Do's and Don'ts: Thanksgiving Food and Dogs

The aroma of roasted turkey fills your home, family gathers, and a sense of gratitude is in the air. Under the table, a pair of loving eyes follows every move you make, hoping for a share of the feast.

As pet owners, we want to include our four-legged family members in the celebration. But navigating the Thanksgiving table can be tricky. Which foods are a festive treat, and which could lead to an emergency visit to our clinic?

At Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists, we want to help you share the holiday safely. Instead of just focusing on what your dog can't have, let's focus on how to prepare a delicious, vet-approved Thanksgiving plate they can enjoy.

The "Yes" List: Building a Dog-Safe Thanksgiving Plate

The key to sharing is preparation. Many Thanksgiving staples are safe for dogs before we add the salt, spices, fats, and sugars. When you're cooking, simply set aside these plain ingredients for your dog's special meal.

✅ Turkey
A fantastic source of protein.

• How to Serve: Offer only cooked, unseasoned, boneless, and skinless white meat. The rich, fatty skin and seasonings can cause gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas. Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or severe internal damage.

✅ Sweet Potatoes
Packed with fiber and vitamins.

• How to Serve: Serve them steamed or baked and mashed, with absolutely nothing added. Avoid the casserole dish, as the butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows are unhealthy for dogs.

✅ Pumpkin
Great for digestive health.

• How to Serve: A spoonful of plain, canned pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling) is a wonderful treat. Pie filling contains sugar and spices like nutmeg, which can be toxic in large amounts.

✅ Green Beans & Carrots
Healthy, low-calorie, and full of vitamins.

• How to Serve: Steamed, boiled, or even raw green beans and carrots are a perfect crunchy treat. Ensure they are plain, without any added butter, salt, or casserole toppings.

✅ Apples
A sweet and healthy snack.

• How to Serve: Give your dog a few slices of apple with the core and seeds removed. The seeds contain small amounts of cyanide and can be a choking hazard.

The "No" List: Toxic Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid

This is the most critical list. These common Thanksgiving ingredients are dangerous for dogs and must be kept securely out of reach.

🚫 Onions, Garlic, Chives, and Leeks
These are toxic to dogs in all forms (raw, cooked, powdered) and can cause life-threatening damage to their red blood cells. This means stuffing and most gravies are strictly off-limits.

🚫 Grapes and Raisins
Highly toxic and can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.

🚫 Chocolate and Xylitol
Chocolate is a well-known toxin. Additionally, be vigilant about the artificial sweetener Xylitol, which is often found in sugar-free desserts, baked goods, and some peanut butters. It is extremely toxic and can be fatal.

🚫 Cooked Bones & Fatty Foods
Never give a dog a cooked bone from a turkey or ham. They are brittle and can splinter easily. High-fat foods like turkey skin, gravy, and buttery dishes can trigger severe vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.

🚫 Macadamia Nuts
These nuts can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs.

🚫 Alcohol
Alcohol is dangerous for pets. It can cause intoxication, drops in blood sugar, and even respiratory failure.

🚫 Uncooked Yeast Dough
If ingested, raw bread dough can expand in your dog's warm stomach, causing a painful and life-threatening condition called bloat.

Beyond the Plate: More Tips for a Pet-Safe Holiday

1. Secure the Trash: The combination of tempting smells in the trash can be irresistible. Ensure your trash is in a sealed container or behind a locked door to prevent dangerous scavenging.
2. Create a Safe Space: A house full of guests can be overwhelming for some pets. Set up a quiet room with their bed, fresh water, and a favorite toy where they can retreat and feel secure.
3. Mind the Guests: Politely inform your guests not to feed your dog from the table. It prevents accidental ingestion of harmful foods and reinforces good behavior.

When to Call the Vet: An Emergency Plan

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Watch for these signs of distress:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Restlessness or pacing
• Pale gums
• Difficulty breathing

For immediate, 24/7 emergency care in Oklahoma, call Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists at 918-299-4900.

From our family at Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists to yours, we wish you and your beloved pets a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving!