Thanksgiving is a most treasured holiday. It's a time when we gather with our family members and friends to celebrate, eat delicious foods and enjoy each others company. Every family has their own, unique way of celebrating Thanksgiving, and most pet parents like to include their furry companions in those celebrations. Many dog and cat owners enjoy sharing their home cooked foods with their pets, usually by way of sneaking a few bites off their plate underneath the table.
It is, therefore, imperative to know which foods are safe and which are considered toxic to pets. Especially if your dog already enjoys the benefits of home-cooked food or even a raw food diet, then a few bites from your plate should be fine to share. However, if your furry friend is accustomed to a commercial kibble diet only, it is essential to know their level of stomach sensitivity to avoid an upset tummy. If you feel uncertain that the foods you'll be serving will be safe for your canine, you can always cook a special homemade meal for your dog. Here's one of my favourite recipes:
Canine Thanksgiving Dinner
2 Cups of ground or shredded turkey
1 Cup of sweet potato cubes
1 Cup of potato cubes
1/2 Cup of pumpkin puree
1/2 Cup green beans
1/2 Cup peas
1/2 Cup chopped carrots
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- Heat olive oil in a pan and brown turkey meat.
- Cut vegetables into chunks and boil them until they are soft.
- Combine all ingredients and let meal cool until it's safe to eat.
It is vital to be aware of the foods that are considered unsafe or even toxic for pets to consume. Do not feed your furry friend anything that contains onions, garlic, grapes or raisins, artificial sweeteners to include Xylitol, coffee, yeast or bread dough, macadamia nuts, chocolate or alcohol...just to mention a few. For more in-depth information, please contact your veterinarian.
It is also important to keep in mind that those family gatherings can be rather loud, depending on how big your family is. Therefore, it is a good idea to provide a safe and quiet place for your dog to retreat to. The holidays can be very hectic and busy time for all of us, and unfortunately, some of our furry companions do not tolerate loud noise and large crowds very well. So, be aware of your dog's needs and everyone should be able to enjoy this special time of the year.
Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!
Piper
PS: Interested in more pet friendly recipes? You can find them in my book LIVING WITH CANINE EPILEPSY.
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian or a canine dietician, just an experienced, well-read, and hyper-observant pet parent. This article is not meant to diagnose or treat any canine illness or replace professional veterinary care. Always talk to your vet about your dog's health, as health care is an individual matter.
Piper is the award-winning author of The Country Girl Empress series. When she isn't busy typing on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, and Goodreads.
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