Thanksgiving Safety: Can You Share Your Holiday Feast with Pets?

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, a delicious feast! It’s only natural to want to share the holiday cheer with your beloved cat or dog.

However, many traditional Thanksgiving foods can be toxic or dangerous for our furry friends. A few tasty, safe bites can be a great holiday treat, but knowing what to avoid is crucial to prevent an emergency trip to the vet.

✅ Safe and Simple Holiday TreatsIf you want your pet to participate in the holiday feast, stick to small, plain portions of these safe options:

• Plain White Turkey Meat: A small amount of fully cooked, boneless, skinless, and unseasoned turkey breast is a great source of lean protein for dogs or cats.
• Plain Sweet Potatoes: Sneak some out to share with your pup BEFORE you add the butter, salt, sugar or marshmallows!
• Plain Pumpkin: A tablespoon of plain, canned pumpkin puree (NOT pie filling) is not only a yummy treat for dogs, it can be good for digestion, too!
• Plain Green Beans & Carrots: Can be a healthy snack raw or cooked. Again, sneak these treats out for your dog before adding the butter, salt, and seasonings.
• Your Pet's Regular Meal: To make them feel included, mix a tiny amount of a safe treat (like plain turkey) into their usual food!

⚠️ Toxic and Dangerous FoodsKeep these popular Thanksgiving items strictly out of paw’s reach. They can cause severe digestive upset, organ damage, or even be fatal:

• Turkey Bones, Skin, & Fat: Cooked bones can splinter, causing choking, an obstruction, or internal punctures. Fatty turkey skin and rich gravies can trigger pancreatitis (a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas).
• Onions, Garlic, Leeks, & Chives: Found in stuffing, gravy, and many side dishes, these are toxic to both dogs and cats and can lead to red blood cell damage and anemia. Cooking does not remove the toxicity.
• Grapes, Raisins, & Currants: Often found in stuffing or desserts, these can cause rapid and potentially fatal kidney failure in dogs.
• Chocolate: Contains Theobromine, which is toxic to pets. The darker the chocolate (like in many holiday desserts), the higher the risk.
• Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener): Found in sugar-free baked goods and some peanut butter, this is highly toxic to dogs and can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure.
• Unbaked Yeast Dough: Raw dough can expand in the stomach, causing painful bloat (a life-threatening condition), and the yeast produces alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning.
• Rich Gravy, Stuffing, or Seasonings: These are typically too high in fat, salt, and spices (often containing hidden onions/garlic) which can cause severe digestive upset.

🏡 General Safety Reminders for the HolidayEven beyond the food, it's a good idea to keep these tips in mind to ensure a stress-free holiday for your furry family members:

• Secure the Trash: Turkey carcasses, twine, and food scraps in the garbage can be irresistible—and very dangerous. Use a locking lid or keep the trash in a secured room.
• Pet-Proof the Kitchen: With constant cooking, it's easy to drop ingredients. Block off the kitchen with baby gates to prevent pets from sneaking a bite of a dropped onion slice or raw dough.
• Inform Your Guests: Politely ask guests NOT to feed your pets any table scraps, no matter how much they beg. Many well-meaning guests are unaware of pet food dangers.
• Create a Retreat: If you have a large gathering, set up a quiet, safe room (like a bedroom or crate) with a comfortable bed, water, and favorite toys so your pet can escape the noise and chaos.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately.
From all of us at BGWCHS, we wish you and your furry family a very happy and safe Thanksgiving!