Thanksgiving Food Dogs Can & Can’t Eat [Guide]

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food, and it’s essential to ensure your pets’ safety during the festivities. With so many tempting dishes, it can be easy to forget which foods are safe for your dog. 

This guide will help you navigate what Thanksgiving food dogs can eat, ensuring a joyful and safe holiday for your furry friend.

Thanksgiving Food for Dogs: Safe and Healthy Options

While it’s best to stick to foods your dog is used to, there are Thanksgiving foods that are safe choices to consider, including:

• Plain Cooked Turkey (Boneless): Yes, as long as it’s plain, boneless, and cooked without seasoning. Turkey is a great source of lean protein and can be included in a dog Thanksgiving meal.
• Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a nutritious option that is rich in fiber and vitamins. Serve them plain and cooked, without any added sugars or spices.
• Green Beans: Green beans are low in calories and high in nutrients. They should be served plain and without salt.
• Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin is excellent for digestion. Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is a good choice.

These Thanksgiving foods dogs can eat provide nutritional benefits while allowing them to participate in the festivities safely.

Thanksgiving Food for Dogs: What to Avoid for Their Safety

Many common holiday foods are toxic to dogs. Here’s what Thanksgiving foods dogs should avoid:

• Chocolate: This sweet treat is toxic to dogs and should be kept out of reach.
• Onions and Garlic: These can cause damage to a dog’s red blood cells.
• Grapes and Raisins: Even small amounts can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
• Certain Spices: Spices like nutmeg can be harmful.

Managing Portion Sizes and Treats

Portion Control Tips

Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues. It’s important to control portions based on your dog’s size, age, and activity level.

Avoiding Table Scraps

Table scraps often contain unhealthy ingredients. Instead of giving them, engage with your dog through play or affection.

Healthy Treat Options

For a special treat, consider homemade, dog-friendly Thanksgiving food options, as we mentioned above. These can be a fun and healthy way to include your pet in the celebrations.

Managing Your Dog’s Environment

Securing Garbage and Leftovers

Keep garbage securely covered and dispose of leftovers promptly to prevent dogs from accessing toxic Thanksgiving food for dogs.

Designated Pet Area

Create a comfortable and quiet space for your dog during Thanksgiving gatherings. This helps them feel secure and relaxed.

Signs of Thanksgiving Food-Related Illnesses

Common Symptoms to Watch Out For

Be aware of symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy, which may indicate your dog has eaten something harmful. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice these signs.

First Aid for Dogs

Knowing basic first-aid measures can be crucial in case of accidental ingestion of harmful foods. If necessary, consult with a veterinarian about safe methods for inducing vomiting.

How Pet Insurance Can Help with Unexpected Vet Visits

Accidental ingestion of toxic Thanksgiving food for dogs can lead to emergency vet visits. Odie Pet Insurance offers plans that can help cover unexpected medical expenses.

Illness & Injury Plan

The Illness & Injury Plan is a comprehensive pet insurance package that offers extensive coverage for various medical situations your pet may encounter. It provides financial protection for a wide array of health concerns, including:

• 24/7 Access to Televet Services: Immediate virtual consultations with veterinarians.
• Coverage for Emergency Vet Visits: Assistance with costs arising from unexpected medical situations.
• Hospitalization Costs: Includes expenses for overnight stays at veterinary facilities.
• IV Fluids and Medications: Coverage for necessary fluids and pharmaceuticals administered by a vet.
• Medical Supplies: Necessary equipment and supplies for treating your pet.
• Surgical Procedures: Financial support for surgeries your pet may require.
• Advanced Diagnostic Testing: Coverage for procedures like MRI and CAT scans.
• Rehabilitation Services: Assistance with physical therapy costs and other rehabilitative treatments.
• Prescription Drugs: Coverage for medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
• Treatment for Gastrointestinal Issues: Support for addressing digestive health problems.
• Lab Testing: Coverage for a wide range of laboratory tests necessary for diagnosis.

This plan aims to alleviate the financial burden of unforeseen medical expenses, ensuring your pet receives the care it needs without compromise.

Accident-Only Plan

The Accident-Only Plan is tailored for pet owners who want coverage solely for accidental injuries. This plan offers financial protection for emergency medical treatments arising from unexpected accidents. It provides 90% reimbursement for covered expenses, up to a maximum of $10,000 annually, with a $250 yearly deductible.

Key features of the Accident-Only Plan include:

• Coverage for Accidental Injuries: Such as broken bones, sprains, eye injuries, and traumatic dental fractures.
• Protection for Wounds: Including coverage for bite wounds, lacerations, snake bites, and bee stings.
• Comprehensive Vet Treatment Coverage: Including costs for X-rays and ultrasounds, laboratory tests, emergency care, hospitalization, CT scans, MRIs, and necessary surgeries.

This plan ensures that your pet can receive the essential care needed in the event of an accident without the worry of significant financial strain.

Wellness Plan

The Wellness Plan is an optional add-on designed to complement an existing insurance policy by covering routine veterinary care. It emphasizes preventive care, offering coverage for regular vet visits and procedures. Odie provides two Wellness Plan options:

Basic Plan

This plan includes coverage for a range of routine services such as:

• Spaying/neutering and teeth cleaning
• Rabies vaccination and other essential vaccines
• Flea & tick prevention and heartworm prevention
• Annual wellness exams
• Heartworm testing or FeLV screening
• Blood work, fecal, and parasite examinations
• Microchipping
• Urinalysis or ERD testing
• Deworming treatments

Reimbursement under this plan is available up to $305 per year, helping to manage the costs of maintaining your pet’s overall health and wellness.

Plus Plan

Perfect for young pets like puppies and kittens, this plan covers a range of essential services to keep them healthy and protected. It includes:

• Spaying/neutering and teeth cleaning
• Rabies vaccination and other key vaccines
• Flea & tick prevention and heartworm prevention treatments
• Routine wellness exams
• Heartworm testing or FeLV screening
• Blood work, fecal, and parasite screenings
• Microchipping
• Urinalysis or ERD testing
• Deworming procedures

This plan offers reimbursement of up to $535 annually, making it a comprehensive option for meeting your young pet’s preventive care needs.

Keep Your Pets Safe This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving can be a delightful time for both humans and pets as long as safety is a priority. By understanding what dogs can eat on Thanksgiving and taking preventive measures, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday. 

With Odie Pet Insurance, you can also protect your pet against unexpected medical costs, providing peace of mind during the festive season. Enjoy Thanksgiving with your loved ones, including your furry friends!