Thanksgiving – Safe Pet Food

As Thanksgiving approaches, many pet owners want to include their furry friends in the festive feast. While sharing the joy of the holiday with your pets can be delightful, it’s essential to be mindful of what foods are safe for them. Here’s a guide to Thanksgiving pet food, ensuring your four-legged companions have a happy and healthy holiday.

Turkey Time

Turkey is a Thanksgiving staple, and it’s safe for pets in moderation. If you decide to feed your pet turkey, here is how to do it safely:

Remove the skin. All the fat and seasoning packed on turkey skin can irritate your pet’s stomach and even cause pancreatitis.
Feed your pet only small quantities of turkey. Talk to your vet about feeding your pet turkey, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions like diabetes.
Do not feed your pet any bones. Vets strongly advise against feeding pets any bones as they may cause mouth injuries, obstruction of the throat, obstruction of the intestinal tract, choking, possibility of piercing stomach and intestine lining, constipation, rectal bleeding, and blockages.

Stuffing Cautions

Stuffing often contains ingredients like onions, garlic, herbs, and sometimes even raisins, that can be harmful to pets. Stick to plain, unseasoned stuffing if you choose to share this dish with your furry friends.

Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

Plain mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes are generally safe for pets, but once again, be cautious about added ingredients that can cause harm like butter, garlic, or onions.

Say No to Sweets

Keep sweets and desserts out of reach for your pets. Chocolate, in particular, is toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts can lead to severe health issues, so it’s best to avoid sharing any dessert plate with your pets. A good alternative would be homemade or store-bought pumpkin-based treats to fit the autumn theme!

Vegetables for Variety

Plain, cooked vegetables like carrots and green beans can be a healthy and enjoyable addition to your pet’s Thanksgiving meal. Ensure they are free from seasonings or additives. Generally vegetables are pretty safe, but the following vegetables are harmful and should be avoided for your pet:

Garlic
Onions
Chives
Shallots
Leeks
Scallions

Caution with Casseroles

Many casseroles contain ingredients that might not be pet-friendly, such as onions, garlic, or certain spices. Before sharing any casserole, check the ingredients to ensure they are safe for your furry friends.

Moderation is Key

While it is tempting to spoil your pets during the holidays, moderation is crucial. Just like humans, pets can experience weight gain and digestive issues after big holiday meals. Make sure you are proportioning correctly for the weight of your pet.

PawHootz Pawliday Meal

Don’t have time to cook up a meal for your furry pal? For just $16 on top of one of our services, PawHootz Pet Resort will provide pets a “Pawliday Meal” for the dates of November 22nd – November 24th 2023!

For dogs, a Pooch Feast featuring turkey, apple, and carrot stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and liver brownies for dessert – will be provided.

However, for cats, Kitty Yums – a chicken casserole, tuna fish balls, as well as salmon and sweet potato pops for dessert. If you are interested in purchasing, sign up before the deadline of November 21st by emailing or calling us!

Recipes We Recommend!

For Cats:

For Dogs:

Overall

Sharing Thanksgiving with your pets can be a joyous experience, but it’s crucial to be mindful of their dietary needs and potential hazards. Stick to pet-safe options, avoid harmful ingredients, and prioritize moderation to ensure your furry friends have a Thanksgiving that is both enjoyable and safe.