Cooking up a feast this Thanksgiving? Nothing beats the aroma of stuffing, turkey, and apple pies this time of year…but just because you can dig in to these delicacies, doesn’t mean that Fido can too. In fact, certain holiday foods can leave your pets with a severe bellyache, or worse. To avoid any mishaps, below is a list of 7 common holiday foods that are toxic to your furry friends. Keep their paws off and they’ll be just fine!
- Bird bones
- Turkey/chicken skins
- Onions, garlic, and other bulb vegetables
- Grapes, raisins, and currants
- Desserts and sweets
- Stuffing
- Nuts
If you’re having company over, be sure that guests also know not to give your dog table food. While it may be tempting to give in to those puppy eyes, it will only lead to upset stomachs and potential vet visits later on. Remember, cooked bird bones can splinter, potentially tearing into your dog’s stomach, causing serious harm. Grapes, raisins, and currants can lead to serious kidney failure, while chicken skin is much too salty for your four-legged friends. It’s not worth the risk! If you have the time, here’s a healthy recipe you can make for your dog to make them feel like they’re just as much a part of the festivities:
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 zucchini, shredded
- 3 pounds ground turkey (chicken or beef works too)
- 1/2 cup peas, canned or frozen
- 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
The easiest way to prepare this dish is to pop all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it sit for the day! Then, you can take the mixture and store it in your fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it in easy single-serve portions for later! The best part about this recipe is how versatile the mix is – you can swap any of these ingredients, as long as it’s safe for your pet’s consumption!
Be sure to share these tips with fellow pet owners and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!