What Can Pets Eat at Thanksgiving Dinner?

We’re sure pets look forward to Thanksgiving dinner as much we do, especially with all the added visitors passing delicious treats. However, as much as we want our furry friends to be a part of our celebrations, many Thanksgivings foods are actually harmful to their health! So, what can pets eat at Thanksgiving dinner? We’re glad you asked! In this post, you’ll find a list of what, out of the traditional Thanksgiving food, your four-legged friend can (and can’t) safely have.

Remember, that although some human foods are OK for pets to eat, this should all be done in moderation as too much rich food can cause stomach upset. There are enough dishes to do after Thanksgiving dinner, you don’t want an unexpected mess from your pet as well!

What CAN Pets Eat at Thanksgiving Dinner?

Turkey – Overall, lean, white meat is safe for pets in small quantities. Turkey skin is rich and fatty which can upset stomachs, causing vomiting and weight gain. Be sure to remove any bones from the meat before giving to your pets to avoid choking (even for cats who eat their food carefully).

Mashed potato – If the mashed tatties are kept simple, with minimal fat and flavour, a small amount can be given to your pets. However if, like me, you add butter and cream, onions, pepper salt and countless other things, this should not be given to your pets. Many animals are also lactose intolerant so the milk and butter in mashed potatoes can cause diarrhea.

Cranberry sauce – This can be given to pets in small quantities, however be aware of the sugar content included in shop bought sauce.

Macaroni cheese – If your pet’s stomach can handle lactose, a small amount of macaroni cheese can be given to pets. If you are unsure you may want to stick to plan macaroni. Be aware that cats and dogs can develop lactose intolerance as they get older.

Green beans – Plain green beans can be given to pets as a treat. If the beans are included within a recipe, be aware of the other ingredients within that recipe which may be harmful to your pet.

What CAN’T Pets Eat at Thanksgiving Dinner?

Gravy – Pets absolutely love gravy, (hey, who doesn’t?). Unfortunately it’s incredibly fatty and rich which causes sickness and weight gain. Gravy is often full of seasonings which aren’t recommended for animals to ingest.

Stuffing – Just like mashed potato, the simpler the better. Although, even the blandest stuffing is full of flavourings and fats which our pets are not use to, so to keep things simple, stuffing is a no-go.

Sweet potatoes – Sweet potatoes are too sweet for our pets so should be kept well away from our pets.

Alliums – Garlic, leeks and onions are extremely toxic and should be avoided. Allium ingredients are frequently included in Thanksgiving recipes so take care to check all foods before giving to your pets.

Ham– Ham, gammon and pork products in general can result in vomiting, diarrhea and even pancreatitis, which causes other digestive problems.

Grapes and raisins – These can potentially be really harmful to both cats and dogs and has been proven to cause kidney failure in dogs

Chocolate – Most pet owners will already know not to give chocolate to pets, however you may want to remind guests not to give animals a taste of chocolate desserts (the one time when sharing isn’t encouraged)!

Sweeteners – Although you may be trying to make a healthier options to sugar, an ingredient in sweeteners (Xylitol) is poisonous for animals, and deadly for dogs!

Just like humans, pets tend to gain weight over the holiday season. Be sure to factor your pet’s treats into their daily food intake. The calories in pet treats can quickly add up; they should only make up about 10 percent of your pet’s daily calorie intake.

Happy Thanksgiving!