How to Make a Healthy Thanksgiving Plate for Your Dog
Thanksgiving is all about sharing love and gratitude—and for many of us, that includes showing a little extra love to our furry family members. While we may be tempted to let our pups indulge alongside us, it's important to remember that some holiday dishes are unsafe for dogs. Here's a guide to putting together the perfect, safe Thanksgiving plate for your dog that’ll leave them feeling like part of the feast!
Safe Foods for Your Dog's Thanksgiving Plate
Turkey (plain, skinless breast): Rich in protein and packed with vitamins, plain turkey breast is a perfect lean option for your dog. Avoid seasoning and always remove the skin and bones before serving.
Sweet Potatoes: High in fiber and vitamins like A, B6, and C, plain, cooked sweet potatoes are both tasty and nutritious. Just make sure they're prepared without added sugar, butter, or spices.
Green Beans: Plain, cooked green beans are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great veggie option. Be sure they're unseasoned to avoid any ingredients that may upset your pup’s stomach.
Applesauce (unsweetened): A small spoonful of unsweetened applesauce can be a treat for dogs, adding a hint of sweetness without the added sugars that can be harmful.
Plain Pumpkin Puree: High in fiber, a spoonful of plain pumpkin puree can help your pup digest this special holiday plate! Be careful not to confuse plain pumpkin puree with pre-mixed pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices that can be dangerous for your pup.
Foods to Avoid Sharing with Your Dog
The holidays bring many rich and flavorful dishes to the table, but some ingredients are unsafe for dogs. Keep your pup safe by steering clear of these common Thanksgiving foods:
Stuffing and Gravy: Often seasoned with onions, garlic, and other spices, stuffing and gravy can be toxic to dogs.
Mashed Potatoes: While potatoes themselves are safe, many Thanksgiving recipes include butter or heavy cream, which can lead to digestive issues for dogs.
Cranberry Sauce: Many cranberry sauces contain added sugars and even raisins, which are toxic to dogs.
Desserts (like pies and chocolate): Pumpkin pie may look tempting, but it often includes sugar, spices, and ingredients that can be harmful. Chocolate, even in small amounts, is toxic to dogs and should be avoided altogether.
Cooked Bones: Turkey or ham bones may seem like a treat, but they can splinter and cause choking or digestive injuries.
A Simple Thanksgiving Plate Recipe for Your Dog
Ready to make your dog’s Thanksgiving as special as yours? Here’s a simple, dog-friendly "recipe" that’s safe, nutritious, and sure to make your pup’s tail wag!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup plain, cooked green beans
1/4 cup plain, mashed or sliced sweet potatoes
2-3 ounces of plain, skinless turkey breast (no bones)
1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
1 tablespoon 100% pumpkin puree
Directions:
Prepare the Turkey: Cook a small portion of turkey breast without seasoning, butter, or oils. Remove the skin and bones and cut the meat into small, bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Vegetables: Steam or boil green beans and sweet potatoes until tender. Mash the sweet potatoes, keeping them plain—no added butter, salt, or spices.
Assemble the Plate: Arrange the turkey, green beans, and sweet potatoes on your dog’s plate. Add a small spoonful each of unsweetened applesauce and pumpkin puree as a tasty, healthy garnish.
Serve: Make sure everything has cooled down to a safe temperature before letting your pup dig in.
Wrapping Up
Preparing a safe, homemade Thanksgiving meal for your dog is a wonderful way to make them feel included while ensuring their health and well-being. This simple plate is not only safe but also packed with nutrients they’ll love. Remember, Thanksgiving is about sharing, but keeping it healthy for our pups ensures that everyone, including our four-legged friends, enjoys the holiday without any worries.
Enjoy Thanksgiving with your best friend, and remember: a little preparation goes a long way in keeping them safe and happy!