Do's & Don'ts: Sharing Thanksgiving Foods with Your Pets

We’ve all done it. It’s perfectly natural to pile on too much of the super indulgent food being served at Thanksgiving. Some less-than-healthy food is just good for the human soul. If your cat or dog is joining in on the celebration, however, it’s important to remember that holiday treats for humans are not always safe for pets.

Keeping the feast out of your dog or cat’s reach would be the first step to making sure you can control what they have access to. Also, educating yourself and informing your guests of what pets can and can’t eat would ensure nothing goes under the radar.

Here’s a quick guide to the do’s and don’ts of sharing your holiday foods with your pets!

DO: Share that lean turkey (or chicken) meat! Both cats and dogs can enjoy plain turkey–just make sure you skip the skin.

DON’T: Cooked bones are a no-go for both dogs and cats as they pose a serious choking hazard.

DO: White and sweet potatoes are great for your four-legged friends, but leave out the butter, cream and spices!

DON’T: Chocolate and other sweets. Instead, use fruit to satisfy your pet’s sweet tooth!

DO: Let them indulge a little in the fruits of your labor - apples, apricots, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupes, cranberries, mangoes, oranges, pears, pineapples, raspberries, strawberries, and watermelons are all safe for your furry friends.

DON’T: Gravy, onions, garlic, shallots, scallions, alcohol (even in desserts), raisins/grapes, almonds, walnuts, raw cashews, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios and hickory nuts are all off limits for dogs and cats.

Pets just cannot eat all the same foods we can. We have an awareness of what we’re doing, and we’re simply built differently. Cats and dogs love to indulge alongside us and won’t protest any delicious treat, so it’s our job as pet parents to know what they are eating is healthy and safe. 

To be on the safe side, it’s recommended that you feed your pet their own food and/or their healthy holiday treat before or during the festivities and ask guests to refrain from giving in to the begging—no matter how cute your fur baby looks doing it!