Dog-safe Thanksgiving foods
November is a time for good food, and lots of it. Our canine family members may be just as excited by the smell of roast turkey and all the fixings as we are. But is a Thanksgiving feast safe for dogs? Of course each dog is unique and has its own tolerances, but there are some guidelines that apply to most dogs:
Seasonings – as a general rule, it is best to avoid spices and seasonings for dogs. Unfortunately, this is likely to rule out most of the traditional Thanksgiving spread, unless separate helpings are prepared just for the pups. There are a few spices that are generally okay for dogs in small amounts: cinnamon, basil, ginger, dill, rosemary, turmeric and thyme. Most other spices should be avoided, especially garlic, onion, mustard, hops, nutmeg and cocoa powder.
Turkey – Unseasoned turkey meat is generally safe, but avoid giving dogs the skin or bones.
Potatoes and sweet potatoes – Plain potatoes and sweet potatoes are fine to share, but not if they have been loaded with brown sugar, butter or unsafe spices.
Green beans – Plain green beans (without butter, salt or other additions) can be a healthy treat for your dog. Maybe you will have better luck than with your kiddos.
Pumpkin – Pure pumpkin can also be a healthy treat, but save the pumpkin pie with its sugar and spices for the humans.
Apples – Plain apples are another good treat for dogs, but avoid feeding them the seeds, and as with pumpkin pie, keep the apple pie for humans only.
Foods dogs should avoid – Gravy, stuffing, casseroles, desserts (especially anything containing the sweetener xylitol), grapes/raisins, onions, garlic, yeast dough, chocolate, and anything sweetened, spiced or with large amounts of fat or salt should be avoided.
Although many traditional foods are not safe for dogs, there are a few foods that can be shared with Fido if a special unseasoned (or minimally seasoned with only safe spices) portion is prepared. There are also an abundance of turkey canned dog foods and pumpkin dog treats that can provide a special meal for canine companions without the stress.
For more information visit AKC.org and search “Thanksgiving.” If you are concerned about a particular ingredient, try searching it on ASPCA.org.
By Rachel Poe; photo courtesy of Hollen Wheeler
