The Thanksgiving holiday is a warm-felt holiday focused on our families, friends, and of course, food! As tempting as it is to include our fur-babies around the table, it can cause more harm than good.

Food to watch out for when wanting to share with our purrfect felines and pawtastic canines:

Turkey: To start off, bones are a huge choking hazard. They can splinter in the digestive tract and turn Thanksgiving dinner into a trip to the emergency room. Next to the risk of bones, Turkey is also very high in fat which can lead to some upset tummies around the house and, in worse cases, pancreatitis.
- Side note: Ham is also very high in fat and can leave your pet feeling ill.
Seasonings: As tasty as they are, some common Thanksgiving seasonings can be toxic to dogs and cats, such as garlic, onion, and chives. Avoid letting the stuffing “fall” off the table around dinner time.
Dinner Rolls: Who doesn’t love a good dinner roll smothered in delicious warm gravy? I know I couldn’t pass it up! However, if making them at home, please don’t give your pet a bite. Unbaked dough containing yeast can cause a stomach blockage if eaten. (The yeast in the dough will make it rise and expand).
Desserts: Arguably, the best part of Thanksgiving dinner is the desserts! While we love the options of pumpkin, apple, and fudge pies, our pets will thank us later if not consumed. Don’t forget chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats as well as the common sugar substitute xylitol.

Foods you CAN include in your pets Thanksgiving dinner:

Green beans
Carrots
Apples
Sweet potato
Canned pumpkin
Boiled chicken

When planning your Thanksgiving dinner full of laughter, fun, and love, make sure to express to your guests the importance of not letting table scraps hit the floor, but most of all, make sure everyone gives those butt scratches and belly rubs!

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!