Thanksgiving Feast Safety for Pets
![A dog sniffing a Thanksgiving turkey.](https://www.kauainorthshoreanimalclinic.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/iStock-1191913671-1-2000x1333.jpg)
Remember how dogs and cats alike have way better senses of smell than we do? With turkeys roasting in the oven—or poke, if you live in Hawaii like we do and favor a traditional Hawaiian meal—Thanksgiving feast preparations can make your pet drool with desire.
But before you slip some slices of turkey under the table or nudge a piece of sashimi your dog’s way, take a look at these Thanksgiving pet safety tips from Kauai North Shore Animal Clinic.
Thanksgiving Pet Safety
The number-one rule before you give your pet a treat of any kind at Thanksgiving is this: Google before you give. A quick internet search will tell you if the piece of cooked turkey is safe or not.
The lists we’re about to present aren’t exhaustive, but they will give you a better idea of what to stay away from.
What Not to Feed Pets at Thanksgiving
Let’s start with the bad stuff. Here’s a non-comprehensive list of the Thanksgiving foods you cannot feed your pet—or let your pet steal off the kitchen counter:
- Bones
- Uncooked fish
- Turkey skin
- Yeast dough
- Ham
- Gravy
- Garlic, onions, pepper, and other spices
- Raisins/grapes
- Nuts
- Creamed peas
- Sweets of any kind
Some of these items are more dangerous than others. Garlic, onions, yeast dough, and bones can be incredibly dangerous to dogs and cats alike. Uncooked meat or fish may seem less risky, but they pass diseases and parasites to your four-legged friends.
So if your dog does eat any of these Thanksgiving foods, call your veterinarian right away. You may need to reach out to a 24-hour emergency vet if it’s Thanksgiving Day.
Pet-friendly Thanksgiving Treats
Now that we’ve got the scary stuff out of the way, let’s dig into what you can give your dog or cat on Thanksgiving Day. Here’s a short list:
- Unseasoned, cooked sweet potatoes
- Cooked white turkey meat
- Cooked fish
- Cooked prime rib steak (no bones, please!)
- Fresh pineapple
- Raw or cooked unseasoned green beans
- Plain canned pumpkin (no spices, please!)
As you can see, there’s plenty of tasty Thanksgiving food you can share with your pet on the big day. Consider making a pet-safe plate for your furry friends to make your holiday extra special this year.
Do you still have questions or concerns about appropriate Thanksgiving foods? Reach out to our team anytime during our business hours. We’re open Sunday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.