Toxic Thanksgiving Day Foods for Pets: A Guide to Keep Your Pets Safe

Thanksgiving is about sharing love and friendship—naturally, we want to include our pets! However, we all know that some Thanksgiving foods can harm dogs and cats. Here’s your updated, quick guide on what’s safe to share and what’s best kept away. First, the yummy stuff!

Thanksgiving Foods Pets Can Enjoy in Moderation

If you want to give your pets a special treat, here are some Thanksgiving foods they can safely enjoy:

• Cooked Turkey: White meat only, unseasoned and without skin.
• Steamed Vegetables: Green beans, carrots, and sweet potatoes (plain).
• Pumpkin: Plain, canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling).
• Apples (without seeds): Small apple slices provide a healthy, low-calorie treat.
• Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants and safe for most pets.

Many local pet food and treat vendors also make seasonal goodies your pets can enjoy. Some of our go-to local dog treat and dog food businesses include:

1. Doggie Bag Cafe
2. Moondog Barkery
3. Doggie Bakery Miami
4. Chef Wuau
5. Raw Instincts (if you feed raw)

Thanksgiving Foods to Keep Away from Pets

1. Allium Family (Onions, Garlic, Chives, and Leeks)

• Why it’s toxic: These vegetables can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia, especially in cats and breeds like Shiba Inus and Akitas, which are more sensitive.
• Symptoms of ingestion: Vomiting, weakness, pale gums, and difficulty breathing.
• Safe Tip: Even small amounts of onion and garlic powder can be toxic, so keep dishes seasoned with them away from pets. (Source: ASPCA)

2. Chocolate and Baking Ingredients

• Why it’s toxic: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to dogs, while baking soda and powder can cause serious digestive issues.
• Symptoms of ingestion: Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and potentially heart failure.
• Safe Tip: Clean spills immediately to avoid accidental ingestion. (Source: VCA Hospitals)

3. Turkey Skin and Fatty Foods

• Why it’s toxic: High-fat foods like turkey skin can lead to pancreatitis in pets.
• Symptoms of pancreatitis: Lethargy, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
• Safe Tip: Opt for lean, skinless, and unseasoned turkey meat for any pet-friendly sharing.

4. Cooked Bones (Turkey or Chicken)

• Why it’s toxic: Cooked bones can splinter, causing intestinal blockages or tears in pets’ digestive tracts.
• Symptoms: Choking, vomiting, with or without blood, vomiting after eating, retching or gagging, drooling, abdominal pain or bloating, diarrhea, straining, lethargy or change in behavior, lack of appetite or anorexia
• Safe Tip: Stick to dog-safe treats and dispose of bones in a sealed trash container. 

5. Stone Fruits (Peaches, Plums, and Cherries)

• Why it’s toxic: Pits can cause blockages and contain cyanide, which is toxic to pets (they’d need to ingest a large amount).
• Safe Tip: Cut fruit away from pits or avoid sharing with pets.

6. Macadamia Nuts and Other Nuts

Nuts should be avoided due to the risk of choking and toxicity.

• Why it’s toxic: Macadamia nuts can lead to weakness, vomiting, tremors, and fever in dogs.
• Symptoms: vomiting, fever, lethargy, stumbling gait, inability to stand, joint stiffness, and muscle tremors (VCA).
• Safe Tip: Store them well and out of the way of all pets. 

7. Nutmeg and Spices

• Why it’s toxic: Nutmeg, commonly used in Thanksgiving desserts, can be harmful, causing hallucinations, seizures, and even death.
• Safe Tip: Avoid sharing anything spiced or seasoned with your pets, especially nutmeg and cloves.

8. Watch for Xylitol in foods

Watch for Sweets Containing Xylitol: Xylitol, found in sugar-free baked goods and gum, is extremely toxic to pets. It is also labeled as wood sugar, birch sugar, and birch bark extract. You can find this in peanut butter and many human candies and gums.

• Why it’s toxic: In dogs, xylitol is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, and insulin is released. The rapid insulin release leads to a low blood sugar level, known as hypoglycemia, which occurs within 10 to 60 minutes of consumption. If untreated, this hypoglycemia can be life-threatening, according to the FDA.
• Safe Tip: Check your labels for this ingredient. Dispose of and store gum and candies securely.

More Important Thanksgiving Tips for Pet Safety

• Store all tempting food well out of reach of your pets and secure trash cans.
• Tell visiting family and friends not to give your pets table scraps or extra treats.
• Keep your pets safely away from the dinner table during the meal- they can hang out in a room with their favorite toys and a treat (ours love Kongs filled with peanut butter).
• Limit Rich Treats: Even if your pet seems to love them, too much sugar or fat can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.
• If you’re unsure about introducing new foods, consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your pet’s health needs.

Keep Pets Healthy and Happy on Thanksgiving!

A little planning goes a long way in keeping your pets safe and part of the Thanksgiving fun. With these tips, you’ll be ready to enjoy a wonderful holiday season together.

Need a hand this holiday season? Equipaws Pet Services is here to help! Contact us at 305.794.3733 or send us a message for more information on our pet care services, from dog walking to pet sitting while you’re out enjoying a well-earned Thanksgiving getaway!

Equipaws Pet Services