Every Thanksgiving, North Americans are faced with worries as big as the feast. Will we survive another visit from our in-laws? Will our favorite football team stop breaking our hearts and finally win a game? One thing that should not be on our mind, however, is whether our pets are at risk. Here are the safest (small, treat-size portions!) foods off the Thanksgiving menu that are safe and palatable for your furry friends.
Image via Alamy
Turkey
Cooked poultry bones can easily break and may get stuck in your pet's throat or bruise their stomach, so if your pooch wants some extra protein on their plate, stick to white-meat turkey with no skin or bones ONLY. They'll gobble it up!
Image via Thinkstock
Yummy Yams
Although your favorite version may be decked out with caramelized brown sugar and marshmallows, hold the sweets when you serve them to your sweetie pie. Plain yams are rich, delicious and filled with fiber.
Image via Thinkstock
All-American Apple Slices
Raw apple slices are a great way to hold your pet over until the main course. (And make sure Fido remembers to eat his fruit!) Hold the pie, please.
Image via Thinkstock
Have a (S)mashing Good Time
Mashed potatoes without the gravy and butter, please! Fatty foods can cause inflammation of the pancreas, but it is OK to serve up some plain mashed potatoes without the skin for your pooch.
Image via Thinkstock
Corn: A Canine Energy Booster
Give your pooch a few kernels of corn and the carbs will keep them from dozing off before you finish your meal!
Image via Thinkstock
Don't Forget the Cranberries
While humans may disagree whether gelatin or sauce recipes are best, dogs know they both taste great! Serve your dog a small amount — watch the sugar content — and they'll get a tasty dose of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Image via Thinkstock
Get Stuffed
Everyone's favorite side dish is also okay for pooches to nibble on. Just make sure their serving of your famous stuffing has absolutely no onions, garlic or strong herbs — especially sage — in it. Best to give a taste of the plain batch you make for picky Aunt Edna.
Image via Thinkstock
Wag Your Veggie Tails!
Make sure your pet leaves room for veggies on their plate. Carrots, broccoli or string beans are nutrient-packed and will keep your pet healthy. Keep it simple by steaming them plain, without seasoning or salt.
Image via Thinkstock
Got Canine Calcium?
Want to give them something to wash down that divine meal? For a special treat, you may half fill their doggy bowl with some milk! It will strengthen their bones and keep them quenched.
Image via Thinkstock
As Sweet as Pumpkin!
Does your pooch have a sweet tooth? Give them plain cooked or canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin pie or pie filling.
Image via Thinkstock
