As you sit down to carve the turkey, remember your furry friend might be hungry too! You might be adding extra helpings of turkey to your plate, but it’s important to know what to avoid giving your pet at Thanksgiving. According to the AKC, Thanksgiving tends to coincide with an uptick in vet visits, due to dogs being fed unsafe human foods. What foods should you avoid sharing with your pup? Checkout this list below!
Dogs shouldn’t gobble up turkey bones
Turkey fresh off the bone can have hidden bones and skin that can be a choking hazard or hard to digest for your pup. Avoid sharing turkey with your pup that has been seasoned with onion powder and contains extra butter and fat. Turkey breast meat with no bones, skin or seasoning is your best bet and safe for your pups consumption.
Grapes are toxic!
Any salads, snacks, or sides containing grapes or raisins can be harmful for your dog. Vomiting, fatigue, and dehydration are all symptoms of grape poisoning that can potentially show up 6-12 hours after consumption.
Say no to pie
It’s so yummy, but pies contain too much sugar and fat for your dog to digest. Too many sugary foods can impact your dog’s digestive system. Pancreatitis is a common symptom that your pet has consumed too many fatty and sugary foods.
Chocolate is a no go
Even though Aunt Susie may make the best buckeye balls in town, avoid sharing food containing chocolate with your pup. Chocolate has higher levels of caffeine and theobromine which is unsafe for canine consumption. Chocolate poisoning can show up 6-12 hours after consumption and symptoms may vary depending on how much was consumed and the weight of your dog.
Chives and onions, even powder is unsafe to consume
Any foods containing chives or onion in a recipe is unsafe for your pet to consume. Avoid giving your dog any part of an onion, including the skin, juice, and even powders. Onion powder tends to be a key ingredient in many savory recipes. Make sure to skip sharing an onion filled dish with your pet!
The safest option for your pet is to plan ahead this Thanksgiving. Make sure friends, family and holiday visitors are aware to not share their leftovers with your pet. Checkout your local pet store for fun Thanksgiving themed snacks and food to keep your dog feeling safe and festive! If you’re unsure, always check with your vet before feeding your pup a new food. Want to find which foods are safe for your dog’s consumption, check out this blog!
