Thanksgiving isn’t far off now: it’s just over a week away. It’s probably safe to say that Fido will be paying very close attention to those delicious dishes … and, of course, putting on his most adorable begging face. There’s no reason you can’t treat your canine pal to something delicious. Here, a Kerrville, TX vet lists some suitable Thanksgiving snacks for dogs.

Meat

It’s no surprise what Fido’s favorite food is: meat! Your canine pal can have almost any type of plain, boneless meat, fish, or poultry. There are a few exceptions. Organ meat, such as liver and kidney, are okay in limited amounts, but shouldn’t be offered too often. You also don’t want to give your pup too much processed meats, specifically things like bacon, sausage, and pepperoni, which are high in salt and fat. A little is okay, given that it’s a special occasion.

Other

Meat, fish, or poultry should make up the bulk of Fido’s diet, but they don’t provide all the nutrition he needs. Your pup still requires vitamins and minerals that are found in fruits and veggies. Dogs can have many popular Thanksgiving foods, such as carrots; green beans; spinach; peas; and cooked squash, pumpkin, and sweet potato. Fido may also enjoy small amounts of things like eggs or cheese, or perhaps some brown rice. 

Homemade

If you enjoy cooking, you can make your pup some holiday snacks. These also make great gifts for Fido’s buddies. (Tip: put them in Mason jars, and tie them with a pretty ribbon.) If you like, you can even get a dog-treat maker. This is very much like a wafflemaker, except the molds are shaped like bones. 

Here’s a simple recipe: mix a can of pureed pumpkin with an egg, ¼ cup of natural peanut butter, and whole-wheat flour. You can add water to thin it if needed. Cook at 350 for about 15 minutes, or until it’s reached the right level of crunch.

Unsafe Foods

It’s also important to know what not to offer. That list includes grapes and raisins, garlic and onions, chocolate, avocado, fruit with seeds or pips, alcohol, caffeine, meat on the bone, and anything that contains xylitol. You also don’t give Fido anything topped with rich or fatty foods, such as butter or oil. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis, which is very dangerous. Ask your vet for more information. 

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone here at Compassionate Care Veterinary Hospital, your Kerrville, TX pet hospital. Call us anytime!