Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful and show your gratitude for the many blessings in your life, especially your loyal and loving dog.
Our pups give us so much to be grateful for all year long. So this Thanksgiving, make sure to give your pup plenty of snuggles, treats, and maybe a little slice of turkey or even some *apple pie to show your appreciation! (*Recipe below)
TO FEED or NOT TO FEED? That is the question...
If you considered serving your dog a Thanksgiving meal, but wondered, "Can dogs even eat turkey?" then continue reading to find out which foods are safe and healthy for your dog to consume and which foods to avoid. This way you can serve your favorite fur-baby a Thanksgiving meal alongside the rest of your guests, worry-free! Your pup will be so grateful.
Other than turkey, you may be surprised to find that your dog can safely eat other Thanksgiving Day foods, too. In fact, many of these foods are ingredients in natural dog foods. Below is a list of some tried and true favorites you can feel good about sharing with your beloved pup.
Sample Thanksgiving DOG Menu:
Turkey: Turkey is a good source of protein, but select turkey from the middle of the breast where it is less likely to have soaked up the fatty, salty brine, and make sure to take off the skin. The high-fat content, salt, fat and seasonings in the skin can make your dog sick. And make sure there are NO bones! Turkey bones have a tendency to splinter during chewing and digestion and can cause serious problems for your dog's throat and digestive tract.
Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene and fiber. Remove the skin and mash up some roasted or boiled sweet potatoes before adding any additional butter, salt, sugar, or nuts. They're delicious and healthy.
Carrots: Carrots are low in calories and high in fiber and vitamin A. If you want, steam or boil them or serve as is. However, if your dog is diabetic, you may want to avoid carrots because they can also be high in sugar.
Green Beans: Green beans are filling and low in calories. Use fresh or frozen green beans without any seasoning.
Apples: Apples are such a sweet treat for your pup. Serve slices or mash them up for your pup. Make sure to remove the core and seeds!
Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a wonderful addition to your dog’s food even when it’s not Thanksgiving! It's full of fiber and can help regulate your dog’s digestive tract which is a good idea after serving a meal containing foods they don’t eat often. Canned, pureed pumpkin is easy and healthy, but just make sure it’s pure pumpkin without added ingredients.
In addition, it's safe to feed your dog peas, but avoid creamed or canned peas. They are typically high in sodium, which is harmful to dogs in large amounts. Also, it's safe to feed your dog dinner rolls but don’t over do it. Bread can be very heavy and filling.
Serving Suggestions:
(NOTE: It is recommended to consult your Veterinarian before introducing/serving any new foods to your dog)
Prepare a plate for your dog similar to how you would make yours on Thanksgiving, but be mindful of portion control so that your dog's stomach does not get upset, especially if he/she is not used to eating some of these new foods.
Mix some or all of the above ingredients into a smaller portion of his/her usual food (kibble, etc…)
Puree the ingredients in a blender or with an immersion blender to ensure it is smooth and easy for your dog to swallow. You can portion out individual servings in silicone cupcake liners or ice cube trays to freeze and serve as you’d like.
BONUS RECIPES: keep scrolling...
Foods to AVOID!
Please remember, there are several common foods that are harmful to dogs. Some that might find their way to the Thanksgiving dinner table are:
Onions & garlic
Mushrooms
Raisins/grapes
Cooked bones
Heavy fats like butter & turkey skin
Avocado
Alcohol
Nuts
Nutmeg
Chocolate
In fact, there's a much longer list of foods that you shouldn't feed your dog this Thanksgiving. Some may not be poisonous but should be avoided because they are high in calories or contain high amounts of sodium, sugar, or fat which can cause indigestion. For example:
Stuffing
Casserole
Mashed potatoes
Ham and bacon
Yeast dough
Corn on the cob
Foods that contain spices
*If your dog accidentally consumes any of the ingredients on the "Foods to Avoid" list, keep in mind the amount that was ingested. It can cause abdominal discomfort or much worse. Call your veterinarian to discuss next steps.
*If a Thanksgiving meal is not something you'd consider serving your pup, then SPOIL your dog with some special dog treats instead:
If you're looking for healthy, natural treats for your dog to enjoy this Thanksgiving, Dough ReMia’s Doggie Dough has exactly what you need. We are totally committed to providing the tastiest, healthiest and freshest dog treats you can find. Nothing but the best to help TREAT your dogs even better!
It’s Thanksgiving after all, so plan ahead to include your dogs in the feast with a special treat they can enjoy that is safe, healthy and delicious & made with premium human-grade ingredients. Our Doggie Dough comes in two varieties: Original, featuring organic roasted sweet potatoes, and Pumpkin (with nut-free options available.) Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or pieces of turkey bacon to the dough for an extra special treat. Either way, they will smell amazing baking in the oven and are the “PAWfect” flavors for this holiday season!
**2 BONUS RECIPES**
* Mini Apple Pie Dog Treats
Ingredients:
FOR THE CRUST
Olive oil or butter, to grease muffin tin
1 1/3 cup oat flour
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened
*OR- use Dough ReMia's Doggie Dough and skip the mixing! (recommended)
FOR THE FILLING
1/2 cup applesauce, unsweetened
1 egg
Sprinkle of cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350ºF and grease a mini muffin tin with olive oil or butter. Set aside.
If making your own crust: In a large mixing bowl, add all crust ingredients. Stir with a spoon, until you're left with crumbly bits. Then, knead with your hands until you form a dough ball. *If it feels sticky, let it sit for a few minutes until the flour absorbs the wet ingredients.
Sandwich dough ball between two pieces of parchment paper or saran wrap. Use a rolling pin to roll flat.
Use a round cookie cutter to stamp out crusts. Then, transfer to a mini muffin tin to shape.
*If using Dough ReMia's pre-made Doggie Dough, form dough into balls and push balls to fit into already greased muffin tin.
5. Bake for 5 minutes.
6. In the meantime, make your filling by stirring together applesauce and egg.
7. Sprinkle tops with cinnamon.
8. Fill half-baked crusts. Then, bake an additional 10-13 minutes.
NOTE: For the filling, you can use pureed 100% pumpkin instead of applesauce for mini "PUPkin" pies! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days or in the freezer for up to a month.
*Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Bites
INGREDIENTS
1½ cups brown rice flour or oat flour (or combo of both)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup mashed baked sweet potato (let cool completely)
1/2 cup 100% pure pumpkin purée (NO spices added!)
1/2 cup water
1 egg
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, mash cooled sweet potato.
Add pumpkin, water, and egg to the mashed sweet potato and mix until it's thoroughly combined.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and mix together with a spoon until fully combined.
Pinch off a small amount of the mixture (approx. 1 teaspoon) and roll into little balls.
Place the balls on the baking sheet, spacing them approximately an inch apart.
After treats are placed on the baking sheet, take a fork and flatten the little balls to around a ¼” thick to make a design.
Bake at 350ºF for 15 minutes.
Flip them over and continue baking another 10-15 minutes until lightly browned.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Store treats in an airtight container in the the refrigerator for up to a week or in freezer for up to a month.
However you choose to celebrate, please remember to “PAWS” & give thanks for your fur-baby & reflect on everything you are grateful for in your life. Cheers to good health, prosperity & our four-legged family members! There certainly is a lot to be thankful for. BONE APPÈTIT!
