Thanksgiving Food Safety For Dogs

Can you believe that it is that time of the year again? While Thanksgiving
brings lots of joy, reunion, and delicious food, it can also bring significant
opportunities for your doggies to indulge in Thanksgiving food as well. It’s
important to keep an eye on your dog during Thanksgiving because the food and
festivities can present several potential dangers for them. We understand that the
holiday can get busy, and it’s easy to forget that your dog might be sneaking
something off the table or counter. Thankfully, there are dog-safe food alternatives that your pups can enjoy as a Thanksgiving Day treat!

Some foods commonly served at Thanksgiving, like onions, garlic, grapes,
raisins, and chocolate, are toxic to dogs. If consumed, these foods can cause
serious health issues such as gastrointestinal distress, kidney failure, or even
poisoning. Thanksgiving dishes like turkey skin, stuffing, and mashed potatoes
with butter are rich in fat and can cause gastrointestinal distress. Onions and garlic (whether raw, cooked, or powdered) also pose a significant threat to your dog’s health as these items are highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause damage to their red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia, which can result in weakness, vomiting, or even organ failure. Keep an eye on the stuffing as this typically includes onions, garlic, and sometimes raisins. Be sure to also remain aware of the sweet treats getting passed around! For example, cranberry sauce is often loaded with sugar and artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels and liver damage.

Pumpkin is a fantastic, healthy treat for dogs, especially around Thanksgiving when it’s in season! It’s good for digestion and helps with both constipation and diarrhea. Just be sure to use plain, cooked pumpkin—avoid the sugary canned pumpkin pie filling, as it often contains added ingredients like spices and sugars. Carrots are an excellent, low-calorie snack that dogs love. You can serve them raw (cut into bite-sized pieces) or lightly cooked. They’re a good source of fiber and vitamins and can help with dental health by scrubbing your dog’s teeth as they chew. Turkey is a lean source of protein, and when prepared without any seasoning, skin, or bones, it’s perfectly safe for dogs. Just make sure the turkey is cooked thoroughly and remove all bones, as they can splinter and cause choking or internal injury. Fresh apples are also a crisp, healthy snack for
dogs. The fiber in apples is good for digestion, and they’re a great low-calorie
treat. Be sure to remove the seeds and core, as apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.

Overall, it is possible for you, your guests, and your pet friends to enjoy
Thanksgiving without dealing with a sick pet. Remember to keep an eye on your
doggie and set food on a high counter or space where your dog cannot reach. We
hope that you and your doggies enjoy some delicious Thanksgiving food and have a wonderful time celebrating with friends and family!

Multi-generational Australian Labradoodles are a cross between many different parent breeds. The breed originated in Australia in the 1980s with the intent of creating an allergy-friendly service dog for the blind. Australian Labradoodles are a combination of a Poodle, Labrador Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, and Irish Water dogs. These breeds were hand-selected for specific breed qualities to create the ideal service dog for those with allergies. Since then, the breed has continued on and spread across the world. Australian Labradoodles are now considered their own breed with its own breed clubs (ALAA and WALA).