Thanksgiving Foods: What's Safe and Unsafe for Your Puppy?
Thanksgiving is a time for sharing, but not all the delicious dishes on your table are safe for your furry friend. Here’s a helpful guide to what your puppy can and cannot enjoy during the feast!
Safe Foods for Your Puppy
When prepared simply and without harmful ingredients, these foods can be safe in moderation:
Turkey (plain and fully cooked)
Remove skin, bones, and seasoning. Stick to plain, white meat for your pup.
Sweet Potatoes
Rich in vitamins but avoid any with added sugar, butter, marshmallows, or spices.
Plain Pumpkin
Fresh or canned plain pumpkin (not the pie filling) is great for digestion.
Carrots and Green Beans
Serve raw or steamed, but without butter, salt, or seasonings.
Mashed Potatoes (plain)
If made without butter, cream, or garlic, small amounts can be fine.
Apple Slices
Remove seeds and core before sharing.
Cranberries (unsweetened)
A few plain cranberries are okay, but avoid sauces with added sugar or alcohol.
Unsafe Foods for Your Puppy
These holiday staples can be harmful or toxic for dogs:
Cooked Bones
Turkey or chicken bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
Stuffing
Often contains onions, garlic, and spices that are toxic to dogs.
Gravy and Sauces
High in fat, salt, and sometimes harmful seasonings.
Desserts
Avoid chocolate, xylitol (a common sweetener in sugar-free treats), and pies like pumpkin or pecan pie.
Alcohol
Even small amounts can be toxic and lead to poisoning.
Onions, Garlic, and Chives
Common in Thanksgiving dishes and highly toxic to dogs.
Nutmeg
Found in pumpkin pie and spiced dishes, it can cause seizures in dogs.
Macadamia Nuts and Walnuts
Both can cause serious health issues, including tremors and vomiting.
Fatty Foods
Foods like buttery rolls, skin from the turkey, or creamy dishes can lead to pancreatitis.
Tips for a Puppy-Friendly Feast
Create a Puppy Plate: Set aside safe foods to serve your pup away from the dining table to avoid begging or accidental feeding of unsafe items.
Watch Portions: Even safe foods should be given in moderation to prevent upset stomachs.
Supervise Guests: Remind family and friends not to feed your puppy without checking with you first.
Enjoy Thanksgiving knowing your puppy is happy, healthy, and safe!
How to Keep Your Puppy Calm Around Guests During the Holidays
The excitement of holiday gatherings can overwhelm your puppy, especially if they’re still learning how to interact with new people. Here are practical tips to help your puppy stay calm and relaxed when guests arrive.
1. Prepare Your Puppy Before Guests Arrive
Exercise Beforehand: Take your puppy for a walk, play fetch, or engage in a training session to tire them out physically and mentally. A tired puppy is less likely to feel anxious or overexcited.
Practice Calm Greetings: Teach your puppy to stay calm when meeting people by practicing with family or friends before the event. Use commands like “sit” or “stay” to encourage calm behavior.
2. Create a Safe Space
Set Up a Puppy Zone: Designate a quiet, comfortable area where your puppy can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. This could be a crate, a playpen, or a separate room with their bed, toys, and water.
Limit Access: Use baby gates to control where your puppy can roam, keeping them away from busy or noisy areas.
3. Manage Greetings and Interactions
Introduce Slowly: Let your puppy meet guests one at a time, and keep interactions short and positive.
Ask Guests for Help: Encourage visitors to ignore the puppy until they are calm. No petting or talking until your puppy is sitting quietly.
Supervise Small Children: Teach kids how to interact gently with your puppy to avoid overwhelming them.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward Calm Behavior: Praise and give treats when your puppy remains calm around guests. This reinforces good behavior.
Redirect Excess Energy: If your puppy gets too excited, redirect them to a toy or engage them in a quick training exercise to refocus their energy.
5. Provide Entertainment
Chew Toys and Puzzles: Offer toys like a Kong filled with treats or a puzzle feeder to keep your puppy occupied while guests mingle.
Interactive Games: Play a quick game like “find the treat” to give your puppy something to focus on besides the guests.
6. Stay Calm Yourself
Lead by Example: Dogs often mirror their owners' emotions. Stay calm and composed to help your puppy feel secure.
Be Patient: If your puppy gets overexcited or nervous, calmly redirect their attention without punishment.
7. Plan for Breaks
Give Quiet Time: Take your puppy to their safe space for short breaks throughout the gathering, especially if the noise level is high.
Walk or Play Outside: Step outside with your puppy for a quick walk or potty break to help them reset.
8. Use Calming Tools if Needed
Calming Aids: Consider using natural calming products like an anxiety vest, a pheromone diffuser, or treats formulated to reduce stress.
Soft Background Noise: Play soothing music or turn on a white noise machine in their safe space to block out loud conversations.
9. Keep the Schedule Consistent
Stick to Routines: Maintain your puppy’s regular feeding, potty, and nap schedule to help them feel secure.
Don’t Skip Training: Even during the holidays, keep up with basic training to reinforce good manners.
By planning ahead and paying attention to your puppy’s needs, you can create a holiday environment that’s enjoyable for everyone—including your furry family member.