Your Guide to a Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving
Nov 09, 2023
The holiday season is officially here and it’s time for Thanksgiving. It is a special time of the year that is dedicated to friends, family and lots of lip-smacking food. We’re sure that you can’t wait to enjoy turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. However, you shouldn’t overlook the special needs of your furry friends amidst all the enjoyment. According to reports, Thanksgiving Day witnesses the highest number of emergency vet visits every year.
Here is a comprehensive guide on your dog’s care that will help you ensure that your pets have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Appropriate food for your pets
It is always best to be cautious while offering Thanksgiving food to your dog. Whatever you offer, should be in moderate quantity so that your pets do not fall ill. Below are some Thanksgiving foods for dogs that you can safely offer to your furry companion.

- Turkey
You will be relieved to know that the star of Thanksgiving dinner is actually safe for your dog to eat. However, the turkey should be uncooked and unseasoned. If your dog is not used to eating turkey, you can offer it in small, bite-sized pieces for safety.
- Cranberries
Cranberries are good for dogs. They contain vitamin C, manganese, vitamin k1 and vitamin E. However, do not offer cranberry sauce to yourdog as they contain a lot of added sugar.
- Sweet Potatoes
You can also offer your dog a small portion of sweet potatoes. It is high in fiber which helps the GI system function better. It is also rich in potassium, iron, calcium and vitamin A, B6, C.
- Green Beans
Green Beans are served on a Thanksgiving table either with some spices or inside of a casserole.
- Pumpkin
A pumpkin pie is undoubtedly the best part of a Thanksgiving meal. However, you should never offer your dog sugar-filled pumpkin pie as it can be quite harmful to your canine friend.
- Corn
You can safely offer small servings of corn to your dog. But make sure to not feed it any of the corn casseroles that you have prepared for your guests.
- Apple
Apples are generally included in several Thanksgiving dishes and desserts. Provide a small piece of the fruit. Just make sure to eliminate the stem, core and seeds and they can choke your companion.
Toxic food that you should avoid
Below are a few food items that are toxic for your dog and shouldn’t ever be a part of their Thanksgiving diet.

- Turkey skin, bones and drippings
Turkey skin, bones and drippings are not good for your dog’s health. Bones can lead to choking.
- Sage
Sage is not harmful for all dogs. However, there are certain dogs that can’t tolerate this herb.
- Garlic and Onion
Garlic and onion are considered toxic for dogs. They can lead to hemolytic anemia and liver damage.
- Nutmeg
A common ingredient in traditional fall and winter foods, Nutmeg can be toxic for your dog. It can cause tremors, seizures, vomiting and even death of your beloved companion.
- Mushrooms
While most mushrooms are non-toxic to dogs, there are certain types of mushrooms that can lead to neurologic signs, kidney and liver failure and sometimes death of the animal.
- Butter
Butter makes everything taste better. However, its high fat content makes it toxic for dogs. High amounts of fatty food can cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis.
Preparation before guests arrive
If you are hosting a Thanksgiving party at your home and having your friends over, you should take a few safety measures beforehand. This will be beneficial for your dog as well as your guests and help them avoid uncomfortable situations.
- Decide a place for your dog to stay
Some dogs get anxious around new people while there are others that enjoy being around people. Depending on your dog’s nature, you will have to plan whether to have them join your party or seclude them in a room. Irrespective of where your dog is, ensure that they are safe, relaxed and have enough water to drink.
- Inform your guests about your dog
It is likely that certain guests are afraid of or allergic to dogs. That is why you should inform your guests that you have a dog at home. Also, ask them to keep an eye on their plates and drinks since your dog will look for leftovers.
- Make sure your canine’s collar is on
While your guests are coming in from the front door, there’s a chance that your dog will escape while no one is looking. Make sure that it has its collar on with your contact information as it will be helpful in case it gets lost.
Wrapping Up
Including your dogs in your Thanksgiving is always a good option as it is a great way to show them how thankful you are to be their parents. Follow our tips and you will be able to arrange the best Thanksgiving for your furry babies.
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