Ah, the holiday season – a time of joy, laughter, and, of course, indulging in festive Thanksgiving feasts. Now, if you’re anything like me, you probably have a furry family member who eagerly awaits the arrival of the grandparents, armed with a secret weapon: the undeniable charm of those puppy eyes. And let me tell you, when it comes to holiday treats, Jake assumes the role of the Lab-tester with unmatched enthusiasm. If you’ve got a lab like Jake or a similarly charismatic canine companion, you know exactly what I mean.

If your family dynamics mirror mine, where grandparents are doling out treats left and right, make sure to share this guide with them. It’s the ultimate cheat sheet for discerning which foods are better suited for sneaky under-the-table sharing and which should remain off-limits.

And, Mom, if you’re reading this, consider it a gentle reminder – Jake’s post-dinner scraps still belong in his bowl, not hidden in your napkin! Let’s make this holiday season not only delicious for us but also safe and enjoyable for our four-legged friends. After all, they’re an essential part of the family feast, and their well-being is worth celebrating, too.

Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods:

1. Plain Sweet Potatoes: A nutrient-packed treat, plain sweet potatoes offer a tasty and healthy addition to your dog’s Thanksgiving menu.
2. Pumpkin: Rich in fiber and beneficial for digestion, plain pumpkin is a dog-friendly choice. Just avoid pumpkin pie, which often contains sugars and spices.
3. Green Beans: Low in calories and rich in vitamins, green beans make for a crunchy and nutritious addition to your dog’s Thanksgiving plate.
4. Carrots: A delightful chewy snack, carrots not only satisfy your dog’s natural instinct to gnaw but also provide essential vitamins.
5. Cranberries: Fresh or unsweetened dried cranberries can be a delightful addition to your dog’s festive menu, providing antioxidants.
6. Cheese: In small amounts, cheese offers a tasty protein boost. However, be mindful of lactose intolerance and moderation.

Foods to Avoid:

1. Gravy: While a Thanksgiving favorite for us, gravy often contains ingredients harmful to dogs. Keep it off your pup’s plate.
2. Stuffing: Ingredients like onions and garlic in stuffing can be toxic to dogs. Avoid sharing this Thanksgiving side dish.
3. Casseroles: Ingredients in casseroles may include items harmful to pets. Exercise caution when sharing these dishes with your dog.
4. Mashed Potatoes: Plain mashed potatoes are generally safe, but be cautious about added ingredients like garlic or cheese.
5. Creamed Peas: High in fats, creamed peas can be harmful to your pup’s digestive system. Keep them off the menu.
6. Chocolate, Cookies, Pies, and Sweets: These festive treats are a big no-no for dogs, as they contain ingredients toxic to them.
7. Alcoholic Beverages: Keep all alcoholic beverages out of reach. Even a small amount can be dangerous for your furry friend.
8. Raisins and Grapes: Known to be toxic to dogs, these should be strictly avoided.
9. Onions, Scallions, and Garlic: These ingredients can cause damage to red blood cells in dogs and should be kept away.
10. Yeast Dough: The dough may expand in the stomach, causing discomfort and potential health issues.
11. Fatty Foods: High-fat foods can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. Steer clear of overly fatty dishes.
12. Foods Containing Spices: Some spices can be irritating or harmful to dogs. Stick to bland options to be safe.

Foods that are on both lists for Dogs

• Turkey
  • Ok, If:
    • Turkey Meat: Opt for lean, well-cooked turkey without bones, skin, or added seasonings. Your pup will appreciate the savory delight without the risk of splintered bones.
  • Avoid for Dogs
    • Turkey Bones: The splinters from bones can pose a serious internal threat to your dog. Stick to boneless, well-cooked options.
    • Turkey Skin: High in fat, turkey skin can lead to digestive issues. Opt for skinless pieces to keep your pup healthy.
• Ham
  • Ham: While small amounts of lean ham are okay, large quantities can be too salty and fatty for your dog.

Safety Tips

To ensure a safe and joyful Thanksgiving for your dog:

• Secure Trash: Keep trash bins securely closed to prevent your dog from scavenging potentially harmful scraps.
• Educate Guests: Inform your guests about the importance of not feeding table scraps to your dog, no matter how adorable those puppy eyes may be.
• Comfortable Space: Provide a comfortable and quiet space for your dog during the meal. This can help reduce stress and prevent unwanted begging.

A Safe and Happy Thanksgiving for All

Of course, each fur-child is unique, and their health needs may vary. Therefore, it’s always a wise move to consult with your veterinarian and follow their expert guidance tailored to your specific pet. With their professional advice in mind, we can ensure that our four-legged friends enjoy the festivities just as much as we do, with safety and well-being at the forefront of our celebrations.

Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable joy that our pets bring to our lives!

About Me

Hey there! I’m Katherine, your friendly realtor, and lender, navigating the vibrant worlds of real estate in both Maryville, TN, and sunny St. Petersburg, FL.

Let’s embark on a wonderful holiday season together – finding the perfect property and celebrating the holidays with a touch of warmth, a dash of expertise, and a lot of canine charm. Welcome to my real estate world, where homes are more than structures; they’re the heartbeats of memories waiting to be made.

Cheers to finding your dream home and making this holiday season extra special for you and your furry friends!