Now that we got Halloween out of the way and we kept our furry friends safe from all the chocolate, sweet treats and nightly goblins, it's time to talk turkey. With Thanksgiving approaching, I thought it was important that we reviewed the food our canines CAN enjoy during the holiday. Our furry friend loves to enjoy Thanksgiving just as much as us, does yours? Before your dog starts begging for food, make sure you know what your loved one can enjoy. Yes, there are lots of goodies they can enjoy that day.
First, I believe human food consumption for our furry friends is okay in moderation. Second, know your dog. Some will suggest the dairy is not safe for your dog and if consumed, they will get an upset stomach or diarrhea. My three dogs have always enjoyed a nice bowl of ice cream on a warm sunny day with no problems. Third, when in doubt, I always suggest checking with your vet. Some breeds can handle certain foods while others can't.
Lets talk turkey. All of that fat and seasoning is dangerous for our furry friends. The fat content can cause pancreatitis, and the seasonings can irritate your dog's stomach. The great news is, you can feed your dog turkey meat only! No onions - they are toxic to dogs. No bones - they can splinter and damage your dogs intestines. No garlic - it is potentially toxic in large quantities.
Sweet potatoes are Sweet. Sweet potato is another great item your loved one can enjoy. Sweet potatoes are not only safe for dogs, but they can provide your loved one a range of health benefit. Sweet potatoes are great for digestive health because they're high in dietary fiber. They're also low in fat and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese. Just sweet potato, no marshmallow topping.
The OTHER Potato. Yes, mashed potatoes are also a great choice for your loved one. Just remember, while the potato itself is not harmful to your furry friend, watch any additional ingredients used to make mashed potatoes. Some dogs have issues with dairy products and some don't. However onions, garlic and gravies are a no-no’s.
Green beans are a wonderful treat for pets. Vegetables are a great any time of year and Thanksgiving is no exception. Again, watch the added ingredients. If the green beans are included in a green bean casserole, be conscious of the other ingredients in it.
Cranberry sauce is a GREAT dessert for your furry friend. When everyone is enjoying the dessert table don't let your dog feel left out, give her a small helping of cranberry sauce and she will love you even more, if that is at all possible.
If cranberry sauce is not her thing, look to the fruit platter for some great dessert treats. Slices of apples, oranges, bananas, and watermelon make tasty treats for your dog. Be sure to remove any seeds first. Seeds, stems, and leaves can cause serious problems.
If you are hosting the holiday and you have guests coming over, you also have to be mindful of doors accidentally left open, garbage being securely sealed, flowers or plant arrangements. Remember that some people may be afraid of your dog, or your dog may be uncomfortable around a large group of people and may become scarred or agitated. To keep everyone including your dog comfortable and safe, you may want to keep your dog in a separate room to keep her happy and safe.
Okay, so now you have your furry friends Thanksgiving meal all prepared, what about you? What are your favorite side dishes on Thanksgiving? Are you a brussels sprout and bacon kinda person or are you a green bean casserole lover? Either way enjoy your family and furry friends, and give Thanks.
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