It’s almost time for Thanksgiving! Many of us are looking forward to spending time with our friends and family, just relaxing and enjoying that delicious seasonal food. Your furry companion will no doubt be very interested in those holiday meals! It’s fine to give your pet some extra tidbits, but you’ll want to be careful with what you feed your pet. Many of our favorite foods are dangerous to our four-legged friends! Read on as a Fayetteville, NC vet lists some Turkey Day foods Fido and Fluffy can enjoy.

Poultry

Turkey is just as delicious to pets as it is to us. You can offer four-legged buddy some cooked turkey, chicken, or duck, but be sure to remove the bones, fat and skin first. Hold the gravy, too: many types of gravy are flavored with garlic and onions, which are toxic to our furry friends. Gravy can also be too rich for Fido and Fluffy, and could give your furball an upset tummy. Offer your pet sodium-free beef or chicken broth instead.

Mashed Potatoes

Plain mashed potatoes are safe for pets in small amounts. However, if your potatoes are seasoned with butter, milk, sour cream, or herbs, it’s best to keep them away from your four-legged friend.

Greens

Cooked beans are safe for Fido and Fluffy. Spinach is also fine. Just be sure to hold the seasonings!

Yellow and Orange Veggies

Pureed pumpkin is quite safe for pets, and actually contains lots of vitamins and nutrients. You can also give your furry pal some cooked, plain squash or sweet potatoes. Cooked or raw carrots, cut into pieces, are also fine. As with the other foods mentioned above, be sure to feed your pet only plain veggies, without the toppings. Brown sugar, crackers, and other ingredients you may mix into your dish could be unsafe for your adorable pal.

Unsafe Foods

Some of the things you’ll want to avoid giving your furball include chocolate; pitted fruits; grapes, currants, and raisins; garlic, onions, chives, and scallions; caffeine; alcohol; nuts; and anything containing xylitol. If you aren’t sure whether a specific food is safe or not, err on the side of caution and offer your furry pal something else. Ask your vet for more information. Do you have questions about your pet’s diet? Does your pet need an exam? Contact us, your Fayetteville, NC animal clinic, anytime!