Thanksgiving brings us an overabundance of food, family and things to be thankful for. Of course we are thankful for our pets, but when we are sneaking them a few treats from the table or a few leftovers afterwards, we need to keep in mind that not all thanksgiving foods are pet-approved. Some are downright dangerous. Here is the lowdown on what to feed and what not to feed your pets this Thanksgiving. And be sure to let your guests know, too. Their stomachs and digestive tracts are not the same as ours.
The Bad List! Don't feed any of these foods; they are harmful to our pets.
Ham: Pork products are not for dogs or cats. Notice there isn't any bacon pet food around? Just artificially flavored. Pork can make your pets vomit, have diarrhea and pancreatitis. It's a no-no for your pet.
Stuffing: If your stuffing is like most, it includes onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs and cats, says Dr. Eva Evans from Pets Best, according to WGN TV. Avoid this one, too.
Mashed Potatoes: This dish usually contains milk and butter, which can cause diarrhea in pets as most are lactose intolerant.
Fat trimmings and bones: Very dangerous for your dogs! Cooked bones splinter. Think about it: Would you swallow a turkey or chicken bone? Don't give to your dog one, either. They can easily cause lacerations in your dog's digestive system, or an obstruction, Pet Insurance notes. And the fat trimmed from meat, either cooked or uncooked, can also cause pancreatitis.
Grapes & Raisins: Any dish with these should never be given to your pets, warns PetMD. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in pets.
Chocolate: We have heard this for years, but it's true. Even the tiniest piece of dark chocolate can cause irreparable liver failure in dogs.
Now to the good list! Feel free to let your pets indulge (in moderation) of these yummy Thanksgiving foods:
Turkey: De-boned turkey is a great treat for your dog and cat.
Sweet potatoes: Not candied yams, but sweet potatoes, are excellent for dogs and cats (if your finicky cat will eat them).
Plain Pumpkin: Pumpkin is the perfect food for dogs. The fiber is excellent for their digestive tracts. Cats love it too. (NOTE: Not pumpkin pie filling.) Pumpkin can also be used to help your pooch drop some of those holiday pounds! (If only it were as easy for us!)
Apples: A great source of fiber as well, but core the apple and toss the poisonous seeds. Apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides and can cause cyanide poisoning.
Carrots and Green Beans: Fresh or cooked versions of these veggies are excellent for our furry friends, according to Irresistible Pets.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to spend with our family and friends, both two-legged and four-legged. We hope you have a very happy one this year.
