Thanksgiving with your Pets

Thanksgiving with your Pets

Fall is the time to be thankful.  Thankful for our loved ones and especially thankful for our pets! It's fun to celebrate with our pets and we want to allow them to enjoy in the festivities.  Here are a few tips to keep your pet safe while you celebrate with them this holiday season!

Turkey

Your dog and cat will love turkey as a special treat and even better, it's safe for them to eat!  White meat without skin or bones is the best choice for your fur babies.  Stay away from any seasonings and dark meat for this can lead to diarrhea, upset stomach or even pancreatitis.

Stuffing

Although you may enjoy stuffing as a Thanksgiving staple with your meal, be sure to eliminate it from your pets Thanksgiving plate.  Most stuffing's are made with onions and garlic which are toxic to cats.  Also the extra butter is not ideal for your dog or cat and can cause digestive issues.

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Instead of the mashed potatoes & gravy that you would put on your plate, be sure to specially cook a boiled or baked potato for your dog or cat without any butter, salt, pepper or sour cream and serve in moderation.

Cranberry Sauce

Avoid cranberry sauce to feed your dog or cat since it's high in sugars.  Instead, pick up some fresh cranberries from the store and offer a few as a tart treat.  Feed in moderation, for too many may upset your dogs or cats stomach, that is if they even want to dare to try it.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, Vitamin A and beta-carotene.  This special Thanksgiving treat can be as simple as a dehydrated chew for our furry friends or boiled with no seasoning.  Offer in small amounts.  

Green Beans

Your dog will love this special treat, raw, cooked, or straight out of the can!  Just make sure it's unsalted and no other spices or butter added.  Green beans are rich in manganese, Vitamin C, K and A which makes them great for your dog or cat.  It may not be your cats favorite option at the Thanksgiving table, but they are a safe option if your cat does get a taste.  Be sure to stay away from green bean casserole and just stick with the plain green beans for your furry family member.  

Pumpkin

This yummy treat is rich in fiber that is safe for both dogs and cats.  It's great for their digestive tract.  Offer just a small amount to avoid constipation.  Honestly though, your cat may just enjoy some turkey over the pumpkin.

Foods to Stay Away from This Thanksgiving Feast

• Turkey bones, skin and gravy
• Stuffing
• Casseroles
• Mashed potatoes
• Creamed pies
• Chocolate, cookies, pies and sweets, especially anything containing xylitol
• Alcoholic beverages
• Raisins and grapes
• Onions, scallions and garlic
• Ham
• Yeast dough
• Fatty foods
• Foods containing spices
• Pomegrante