When we stop to think of what we are truly grateful for during Thanksgiving and the holiday season, our dogs’ undying love and devotion is generally at the top of the list. Including Penny and Kiki in my family’s celebrations is an important and fun tradition in my home year after year. Having some safe and delicious treats that we can all share at the dinner table is something I like to plan ahead for. Because having a wet, needy nose in my lap isn’t the way I want to spend my holiday, I like to have designated Thanksgiving platters that my pups can enjoy. Preparing your pet’s plates ahead of time and feeding them separately, will not only keep your festive attire slobber free, it will also keep them safe from harmful foods that can leave their tummies upset or worse. Because as you may or may not know, not every food we eat during Thanksgiving is safe for your pup!
Safe and healthy Thanksgiving food for your pup:
Sweet potato (and potatoes)
Sweet potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber. Keep the preparation simple, either bake or steam them with no added ingredients. Dogs shouldn’t have butter, spices, or the marshmallows that we humans typically add.
If regular potatoes are on your menu, the same rules apply. Make sure to give only boiled or baked potatoes with no butter, sour cream, salt, or pepper, and always serve in moderation.
Apples
Apples are full of vitamins A and C and contain lots of great fiber, making them a healthy treat. Be careful to cut around the core, as large amounts of apple seeds can be toxic. Save the apple pie for the humans though; dogs do much better with the fresh kind.
Turkey
What about the main event? The answer is YES, minus the skin and bones. The healthiest cut is the white meat that is towards the center of the turkey, away from the seasonings.
