Navigating Thanksgiving: Foods to Keep Out of Your Dog’s Bowl

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Thanksgiving is a feast for all, but as tempting as it may be to give your fur-kids some of your meal, there are a lot of things you should absolutely NOT give them. We'll start with foods to avoid, but keep scrolling to see what foods are canine approved.

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Thanksgiving food they CANNOT have:

Ham - According to Metlife Pet Health insurance, Ham may taste good but has no health benefits for dogs. It's high in animal fat, sodium, sugar, and other preservatives, like nitrates, all of which can be harmful or even toxic to your dog's health.

Chocolate - No if, ands, or buts about it. Chocolate is a no-go and is toxic to dogs.

Garlic - Whether raw or cooked, is toxic to dogs. If a dog eats enough garlic, it can eventually kill them if they do not get medical treatment according to PetMD.

Leeks are in the same category as garlic - toxic and should definitely be avoided.

Onion - Another toxic food that is in the same category as leeks and garlic.

Grapes - All types of grapes, whether cooked, seedless, peeled, dried, or fresh, are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, according to WebMD.

Raisins - You should also avoid giving your dog any grape products such as raisins, juices, jelly, or jam.

Raw Potatoes - Dogs should never eat raw potatoes as they contain a substance called solanine which is potentially toxic to dogs according to Purina. 

Mashed Potatoes - there isn’t much nutritional value your dog will be able to get from eating mashed potatoes. It's all the additional stuff that we add to mashed potatoes that's real bad for them - salt, seasonings, milk, and butter.

Raw dough - my dog once ate an entire raw loaf of butter braid (those delicious treats kiddos sell for school fundraisers). Her belly kept expanding. Fortunately, she was totally ok, but it was beyond terrifying. Raw, uncooked yeast ferments the carbohydrates in the dough, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide, according to poison control.

Canned Cranberry - These are high in sugar and may contain grapes, raisins, or currants which are all toxic to dogs.

Pre-made desserts - the unknown ingredients is the real kicker here. If you want your dog to have a "dessert" go for the peanut butter or organic pumpkin puree.

Pie Filling - Sugar, sugar, and more sugar. Pie filling is a hard no for the doggos.

Stuffing - Stuffing is bad because of how it's prepared. It often has additional spices, butter and other ingredients that are too rich for dogs and can cause pancreatitis or other digestive ailments - the AKC.

The Thanksgiving food that your dogs CAN enjoy:

Carrots - AKC says carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A.

Celery - A great snack for dogs in moderation according to Purina. 

Corn - Regular corn. Do not give them the cob.

Sweet potatoes - Purina says sweet potatoes are completely safe as long as they are cooked and the skin is removed.

Green Beans - As long as they aren't smothered in butter and salt. Plain green beans are actually loaded with plant fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K.

Apples - But, do avoid the core and seeds. Apple slices are full of vitamins A and C and contain lots of great fiber, making them a healthy Thanksgiving treat for your pet, according to AKC.

Pumpkin - Pumpkin actually helps with digestive health and it’s great for a dog’s skin and coat.

Rice - My dogs LOVE rice. When I feel like spoiling them, I cook up some rice, chicken breast or hamburger with a spoonful of pumpkin puree and they eat like they've never had a meal before.

Quinoa - Its strong nutritional profile makes it a healthy alternative to corn, grains like wheat, and soy according to Purina. 

Cheese - cheese is great... in small doses.  

Turkey - it's safe as long as it was not prepared with any seasoning, AND you def want to avoid giving them the skin, fat, and bones!!