Thanksgiving Leftovers Your Dog or Cat Can Eat!
In the United States, Thanksgiving is a day to gather with your loved ones and enjoy a hearty feast. Unfortunately, it is also a time when veterinarians see an increase in visits because pets are fed unsafe foods. In moderation, there are safe ways to let your dog or cat join in on your family’s feast – and the following weekend of leftovers! If you are unsure what your pets can and cannot eat, be sure to ask your veterinarian for advice.
Main Dishes
Plain turkey meat is a great choice to give your dog or cat this holiday! This is a safe option and a lean source of protein. Make sure to choose a piece of white meat that does not have any added seasonings or skin. The skin most likely was prepared with seasonings, so avoid sharing that part of your turkey. Seasonings can be hard on your pet’s stomach!
It might be tempting to offer your pet a turkey bone, but poultry bones snap easily and can crack inside your pet’s mouth and stomach. Ham is not the safest option to feed your pet due to the high amount of sodium and fat levels. So if you plan on sharing your holiday meats with your pets, turkey is the healthier option!
Sides
For some people, Thanksgiving is all about the sides. Thankfully, there are many that you can share with your pets!
Fan favorites such as plain regular and sweet potatoes are great options as long as they do not have butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, or marshmallows included. All of these tasty additions can give your pet an upset stomach! You can also give your pet other veggies such as plain green beans, corn, broccoli, and carrots.
Did you know you can give your pet cranberry sauce? Pet food often contains cranberries because they contain healthy antioxidants. However, any added sweeteners and extras you might add when preparing the sauce for your Thanksgiving meal can cause your pet to have an upset stomach and other unwanted, dangerous side effects. If your cranberry sauce does not contain any added sweeteners or sugars, you can share it with them!
However, a side you should avoid sharing is stuffing. Although this is many people's favorite Thanksgiving side, this dish is full of onions and garlic which are toxic to pets. So keep it away from your pet, and keep it all to yourself.
Dessert
Last, but certainly not least, you can’t forget about dessert! The classic pumpkin and apple pies are not safe to feed your pets because they are full of added sugars and spices. Nutmeg is a commonly used spice to make pie and is toxic to pets.
But you can give them plain pumpkin or a fresh apple without the bells and whistles! Roasted or canned pumpkin is a delicious treat and beneficial to your pet’s digestive system. Apples are full of vitamins A and C and fiber! Just make sure to cut out the core, because apple seeds can be toxic.
If you want to include your pet but don’t want to risk giving them leftovers, visit your local pet store for some pet-friendly treats! Click below to find a pet store near you and get some tasty snacks, and also pick up some HoneyCure while you’re there!
There are many options for your pet to have a delicious Thanksgiving meal! If you plan on including your pet, we suggest preparing their food separately and being careful not to overindulge them! Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving from the HoneyCure team!
“Do's and Don'ts: Feeding Your Pet on Thanksgiving - Michelson Found Animals.” Michelson Found Animals Foundation, https://www.foundanimals.org/dos-donts-feeding-pet-thanksgiving/.
Kearl, Mary. “Which Thanksgiving Foods Can I Give My Dog? Which Should I Avoid?” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 28 Oct. 2022, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/thanksgiving-foods-to-share-with-your-dog-or-avoid/.
Howard, Brendan. “Is Ham a Safe Food for Dogs to Eat?” Daily Paws, 9 Dec. 2021, https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-nutrition/what-can-dogs-eat/can-dogs-eat-ham.