TAMPA BAY, Fla (BLOOM) – Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks, sharing love, and enjoying a feast that leaves us stuffed and happy. But if you’re a pet owner, some of the food you’re indulging in could spell disaster for your furry friend. While 1 in 3 pet parents admit they can’t resist slipping their pet a little something off the Thanksgiving table, the kind gesture might land Fluffy or Fido in the vet’s office—and that’s no way to spend a holiday!
Annie-Mae Levy, a professional dog trainer from Woofz, shares the top five Thanksgiving foods you should keep far away from your pet’s curious paws and wagging tails. These holiday staples may be delicious for us but can be downright dangerous for our furry companions.
1. Turkey Bones
Who doesn’t love a little turkey on Thanksgiving? While a small, cooked slice of this protein-packed favorite is fine for pets, those turkey bones are a different story. Cooked bones splinter easily, turning into dangerous shards that can cut your pet’s mouth, throat, or even puncture intestines. The solution? Share the turkey meat, skip the bones.
2. Stuffing
Stuffing is a Thanksgiving MVP for humans, but for pets, it’s a big no-no. Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, and herbs that are toxic to dogs and cats, damaging their red blood cells and causing severe illness. Unless you’ve whipped up a pet-safe version of stuffing (hold the onions and garlic), this dish is off-limits for your furry guests.
3. Casserole
Green bean casserole or sweet potato casserole may be the stars of your dinner spread, but the butter, cream, and dairy they’re loaded with can upset your pet’s stomach. The same rule applies to mashed potatoes drowned in butter and cream. If you don’t want to deal with a holiday marred by tummy troubles—on both ends—keep the casseroles away from your pet’s plate.
4. Cranberry Sauce
A little tart and a lot sweet, cranberry sauce is a fan favorite. But for pets, it’s a gamble. While cranberries themselves are harmless in moderation, the sugar, sweeteners, and sometimes even raisins in cranberry sauce can lead to kidney damage or worse. When in doubt, just say no to sharing this side dish with your pet.
5. Desserts
Pumpkin pie, chocolate brownies, and other desserts may tempt your dog into putting on their best puppy-dog eyes, but resist! Chocolate, xylitol (a sugar substitute), and other common ingredients in desserts are highly toxic to pets. Even a small dose can cause seizures, liver damage, or worse. Protect your pets by keeping the sweets out of reach.
The Bottom Line
Thanksgiving is all about togetherness, and of course, your pets are part of the family. But instead of risking their health with unsafe table scraps, consider treating them to pet-friendly holiday snacks. Pumpkin puree (without spices), plain cooked turkey, or specially made pet treats will let them join the celebration safely.
So this Thanksgiving, save the leftovers for yourself (and the fridge) and give your pets something made just for them. It’s the season of giving, after all—just not the giving of turkey bones and casseroles!
