Thanksgiving in North Dakota: What Your Pets Can Enjoy (or Avoid)

This Thanksgiving, while you prepare your holiday feast, don’t forget your furry friends. Many Thanksgiving staples can be shared safely with cats and dogs in moderation, but others pose serious risks. Here’s a guide to help you include your pets in the celebration responsibly.

Thanksgiving Foods Safe for Cats

Cats thrive on natural, cooked foods. Consider these feline-friendly options:

• Apples: A great source of vitamins C and K. Serve in small slices or cubes, avoiding seeds and stems.
• Bananas: A healthy snack often included in fruit salads. Feed in moderation.
• Broccoli: Steamed or boiled unseasoned broccoli is packed with antioxidants.
• Pumpkin and Squash: Cooked and unseasoned varieties can be mixed with their regular food. Avoid canned pumpkin pie mix.
• Turkey and Chicken: Lean, cooked meats without skin, fat, or seasoning make excellent protein sources.
• Plain Bread: Occasionally, plain white or wheat bread (without raisins, nuts, or seeds) is fine but offers no nutritional benefit.

Foods to Avoid for Cats:

• Alcohol: Even small amounts can lead to alcohol toxicity.
• Chocolate: Highly toxic, causing symptoms like nausea, seizures, or worse.
• Caffeine: Found in coffee or tea, it can cause severe symptoms in larger quantities.
• Cooked Bones: These can splinter, leading to choking or internal tears.
• Grapes and Raisins: Toxic to cats, potentially causing kidney failure.
• Onions and Garlic: Can result in stomach upset or anemia.
• Raw Meat or Fish: Risks include foodborne illnesses.
• Dairy Products: Many cats are lactose intolerant, so avoid milk and cheese.

Thanksgiving Foods Safe for Dogs

Dogs can also enjoy some traditional Thanksgiving foods, but moderation is key. Treats, including human foods, should never exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

• Turkey: Offer lean, skinless white meat, boiled and unseasoned. Avoid bones and fatty cuts.
• Pumpkin: Plain, canned, or roasted pumpkin supports digestion but avoid sugary pie filling.
• Cranberries: Fresh or dried cranberries are fine in small quantities. Avoid cranberry sauce with added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
• Green Beans: Raw or cooked without seasoning are nutritious and low-calorie.
• Carrots: Raw or cooked carrots provide vitamin A and fiber. Avoid canned varieties with salt.
• Sweet Potatoes: Serve cooked and unseasoned, in small cubes or mashed.
• Apples: Slice into small pieces, removing the core and seeds.

Foods to Avoid for Dogs:

• Candy and Chocolate: Both can be toxic, with xylitol and theobromine posing serious risks.
• Grapes and Raisins: Toxic to dogs, leading to potential kidney failure.
• Macadamia Nuts: Can cause vomiting, tremors, and seizures.
• Onions and Garlic: Toxic, even in small amounts.
• Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, and Gravy: Often contain harmful ingredients like garlic, onion, or high fat and salt.
• Bread Dough: Raw dough can expand in the stomach, causing serious health issues.
• Alcohol: Even tiny amounts can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Keep Your Pets Safe This Thanksgiving

When offering human foods to your pets, always ensure they are cooked plainly, without added fats, seasonings, or harmful ingredients. If your pet consumes something dangerous, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline® at 855-764-7661 immediately.

By keeping these guidelines in mind, you can enjoy a festive holiday while ensuring your pets stay safe and healthy.