Holiday Treat Do’s & Don’ts

It’s only natural you want your furry (and arguably favorite) family member to enjoy everything the holidays has to offer.  A special treat here and there is fun for everyone- but make sure you know what is, and isn’t safe, for your pup.

Splintering bones can pose serious choking risks, and high fat goodies can lead to pancreatitis.  Let us help you both stay blissed out on the couch, and out of the emergency vet waiting room this holiday season.

According to the American Kennel Club there is an increase in emergency trips to the vet around Thanksgiving.  While a little turkey is fine, some of the other dishes on the table are not so pet friendly.

Let your dog in on the fun with a taste of turkey, potato, or sweet potato, but be sure to avoid turkey skin, stuffing, and other decadent sides.  Often, the butter, spices, and rich ingredients can cause pancreatitis and other digestive issues. Onions and garlic can even be toxic. Be sure to check these ingredients are not in any table snacks you pass along. 

Pumpkin pie seems like a safe bet- but isn’t.  While plain cooked fresh pumpkin is fine, as well as pure pumpkin puree (check there are no additional ingredients), pumpkin pie filling often contains Xylitol which is extremely toxic, and can even be deadly.  

Consider having a posted list of dog friendly treats, so a guest does not accidentally pass along some turkey skin. 

Be prepared: Post the phone number to the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) and your local emergency vet info somewhere accessible to everyone.

Holiday Treat Cheat Sheet

DO NOT Feed:

  • Turkey Skin

  • Turkey Bones

  • Turkey Stuffing

  • Turkey Gravy

  • Candy and Gum (may contain xylitol)

  • Mashed Potatoes

  • Creamed Peas

  • Sweet Potatoes and Yams with added ingredients

  • Pumpkin Pie – May contain Xylitol

  • Chocolate Desserts

  • Alcoholic Beverages

  • Salads with Raisins or Grapes

  • Onions

  • Scallions

DO Feed :

  • Turkey Meat (no bone or skin)

  • Plain Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

  • Plain cooked Pumpkin

  • Plain Peas

  • Apple

Learn more about food safety from The AKC: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/vets-corner/can-dogs-eat-thanksgiving-turkey/

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