Dogs are awesome. We love to spoil them and sneak them people food when no one is looking, especially at Thanksgiving. You should definitely spoil them as much as possible, but there are some things on the dinner table that can make your best friend very sick—or even worse.
Here are some foods you should NEVER feed your pet at Thanksgiving:
GRAPES AND RAISINS: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. And just a small amount can make a dog sick.
ONIONS AND GARLIC: Garlic, onions, leeks, and chives are all poisonous for dogs. They contain the chemical thiosulfate, which can create anemia in dogs, causing side effects such as pale gums, elevated heart rate, weakness, and collapsing.
YEAST DOUGH: Yeast can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can cause painful stomach bloating and could become a life-threatening emergency.
MACADAMIA NUTS: Macadamia nuts, part of the Protaceae family, can cause vomiting, increased body temperature, inability to walk, and lethargy. Even worse, they can affect the nervous system. Never feed your dog macadamia nuts.
SALTY FOODS: Like people, large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death.
CINNAMON: While not technically toxic for dogs, cinnamon and its oils can irritate the inside of dogs’ mouths, making them uncomfortable and sick. It can lower a dog’s blood sugar too much and can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, increased, or decreased heart rate, and even liver disease. If they inhale it in powder form, cinnamon can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and choking.
CHOCOLATE: Chocolate contains very toxic substances called methylxanthines, which are stimulants that stop a dog’s metabolic process. Even just a little bit of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. A large amount can cause seizures, irregular heart function, and even death. Do not have chocolate in an accessible location. If your dog does ingest chocolate, contact a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline as soon as possible.
AVOCADO: Not only are the pits of avocados a choking hazard for your dog, but avocados contain persin in their leaves, seeds, bark, and fruit. If you have an avocado plant in your house or in your yard, make sure your pup can’t get anywhere near it. Persin isn’t harmful for humans, but it’s toxic in large amounts for dogs.
Now that we got the bad things out of the way, there is still plenty of food to spoil your dog with on Thanksgiving via Dan’s Pet Care:
- Turkey is a lean, tasty protein that your pet can enjoy! Be sure to stick with white meat, remove any excess fat or skin and double check for bones before you share some with your dog!
- Mashed Potatoes are another harmless treat that your pooch can enjoy with their turkey dinner. However, add-ins like cheese, sour cream, gravy, butter, or onions are no-no’s in your pet’s diet, so try to give your dog a serving before adding the extra ingredients!
- Cranberry Sauce is alright for your dog to enjoy as long as you are watching the sugar content! You can always give your four-legged friend a small scoop with their meal!
- Macaroni and Cheese is another safe leftover to share, especially if you know that your dog’s stomach can handle dairy! While it is better to give your pet some plain macaroni before adding the cheese, your pooch can enjoy a small serving with a smile and still feel great the next day!
- Green Beans are a safe and healthy treat for your pet! Fresh vegetables are a great addition to any diet, but don’t give your dog any if they’re already mixed into a casserole with other ingredients!
- Corn is a safe food to share with your dog… as long as it’s not still on the cob! You can add some loose corn to your pet’s plate to complete their Thanksgiving dinner meal!
Now go spoil your dog and give them all the treats. They are all good dogs and they deserve it.
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