Thanksgiving is coming up quickly! Food is going to be front and center for the autumn holiday. Whether you’re hosting a huge gathering or just having a quiet dinner with your immediate family, it’s safe to say that your dog will be paying very close attention to those delicious dishes. Fido definitely deserves something special! Just be careful what you offer him. A local Seminole, FL vet lists some safe treats for dogs in this article.
You can definitely share some of that delicious turkey with your furry best friend. Just remove the skin, bones, and fat first. In fact, meat on the bone is extremely dangerous to dogs. It can break into sharp shards that can cause very severe—and potentially life-threatening—injuries if swallowed. Fido can also have most other types of meat, such as steak, hamburger, pork, and ribs. Deli meats are also fine, as are fish and poultry. However, there are some things, such as ham, bacon, sausage, and organ meats, that should only be fed occasionally, and in small amounts.
Fido certainly won’t turn his adorable nose up at store-bought foods. However, you can also try your hand at making his treats. There are lots of great recipes online. These generally start with a base. Some of the things you can use include peanut butter, minced or shredded meat, plain yogurt, egg, cheese, sodium-free broth, olive oil, whole-wheat flour, bacon grease, ripe bananas, or pureed pumpkin. You can also add things like bacon bits, safe fruits and veggies, shredded cheese, or blueberries.
You can make Fido his own version of this classic in just a few minutes. Combine plain Greek yogurt with a container of organic baby food. (Note: remember to check the ingredients list.) Add a cup of water or sodium-free broth, and, of course, an egg. Put it all in the blender, and then top with a doggy biscuit.
Many of our favorites just aren’t safe for Fido! Some dangerous foods include garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; chocolate; grapes, currants, and raisins; caffeine; alcohol; fruits with seeds or pips; avocado; raw meat or dough; and anything that contains xylitol. If you’re hosting dinner, ask guests not to feed pets without permission. Your vet can also give you more information about safe and unsafe foods.
Happy Thanksgiving! Please contact us, your Seminole, FL animal hospital, anytime!
