Thanksgiving Food Guide: What's Safe and What's Not for Your Dog
Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude and togetherness, and it's only natural to want to share the joy with your four-legged family member. However, while your pup may hold a special place in your heart, not all Thanksgiving foods should find their way into their bowl. The team at Best By Farr Dog Training is here to guide you on the dog-friendly delights of Thanksgiving, the ones to avoid, and even a special homemade treat for your furry best friend to enjoy.
Safe Foods for Your Dog:
Before we dive into the delicious options, remember to keep it simple. The following foods should be offered to your dog in their plain and unseasoned form.
- Turkey - A Thanksgiving essential! Offer your pup some plain, boneless turkey meat. Avoid skin and bones, which can be harmful, especially if your dog has kidney issues.
- Potatoes - Both sweet and regular potatoes are on the menu for your dog, but keep some aside before slathering them in butter and gravy.
- Green Beans and Peas - These veggies offer a healthy and crunchy snack for your dog. Remember to serve them plain without any added butter or seasonings.
- Pumpkin - Plain pumpkin is a superfood for your dog's digestive health, skin, and coat. Just make sure it's the pure pumpkin variety and not the pie mix.
- Carrots - They're a tasty snack, but if your dog is diabetic, avoid them due to their high sugar content.
- Apples: Core-free apples are full of fiber and vitamins, an excellent snack for your pet.
Foods to Avoid:
Now let's talk about the Thanksgiving dishes that should remain on your plate and away from your dog's bowl:
- Turkey bones, skin, or gravy
- Stuffing
- Mashed potatoes
- Casserole
- Creamed peas
- Raisins or grapes
- Onions, scallions, and garlic
- Ham
- Yeast dough
- Fatty foods
- Spiced dishes
- Mushrooms
If you want to go the extra mile to make Thanksgiving special for your dog, consider whipping up some dog-friendly Thanksgiving treats. You can find a plethora of dog-friendly recipes online. One fun option to get you started is mini pumpkin pies. These tiny pies are easy to make, and your dog will love them!
Ingredients:
- 16 oz. can of plain pumpkin
- 8 oz. plain low-fat yogurt
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 cup oatmeal
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 - 4 Tbsp. water
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Grease muffin tins and set aside.
- Mix flour and oatmeal in a food processor or blender, then gradually add applesauce and water to form a non-sticky dough.
- Roll out the dough, cut into circles, and press them into muffin tins. Bake for 8 minutes.
- Let the crusts cool, then remove from the tin and fill with canned pumpkin.
- Add a dollop of yogurt for an extra festive touch.
From all of us at Best By Farr Dog Training, we wish you and your furry companions a joyful and safe Thanksgiving!
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