Keep Pets Safe This Thanksgiving: Foods They Should Never Eat

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and a whole lot of food. It’s also a time when our pets might get a little too curious about what’s on the menu. While we love to share, some of our favorite holiday dishes can be seriously harmful to our furry companions. Let’s make sure this Thanksgiving is safe and happy for everyone, including the four-legged members of the family. We’ll go over what’s okay to share and what’s definitely a no-go.

• Many common Thanksgiving foods like onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and macadamia nuts are toxic to pets and can cause serious health issues, including kidney failure and anemia.

• Fatty foods, gravy, and seasoned dishes can lead to digestive upset, pancreatitis, and other dangerous conditions in pets.

• Bones from cooked meats are a choking hazard and can splinter, causing internal injuries.

• Artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, found in some desserts and sugar-free items, are highly toxic to pets.

• Offer pets safe alternatives like plain, unseasoned turkey (no skin or bones), certain plain vegetables, or plain pumpkin, and always keep veterinary contact information handy.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and a whole lot of food. While we’re enjoying our feast, it’s easy to forget that some of our favorite holiday dishes can be seriously harmful to our pets. It’s not just about keeping them away from the table; some ingredients commonly found in Thanksgiving meals can cause big problems if even a small amount is ingested.

These aromatic alliums are staples in many Thanksgiving recipes, from stuffing to gravies. But for our furry companions, they’re a major no-go. Onions, garlic, chives, and their relatives like leeks and shallots contain compounds that can damage a pet’s red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia. This means the red blood cells burst, making it hard for the body to carry oxygen. Symptoms can range from gastrointestinal upset and lethargy to more severe signs like weakness and pale gums. Even small amounts can be problematic, especially for cats, who are more sensitive.

It might seem odd, but grapes and their dried counterparts, raisins, are incredibly toxic to dogs. The exact substance causing the harm is still unknown, but ingestion can lead to sudden kidney failure. This is a serious and potentially fatal condition. Given how common these fruits are in fall baking and snacking, it’s vital to keep them completely out of reach. If your dog happens to get into them, contact your vet immediately.

While not everyone bakes with macadamia nuts for Thanksgiving, they’re worth mentioning because they are particularly dangerous for dogs. Eating even a small amount can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and a rise in body temperature. Other nuts, like almonds, pecans, and walnuts, are also risky. They’re high in fats and oils, which can lead to digestive upset like vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, these fatty foods can even trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas.

Beyond the obvious turkey scraps, your Thanksgiving spread holds a few sneaky threats for your furry pals. It’s not just about what’s in the food, but how it’s prepared and what it’s served with.

That rich, savory gravy and the aromatic stuffing might smell amazing to us, but they often contain ingredients that are a big no-no for pets. Onions and garlic, whether powdered or fresh, are particularly concerning. They can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts can cause tummy troubles like vomiting and diarrhea. Sage, a common stuffing herb, can also cause stomach upset in larger quantities. Always err on the side of caution and keep these seasoned dishes far from curious noses.

It’s a common misconception that dogs love gnawing on bones. While they might enjoy the idea, cooked bones, especially from poultry like turkey, are incredibly dangerous. They become brittle and can splinter easily. These sharp fragments can cause choking, or worse, puncture your pet’s throat or intestines. This can lead to serious internal bleeding and infections, often requiring emergency surgery. It’s just not worth the risk.

Turkey skin, buttery mashed potatoes, and rich casseroles are loaded with fat. While we might enjoy these indulgent dishes, a high-fat meal can be a recipe for disaster for your pet. It can trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms can include severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. If your pet has a history of digestive issues or a sensitive stomach, fatty foods are especially risky. A simple rule of thumb: if it looks greasy to you, it’s probably too greasy for your pet.

Desserts are a big part of any holiday gathering, and Thanksgiving is no exception. While you might be tempted to share a bite of your favorite sweet with your furry friend, many common dessert ingredients can be seriously harmful to pets. It’s best to keep your pet away from the dessert table altogether.

Pumpkin pie itself might seem harmless, but the spices often used in it, like nutmeg, can be problematic for pets. Nutmeg, in large quantities, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even central nervous system issues. Plus, the crust often contains butter and other fats that aren’t great for their digestion.

Many “sugar-free” treats contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol. This is a big no-no for dogs. Even a small amount can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar. This can result in vomiting, weakness, seizures, and even liver failure. Always check the ingredient list of any “sugar-free” item before even considering letting your pet near it.

Beyond xylitol, most sugary desserts are just not good for pets. High sugar content can lead to upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea. Over time, a diet high in sugar can contribute to weight gain and other health issues like diabetes. Think of it this way: their digestive systems aren’t built for the kind of rich, sweet treats we enjoy.

It’s easy to forget that what’s a delicious treat for us can be a dangerous substance for our pets. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to sharing holiday foods.

Many people think pets, especially dogs, can handle dairy products just fine. It’s a common misconception, but the truth is, most dogs and cats don’t digest lactose very well. They lack enough of the enzyme, lactase, which is needed to break down the sugar in milk. So, that dollop of cream or bit of cheese you might think is a harmless treat can actually lead to some serious tummy troubles for your furry friend. We’re talking about things like diarrhea and general stomach upset. It’s best to avoid giving them milk, cream, or even cheesy dishes.

