Thanksgiving Leftovers & Your Doggo

Next week, many will gather in time-honored traditions to give thanks in one form or another, but more than likely partake in the biggest of all ‘cheat days’ our diets can afford. Yes, there are many of us that have already been dreaming of those sumptuous spreads of turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, homemade rolls, and cranberry sauce.

As you prepare for the big day, though, what of your epicurious doggo politely licking his chops in eager anticipation of a sample?

While it might be easier on Thanksgiving for your cute canine to snatch a wayward morsel or two as it ‘leaps’ off the table, keep some of these tips in mind as you have so many opportunities for your pooch to partake as a guest to your savory feast!

Turkey: 

Turkey is dog-gone TROUBLE for your doggo. Small bones are a choking hazard, much less the larger ones can splinter. Turkey skin can be fatal since your canine’s stomach doesn’t digest it well. And, don’t forget that improperly cooked or undercooked turkey poses a salmonella risk. 

Stuffing: 

Stuffing contains onions and other spices that can cause bloating in your dog. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) or commonly known as ‘bloat’ can come on suddenly due to the stomach twisting from gas or food. It’s always an emergency situation. So, best to avoid the stuffing too. 

Sweet Potatoes:

This tasty vegetable has long thought to be a great source of dietary fiber for both pups and humans alike. However, the American Kennel Club has recently updated us that there have been “reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain pet foods containing peas, lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients.”  

Apples:

Apples are always a great treat in moderation for your doggo. They are great sources of Vitamins A and C and fiber. Slices are probably the easiest presentation style, as you should remove the core and any seeds before serving. 

Pumpkin:

Pumpkin is another healthy treat for your pup. Not only do they love the taste, it has health benefits like relief from diarrhea and constipation. Moderation is key, and remember if buying canned pumpkin, buy the canned pureed pumpkin and not the canned pumpkin pie mix which includes added sugar and spices. 

Sweets and Desserts:

Most human desserts should be avoided altogether. Anything sweet or sugary, especially products containing the sugar substitute xylitol can be especially dangerous. Remember chocolate, too, is toxic for dogs. Go for some frozen yogurt to give a tasty post-meal treat with the benefit of also being a probiotic. 

Final Thoughts:

Unfortunately, there is a lot to avoid with traditional Turkey Day meals. While there are quite a few healthy alternatives to their human food counterparts, it’s human food for a reason. It’s best for you and not your faithful furball. Perhaps keep your doggo away for your feast, and have them join you for the National Dog Show after the meal is safely thrown out or put away. 

If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to us here at AVC. We’ll be happy to help you! 

Happy Thanksgiving, from Arlington Veterinary Center.