What Your Dog Shouldn’t Eat This Thanksgiving
Turkey Isn’t the Problem
Family gatherings are pretty much like a reality show waiting to happen. Different personalities, rival siblings, and your aunt’s “famous” green beans that everyone politely pretends to love. And for our dogs, all of this company coming over to your house can feel chaotic. Turkey isn’t toxic, but the trouble starts when your pup gets their own little Thanksgiving sampler plate. Believe it or not, people give their dogs mini Thanksgiving meals! I know this because pet owners would tell me the wildest stories when they came into my store after the holiday.
Dogs can eat turkey
It’s the extra stuff that gets them in trouble. The gravy is loaded with fat. Mashed potatoes usually have heavy cream and lots of seasoning. You get the point. When you combine all of that with a house full of guests sneaking scraps under the table, things go downhill fast.
If you want to share some turkey with your pup, keep it simple: plain, cooked white meat only, and no bones or skin. Skip the dark meat since it’s higher in fat, and never give them turkey bones. Make sure to tell your guests or better yet, just put the dog in another room!
The Real Thanksgiving Danger
The biggest issue isn’t what you feed your dog, it’s what your guests do. I think people mean well, but when the dog is at their feet, it is inevitable that they’ll give them part of their Thanksgiving meal. That’s why it’s so important to set clear boundaries before the festivities begin.
I find this is a serious issue for so many families. They feel awkward telling their family members what to do and what not to do. If you have to, exaggerate and say your dog will end up in the emergency room if they eat people food. It sounds dramatic, but this is such a serious issue that it gets the point across.
Even if you’re normally fine with your dog having healthy table scraps, Thanksgiving food is another story. Nobody wants a trip to the vet during the holidays.
Keep Your Dog Busy
The best way to avoid problems is to keep your dog entertained while you eat. I love using West Paw stuffable toys, especially the Tux. You can fill it with Fromm Turkey & Potato canned food and freeze it ahead of time. The freezing makes it last longer and gives your dog something fun (and safe) to focus on.
Creating a calm environment also helps. A quiet space or cozy bed away from the action can reduce stress. Remember, more people in the house can make dogs anxious and that stress alone can upset their stomach.
In Case of Tummy Trouble
Even with the best planning, accidents happen. If your pup manages to sneak something, keep an eye out for vomiting, diarrhea, or fatigue. When in doubt, call your vet.
One of my favorite go-tos for digestive upset is In Clover Optagest. It’s a prebiotic enzyme blend that supports digestion and helps rebalance the gut. I always keep it on hand during the holidays because, let’s face it, you never know what might happen.
Toni’s Thanksgiving Recommendations
In Clover Optagest – Supports healthy digestion and helps with upset stomachs.
West Paw Tux – Durable, stuffable toy perfect for keeping dogs occupied.
Fromm Turkey & Potato canned food – Great for stuffing toys or mixing with regular food.
