be sure to remove any excess fat or skin and double check for bones before you share some with your dog.
Green beans are a safe and healthy treat for your pet! Fresh vegetables are a great addition to any diet, but don’t give your dog any if they’re already mixed into a casserole with other ingredients!
Mashed potatoes or cooked sweet potatoes are another harmless treat that your pooch can enjoy with their turkey dinner. However, add-ins like cheese, sour cream, gravy, butter, or onions are no-no’s in your pet’s diet, so try to give your dog a serving before adding the extra ingredients.
Cranberry Sauce is fine for your dog to enjoy as long as you are watching the sugar content. You can always give your four-legged friend a small scoop with their meal.
Macaroni and Cheese is another safe leftover to share, especially if you know that your dog’s stomach can handle dairy. While it is better to give your pet some plain macaroni before adding the cheese, your furry pal can enjoy a small serving with a smile and still feel great the next day.
Corn is a safe food to share with your dog… as long as it’s not still on the cob! You can add some loose corn to your pet’s plate to complete their Thanksgiving dinner meal.
It’s hard to keep our eyes on our pups all the time. But please be cautious on what foods you let your pups indulge in over the holidays, many of which can be harmful. Now go spoil your dog and give him all the (safe!) treats.
Have a happy, safe Thanksgiving!
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