Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips in Pasadena

Giving your pet table scraps might seem like a harmless thing to do, but some foods can be dangerous for their health. In support of Thanksgiving pet safety, we have a couple of lists that break down which foods are safe to give, and which ones you need to withhold. Read on and be sure to call our animal hospital at (410) 317-2028 if you have questions or concerns you’d like to discuss with your veterinarian.

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips in Pasadena, MD

Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs and Cats

  • Turkey – It’s perfectly fine to share turkey meat with your pet, as long as it contains no bones and is thoroughly cooked, skinless, unseasoned, and does not include any stuffing. Turkey stuffing usually contains garlic, onions, shallots, and scallions, which are highly toxic to both dogs and cats.
  • Potatoes – Any kind of potato that is served plain and cooked is safe for your pet, but raw potatoes are very toxic to cats. If the potatoes are made with onions and/or garlic, do NOT give them to your pet.
  • Green beans – Plain, cooked green beans cut into small pieces can also be a safe addition to your pet’s meal.
  • Carrots – Dogs can eat raw and cooked carrots, but cats should only get cooked carrots. In both cases, the carrots should be cut up into small pieces.
  • Brussels sprouts – We can’t say for sure if your pet will even eat them, but Brussels sprouts are safe to give as long as they are cooked, served plain, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Broccoli - Cooked, plain broccoli should be safe for your pet—but like Brussels sprouts, we can’t promise they’ll eat it!
  • Gravy – Pets don’t need to eat gravy, but if you want to share a little bit with your pet, make sure it isn’t made with garlic, onions, shallots, or scallions.
  • Rice – Whether it’s white rice, brown rice, or wild rice, it’s safe for your pet if it’s cooked and unseasoned.
  • Corn – Corn off the cob is safe, but corn on the cob is a potential choking hazard.
  • Cranberry sauce – Your pet can have a small taste, but be cautious; cranberry sauce contains lots of sugar!
  • Bread/Rolls – Your pet can snack on a piece of plain white or whole wheat bread, but make sure they don’t get their paws on any raisin bread.
  • Plain canned pumpkin – Pure, unsweetened pumpkin is safe in moderation for dogs and cats. Just keep the pumpkin pie filling away from them!

Unsafe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs and Cats

  • Meat bones – Bones can cause broken teeth, injury, and choking, and may even cause intestinal blockage. Don’t risk it; dispose of the bones instead!
  • Garlic, onions, shallots, and scallions – All of these foods contain chemicals that attack the red blood cells, which can cause severe anemia in your pet. Whether they are raw or cooked, they’re dangerous, so be careful!
  • Ham – Ham is rich in sodium and fats. While a few small bites won't harm your pet, it isn't the healthiest option, either.
  • Grapes and raisins – Grapes and raisins both contain compounds that can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats. Cooked or uncooked, they’re extremely dangerous for dogs and cats alike.
  • Green bean casserole – Some foods are too rich for pets, and this is one of them—plus, the casserole usually calls for onions, which are toxic to dogs and cats.
  • Chocolate – All types of chocolate contain stimulants that can affect your pet’s heart beat and cause muscle spasms. Whether it’s white chocolate or dark chocolate, your pet is much better off without it. Keep the baked goods and candies where they can’t reach them!
  • Pumpkin pie filling – Pumpkin pie is too rich and high in sugar to be safe for your pet, so go for the plain canned pumpkin instead.
  • Nutmeg – Your pet isn’t likely to consume too much nutmeg (if any), but it can cause mild stomach upset in dogs. Use this baking ingredient wisely!