Thanksgiving is a perfect time to treat your dog to some delicious treats and fancies. Beware, some of the foods and additives we enjoy are dangerous for dogs.
Don’t worry, you won’t kill your dog with a slice of turkey. Most of the items on the list make for bad stomach aches. While some are the worst things to feed your dog any day of the year. This Thanksgiving, give a second thought to the morsels you let drop from your plate.
Seasonings (salt, garlic)
Salt isn’t something to put to the wayside. Your dog can become dehydrated. Paired with vomiting, your dog will have an awful holiday if fed too many salty treats. Garlic is also a common seasoning found in Thanksgiving foods. It is highly toxic to animals. So while potatoes are safe to give your dog, steer clear of garlic mashed potatoes.
Stuffing
As the name implies, this Thanksgiving staple is stuffed with unsafe ingredients. Herbs such as chives and leeks, similar to garlic, are toxic. Onions which are found in almost everything, but particularly stuffing, is poison in your dog’s feast. It can cause trouble with their red blood cells, resulting in circulation issues. So the best thing, avoid feeding your dog stuffing you haven’t prepped yourself.
The best thing you can do for your dog is to make a homemade feast. That way your dog safely enjoys the festivities, while not crying over a sore stomach.
Anything with sugar (i.e. candied yams)
Sugar is equally damaging to the dog body as it is to ours. While giving your dog desserts or a sugary delectable won’t kill them, it isn’t advised. For one, sugar is upsetting to your dog’s digestive system. In excess it can cause diabetes, liver problems, and obesity. Also, many candies and baked items contain xylitol, which causes liver failure. On Thanksgiving, don’t give your dog any sweets. Trust that the turkey meat and sweet potato is enough for your dog to chomp on.
Chocolate
This is the original sin. Giving your dog chocolate can indeed be fatal. Inside chocolate is theobromine, an ingredient your dog does not easily metabolize. This toxin lingers in your dog’s system leading to poisoning. This season, keep your dog away from ‘smores and chocolate desserts. Don’t underestimate hot cocoa, it’s high in theobromine and easy for your dog to get due to its availability in winter.
Butter and lots of it…
This is a general note. Butter isn’t toxic to your dog, nor does it cause any reaction. Butter causes obesity. So if you want to give your dog table scraps don’t give them butter on butter. This means no mashed potatoes or corn, which is often covered with it.
Stick to the classics and you can’t go wrong. Turkey with no seasoning, sweet potatoes, rice, and pumpkin are all safe bets. These power foods are all great for your dog. Your dog doesn’t have to miss any of the winter celebrations. So cook up a meal fit for our forefathers. Your dog will thank you.