The Do’s and Don’ts of Feeding Your Pet on Thanksgiving

Pets are living creatures that rely on their owners for sustenance, so it's essential to ensure they get the right nutrition. One way to do this is to keep track of your pet's eating.

There are many reasons why it's essential to keep track of your pet's diet. For one, it can help ensure that your pet gets all the nutrients they need. It can also help you spot potential problems early on, such as if your pet isn't eating enough or is eating too much of certain foods.

Additionally, keeping track of your pet's diet can help you tailor their food to their specific needs. For example, if your pet has a sensitive stomach, you may need to avoid certain ingredients or foods known to cause problems. Or, if your pet is particularly active, you may need to adjust their food accordingly to ensure that they're getting enough calories.

Finally, tracking your pet's diet can be a helpful way to stay organized and on top of their health. By keeping a record of what your pet eats, you can more easily keep track of their overall health and ensure that they're getting the best possible care.

With Thanksgiving approaching, keeping track of what your pet eats is even more important. In today's article, let's explore some essential do's and don'ts that can help you! Here's what you need to know:

Keep an Eye on What Your Pet Eats During Thanksgiving

'Tis the season for giving thanks, and for many of us, that means spending time with family and friends—including our furry ones. But as you enjoy your Thanksgiving feast, you must watch what your pet eats.

While turkey is the star of the show on Thanksgiving, it's not necessarily the best food for your pet. Turkey skin and bones can be dangerous for dogs and cats, and fatty meat can cause gastrointestinal issues. So, keeping your pet away from the Thanksgiving feast is best.

Of course, that doesn't mean your pet has to go hungry on Thanksgiving. There are plenty of pet-friendly foods that you can share with your furry friend. Just be sure to avoid dangerous foods for pets, such as onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins.

So, as you enjoy your Thanksgiving feast, keep an eye on what your pet is eating. And if you have any questions about what's safe for your pet, consult your veterinarian.

Essential Do's and Don'ts

Do's

  • Make sure your pet has access to fresh, clean water. This is especially important if they eat table scraps, as they can dehydrate.

  • Offer them a small portion of your own Thanksgiving feast. Plain, cooked turkey breast (without the skin, bones, or seasoning) is a great option, as are mashed potatoes (without the gravy).

  • Put away any leftovers and holiday food items that could harm your pet. Things like chocolate, raisins, and onions are all off-limits.

Don'ts

  • Don't overfeed your pet. Just because they're begging for more doesn't mean they need it. A little bit of extra food is fine, but too much can lead to an upset stomach or even pancreatitis.

  • Don't feed them anything fatty, greasy, or spicy. This can again cause stomach problems and make them feel uncomfortable.

  • Don't let them beg for food at the table. It's tempting to give in, but it will only encourage bad behavior. Plus, it's not fair to the other guests trying to enjoy their meal.

Thanksgiving Foods to Keep Away From Your Pets

As much as your pets may beg for a taste of your Thanksgiving feast, there are some foods that you should keep away from them. Here are a few Thanksgiving foods to keep away from your pets:

  • Turkey skin – Turkey skin is high in fat and can cause pancreatitis in dogs and cats.

  • Fatty meats – Fatty meats can also cause pancreatitis in dogs and cats.

  • Bones – Bones can splinter and cause gastrointestinal blockages or punctures.

  • Stuffing – Stuffing is often made with onions and garlic, which can be toxic to pets.

  • Gravy – Gravy can contain onion, garlic, and fat, which can be harmful to pets.

  • Cranberry sauce – Cranberry sauce can contain sugar and xylitol, which is toxic to pets.

  • Green beans – Green beans are safe for pets, but they can cause gas.

  • Sweet potatoes – Sweet potatoes are safe for pets, but they can cause stomach upset.

  • Pumpkin pie – Pumpkin pie is safe for pets but can contain sugar and spices that can harm them.

  • Alcohol – Alcohol can be toxic to pets and should be avoided.

Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested any of these Thanksgiving foods.

What to Do In Case Your Pet Ingests Something They Shouldn't

If your pet ingests something it shouldn't have, it's essential to take quick and appropriate action. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to take your pet to the vet or even the emergency room. Here's a guide on what to do if your pet ingests something it shouldn't have.

Of course, it might help to know that if your pet ingests a small amount of a nontoxic substance, like table food or a non-toxic plant, they will probably be fine, and you can monitor them for any signs of distress. If they ingest a toxic substance or a large amount of any substance, you need to take them to the vet or emergency room immediately.

Some common signs that your pet has ingested something they shouldn't have are vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, and seizures. If you see any of these signs, take your pet to the vet or emergency room right away.

The Bottom Line

Pets will eat just about anything they can get their mouths on, including poisonous or harmful things. They tend to eat something they shouldn't, and as their owner, it's our responsibility to ensure it doesn't hurt them. That said, be mindful and keep an eye on them.

If you are looking for good local pet supplies, we can help you. Founded by Dena Gilmore in 2002, Wags to Wiskers is a community-based pet supplies store with a focus on natural, holistic pet foods, primarily for but not limited to dogs and cats. Contact us today to learn more and get started!