WARNING:Don't Feed Your Dog These Foods on Thanksgiving (OR ANY OTHER DAY!)
Are you one that "feels bad" if you don't share in the holiday feast with your dogs?
You're not alone ...but dogs can't have the same stuff we can so before you fix your best lil' buddy a Thanksgiving plate make sure not to give him/her any of these foods!
And go all the way to the bottom of this page to see a special Thanksgiving recipe for your dog that he/she CAN have (and will love).
Ok, let's stop messing around and get to the list!
Chocolate
You already know your dog can't have any chocolate, but why?
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine which can cause seizures, tremors, overstimulation of the heart and death if your dog eats enough.
White chocolate is a little bit less toxic but still not good for Fido to eat and bakers chocolate is the worst offender!
To be safe, don't give any 4-legged friends ANY chocolate!
Cooked Bones
Cooked bones are another common holiday food / leftover that you shouldn't give your dog.
Bones can splinter and cause damage to your hound's gut or gums. If you give your dog any food (like turkey) that has bones in it, make sure to remove them bones!
If you want to give your dog something to chew on that will last for hours you can try these all natural chews.
Onions, Scallions, Garlic or Chives
Onions, scallions, garlic and chives are delicious for us humans, but for dogs they can be a nightmare.
These foods contain thiosulphate which can cause all sorts of issues like diarrhea and other GI disorders.
If you want your fur buddy to feel good this Thanksgiving don't give him/her any of these whether they are raw or cooked.
Gum, Mints, Candy or Baked Goods
A lot of baked goods and candies contain a substance called xylitol. It's a sugar substitute and can cause vomiting, loss of coordination and even death.
So no matter how much your pooch begs and looks sad when you're eating a delicious baked good...you shouldn't share it with him or her.
Alcohol
You already know you shouldn't share wine, beer or other alcohol with your best friend, even if he really asks nicely!
Uncle Jim might be able to handle a dozen beers but your pooch can't. So it's best to keep all the pets in the home sober this Thanksgiving for their health.
Caffeine
Caffeine has a similar make up to chocolate and contains substances that will make your dog's heart rate go up.
This can cause seizures and even death!
So no matter how good the coffee you made smells and tastes, it's best to not give any to your best friend this Thanksgiving.
Macadamia Nuts
Experts say that macadamia nuts are terrible for dogs can cause severe reactions when eaten.
These reactions can include muscular weakness, depression, tremors, disorientation or abdominal pain.
In other words, eat them yourself and spare your dog's health!
HERE'S A HOMEMADE DOG FOOD RECIPE YOUR DOG WILL LOVE
Thanksgiving Dinner for Dogs Recipe
If you want to make your dog feel special this Thanksgiving you can cook him/her a homemade meal that will make his or her day.
This Thanksgiving dog food recipe is easy and quick to make and will be tasty. If your dog is diabetic you can leave out the cranberry sauce and limit the sweet potatoes a bit for a lower carb version.
Nutrition Information:
Per 1-cup serving (approximate, depending on ingredient substitutions)
- Calories 321
- Protein 44 g
- Carbohydrates 16 g
- Dietary fiber 1.9 g
- Fat 7.7 g (with gravy; less if omitted)
Portion Size
For small dogs, 3/4 cup; medium dogs, 1 1/2 cups; larger or more active dogs, 3 cups.
Calcium
Add 400 mg calcium per 1-cup serving (600 mg if using bone meal).
RECIPE
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Makes: 9 1-cup servings
Ingredients
- 3 lb/1.3 kg skinless turkey pieces (light and dark meat)
- 1 cup (about 6 oz/175 g) oatmeal (cooked)
- 1 lb/450 g sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp cranberry sauce
- 4 tbsp turkey gravy (optional; to reduce the fat content, omit the gravy or substitute olive oil)
Directions
Use turkey leftovers or roast the turkey:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Lightly oil a roasting pan.
2. For boneless breast or thigh, cook 30–45 minutes; boned breast or thigh, 45–60 minutes; whole turkey, 1 1/2–2 hours or until the meat juices run clear when pierced with a skewer. Let cool.
3. Remove all the bones and dice the meat into large pieces.
4. If using fresh sweet potatoes, roast with the turkey for about 25–30 minutes or until tender. Let cool, then peel and dice.
5. Meanwhile, cook the oatmeal according to package instructions.
6. Mix together the turkey meat, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. If using gravy or oil, add it now and mix thoroughly. (If your dog is at all prone to pancreatitis or other fat-related upsets, omit the gravy.)