Mokena Animal Clinic – Our List of Safe Foods and Treats to Celebrate Thanksgiving with Your Dog
The Holiday season is officially here and that means it’s time to look back and reflect on what a great year we’ve had. At Mokena Animal Hospital, our veterinarian wants to help make sure that you and your family pets have the best holiday season possible –starting with your Thanksgiving celebration. Thanksgiving is a holiday that should be enjoyed by everyone in your family, including your cats and dogs! So to make sure your pets have a great time celebrating with the rest of the family, it’s important to pay attention to which foods are safe for them and which foods should be avoided.
Which Foods and Treats are Safe for Your Dog This Thanksgiving?
While it’s not a good idea to feed your dog table scraps on Thanksgiving, there are plenty of other ways you can include them in on all the fun and great food this holiday season. Follow our helpful tips to make sure your pets have a safe and happy Thanksgiving this year!
Say Yes to Turkey
Turkey is a safe and lean protein that can make for a delicious treat that your dog (and cats) will love. However, there are a few important safety rules to remember with turkey. The turkey meat should be well-cooked and free from any bones. Cooked bones are extremely dangerous for Fido because they can splinter and cause severe medical issues, so keep them far away from your family pets.
Stay Away from Alliums
Foods that contain alliums like garlic, onions, leeks, and scallions should be kept away from your dog’s dinner plate. While well-cooked foods containing these items in smaller portions may be safe, it is better to avoid an accident that could lead to more serious health complications later on.
Pumpkin is Tasty and Nutritious
Pumpkin is a delicious and nutritious treat that your dog is sure to fall in love with. Pumpkin is ideal for helping to aid digestion, improving urinary health and is also used for healthy weight loss in cats and dogs. Your dog can safely enjoy canned pumpkin, pumpkin seeds and cooked fresh pumpkin but pumpkin pie filling should never be on the menu for Fido.
Fresh Cranberries
Cranberries are another tasty treat that Fido may love but canned varieties like cranberry sauce should be avoided. Cranberries are very healthy and contain healthy vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, which is useful for combating bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract.
Green Beans are Great
Green beans are so healthy that your dog can enjoy them cooked or raw. Just be sure to keep pets away from your famous green bean casserole, as this could contain ingredients that include added sugars. Anything with added sugars is not good for your pets and could leave them feeling worse for wear after the holidays.
Enjoy Your Thanksgiving with Your Pet, Contact Us for Any Questions
With a few simple precautions, your pets can indulge this holiday season just like the rest of the family. Just be sure to pay close attention to what they can and cannot eat. Stay away from chocolate, grapes, onions, dinner rolls and of course, alcohol. Otherwise, whole foods like carrots, apples, pumpkins and green beans will make for a delicious treat. Call 708-479-2811 or visit our friendly Mokena veterinarian online today for more pet safety tips or to schedule an appointment.
