Can My Dog Eat This? Tips for a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving with Pets

We’re officially less than a week away from the big meal! I hope that all of my friends, family, and clients have a wonderful Thanksgiving whether your traveling to see loved ones or staying home and enjoying the “crisp” San Diego weather.

I wanted to share this as a reminder that not all foods are safe for our K9 friends on Thanksgiving. Yes, it’s okay to share a handful of natural, plain foods with our pups, but this is not always the case. A general rule of thumb is to avoid anything with added sugars, fats or spices. Also be aware of fruits and vegetables that are downright poisonous to dogs (ie; grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic to name a few).

This means that unfortunately, your dog should NOT have turkey, unless that turkey is completely free of butter, spices, herbs and other flavor additives. These ingredients could cause a handful of health issues including pancreatitis. When it comes to turkey bones, this is also a big NO. They are too brittle and small for most power-chewing dogs and pose a choking hazard risk.

Instead of your aunt’s green bean casserole or grandma’s famous Jello dessert, opt to give your dog a few scraps of cooked potatoes, green beans or apples instead! Just remember that the same rules apply - avoid anything that’s been seasoned or sugared.

That being said, I hope you have a pawtastic Thanksgiving! I can’t wait to get into the holiday spirit! If you’re like me and celebrate Christmas as soon as the forks drop on Thanksgiving, be sure to book a Holiday Mini Session for your pet. Nothing gets you in the mood for Christmas like festive photos of your pup under the mistletoe!