This one might surprise you, but raw bread dough is a big no-no for pets. Think about it: your pet’s stomach is warm and dark, kind of like a mini-incubator. When they eat raw dough, the yeast inside starts to ferment and rise, just like it would in a bowl. This expansion can cause a lot of discomfort and bloating in their stomach. Worse yet, this process releases gases, and the yeast also produces alcohol as a byproduct. So, your pet could end up with a dangerously distended stomach, and even alcohol poisoning. It’s not really about how much they eat; even a small amount can be risky. If you suspect your pet has gotten into raw dough, it’s time to call the vet right away. Seriously, don’t wait on this one.

It’s totally understandable to want to share the holiday joy with your furry family members. Thanksgiving is all about abundance and togetherness, after all! But with so many rich, seasoned, and sometimes downright dangerous human foods on the table, it’s easy to accidentally offer something that could cause a tummy ache or worse. The good news is, you can absolutely include your pets in the feasting without risking their health. We just need to be smart about it.

Your pet can definitely enjoy a taste of the main event, but there are a few rules. Stick to plain, unseasoned white meat, like turkey breast, and make sure all skin and bones are removed. The skin is often too fatty, which can lead to serious issues like pancreatitis. And as for bones? They’re a big no-no. They can splinter and cause internal damage or become a choking hazard. If you’re cooking a roast, set aside a small, plain piece before you add any salt, herbs, or butter. This goes for other meats too – a little bit of plain, cooked chicken or lean beef is usually fine, as long as it’s unseasoned.

Lots of Thanksgiving side dishes can be adapted for your pet’s plate. Think of veggies like green beans, carrots, and sweet potatoes. The key here is plain. No butter, no salt, no sugary glazes, and definitely no onions or garlic mixed in. Steamed or boiled until tender is best. These veggies offer fiber and nutrients, making them a healthy addition to their meal. Just make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces so they’re easy to eat and digest.

This one might surprise you, but plain, canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling!) is a fantastic treat for pets. It’s packed with fiber, which can help with both constipation and diarrhea. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals. Just be sure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin puree. Avoid anything with added sugars, spices, or artificial sweeteners. A tablespoon or two mixed into their regular food can be a delightful and healthy addition to their Thanksgiving meal. It’s a simple way to add a festive, yet safe, flavor.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and feasting. But for our furry companions, it can also be a time filled with hidden dangers. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your pets safe and sound throughout the holiday festivities. Being proactive is key to avoiding a stressful trip to the emergency vet.

Your trash can is a treasure trove of tempting, and often dangerous, leftovers for your pets. From turkey bones to discarded scraps of rich, seasoned foods, the allure can be too much for even the most well-behaved animal. Make sure your trash cans have secure lids that your pet cannot easily open. If your pet is particularly persistent or clever, consider storing trash bags in a closed pantry or garage until they can be properly disposed of outside the home. This simple step can prevent accidental ingestion of harmful items.

Accidents happen, and it’s always best to be prepared. Before the holiday chaos begins, make sure you have the phone number and address for your regular veterinarian readily accessible. It’s also wise to locate the nearest emergency veterinary clinic and save its contact information. Having these numbers saved in your phone or written down on a visible spot can save precious time if a pet emergency arises. Remember, Thanksgiving can be a dangerous time for pets, and quick access to professional help is important for their safety.

Your guests might not be aware of which human foods are toxic to pets. Before your visitors arrive, have a friendly chat with them about your pet’s dietary restrictions. Politely ask them not to feed your pets any table scraps, especially those tempting bits of turkey, stuffing, or desserts. You can even prepare a small, pet-friendly treat for your guests to give your pet if they wish, ensuring it’s something safe and approved by you. Clear communication helps everyone enjoy the holiday safely.

So, as you get ready for your Thanksgiving feast, remember that keeping your pets safe is just as important as enjoying the meal yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday fun, but a few simple precautions can prevent a trip to the emergency vet. Stick to pet-safe treats and keep the dangerous stuff well out of reach. A little planning goes a long way, and it means everyone, including your furry family members, can have a truly happy and healthy Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to share this info with any guests who might not know what’s off-limits for your pets. Wishing you and your pets a wonderful holiday!

You should keep your pets away from foods like onions, garlic, chives, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and anything with artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Also, avoid giving them cooked bones, fatty foods, and unbaked bread dough, as these can cause serious health problems.

Yes, a small piece of plain, unseasoned, cooked turkey breast is usually safe for dogs and cats. However, never give them the skin or bones, as the skin is too fatty and the bones can splinter and cause internal injuries.

Most gravy is not safe because it often contains onions and garlic, which are toxic to pets. If you make your own gravy and are absolutely sure it has no onion, garlic, or too much salt, you can give a tiny amount mixed with their regular food.

While plain, cooked pumpkin is good for pets in small amounts, pumpkin pie is too sweet and often contains spices that aren’t good for them. It’s best to save the pie for yourself and your human guests.

Absolutely! Small amounts of plain, unseasoned cooked turkey, plain pumpkin, cooked sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, and even plain yogurt (if your pet tolerates dairy) can be safe and healthy treats.

If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately. It’s also a good idea to have the number for a pet poison control hotline handy, just in case.