What Not to Feed Dogs on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, but it can also be a time for some furry friends to overindulge.
The holiday season can be difficult for dogs, who often get left out of the festivities. Thanksgiving is an especially challenging time because the smells of cooking food are more enticing than ever – and what’s on the table might not be safe for dogs.
Dogs should never eat turkey or stuffing, which can have dangerous ingredients like onions and garlic. They should also steer clear of pumpkin pie filling, which has a high sugar content that could lead to pancreatitis in dogs.
Why can’t dogs eat turkey?
Bones from birds such as turkey, chicken, and duck are fragile and splinter easily, especially when cooked. Feeding these to your dog can cause severe issues, as they are often known to splinter in either the throat or in the digestive tract, which can lead to serious pain and bleeding for your dog.[1]
Why can’t dogs have mashed potatoes or ham?
Like cheese, ham and other fatty meats are high in fat, which can lead to a life-threatening pancreatitis. In addition to being high in fat, these foods are very salty and can cause serious stomach upset if eaten by your cats or dogs.[2]
What is the one meat you shouldn’t feed dogs?
Bacon, Ham and Fat Trimmings Bacon, bacon grease, ham, and fat trimmed off meat or bones contains a lot of salt and/or fat and at the least can cause indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea in both dogs and cats. These foods can also cause pancreatitis, a serious, potentially deadly inflammation of the pancreas.[3]
What can my dog eat on Thanksgiving?
The simple answer is yes, dogs can eat many Thanksgiving foods including turkey, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peas, but you should be sure to skip the turkey skin, stuffing, and other dishes that you are serving to humans.[4]
Can dogs eat cheese?
Yes, dogs can eat cheese. In fact, cheese is often a great training tool, especially for puppies.[5]
Can dogs eat sliced cheese?
Yes. Cheese can carry some benefits for your dog, especially if they are extra motivated for treats. Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and B-complex vitamins. These are all beneficial to your dog’s health, as long as too much isn’t ingested.[6]
Can dogs eat pasta?
Dogs can eat plain white rice or pasta after it’s cooked. And, a serving of plain white rice with some boiled chicken can sometimes make your dog feel better when they are having stomach problems.[7]
Can dogs eat bananas?
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog’s main diet.[8]
Can dogs eat ice cream?
Dogs Don’t Digest Milk Well Ice cream can cause your dog gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or vomiting. Remember, your dog can’t voice their concerns to you, so while they might look OK on the outside, they could be experiencing some major digestive issues on the inside.[9]
What fruit can’t dogs eat?
Avocado. This fruit contains persin, a toxin that makes dogs throw up and have diarrhea. Cherries. Cherry pits contain cyanide. Grapes. Grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. Tomatoes. The green parts of the tomato plant have solanine, which is toxic to dogs.[10]
Is peanut butter bad for dogs?
Most peanut butter is safe for dogs to eat, and in moderation peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin.[11]
Can dogs have mashed potatoes?
Can dogs eat mashed potatoes? Yes, as long as the potatoes are roasted and not boiled and no salt, seasonings, milk or butter is added your pet can enjoy this all-time favourite dish. However, there isn’t much nutritional value your dog will be able to get from eating mashed potatoes.[12]
