TIPS FOR SHARING THANKSGIVING WITH YOUR PET!
We all know that face.
The beseeching, liquid eyes staring up at us from under the dinner table. The “Woe is me…I’m staaaaaarving” look we get from the kitchen floor as we prepare our human feast.
It’s almost Thanksgiving, and while we’re out and about gathering ingredients, or working hard for the money to BUY all those ingredients, our dogs and cats are probably sitting at home in front of the mirror practicing their best, pitiable “FEED ME” expressions.
It’s those looks that get us in trouble! Be strong!
Not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for pets. And while it is so tempting to throw Fido a turkey bone (DON’T DO IT! DO NOT DO IT! COOKED BONES ARE VERY DANGEROUS TO DOGS! AND CATS TOO!), it’s best to stick to foods and treats that are proven safe for your four legged family member.
But what are those?
Glad you asked.
When Fluffy or Fido tosses that forlorn look your way, be prepared, and arm yourself with an arsenal of safe and delicious Thanksgiving treats for your pet!
Share your food the right way!
A little bit of cooked turkey (skin and bones carefully removed) can be a nutritious and tasty treat for both your cat and your dog. It is recommended that you remove the skin from turkey and chicken meat because of it’s high fat content. If your dog or cat has pancreas issues, or is prone to pancreas issues, the skin is definitely to be avoided.
Also, when you’re cooking your bird, much of the salt and seasoning is deposited on the skin (that’s why it’s so tasty!), and unfortunately for Fido and Fluffy, it’s just not good for them. (Aside from salt, a lot of the seasonings that we put on our poultry — garlic, onion, chives, leeks, rosemary, sage, nutmeg, among others — are toxic to dogs and cats.)
Rip up a few pieces of lean turkey meat and add them as a topper to your pet’s food. (If weight is an issue, back off their regular food a little bit relative to the amount of turkey you give them)
If you want to up the deliciousness ante, try mixing some plain, no sugar, no salt, no seasoning steamed pumpkin in with their turkey. You can even buy a can of pumpkin specifically for pets. (We sell it at the store!)
For cats or dogs that have trouble chewing, trying blending up some turkey bits, pumpkin and even some plain boiled green beans.
Or give your pet something just for them
Try adding The Honest Kitchen’s “Steamy/Ice Pups” to your dog or cat’s food. Typically most people freeze the “pups” mix for a tasty popsicle treat, but if you add warm water to the freeze dry mix, you can make a wholesome broth (chicken, turkey, whey, dandelion, asparagus, watercress, honey, and parsley) that can spice up your pet’s food or just be served as a savory soup.
And for those of you who are truly intrepid in the kitchen, try this recipe from The Honest Kitchen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=od-APdEMJM4
If food is out…
Be sure to have lots of safe chews and toys available for your pet while you’re eating. If edible chews are okay for your dog, maybe give him or her a bully stick or deer antler to work on. Keep them occupied!
If possible, feed them their dinner at the same time you’re eating, so they aren’t watching you eat while they have nothing of their own.
Maybe a new toy with a fresh squeaker to destroy will help keep your dog from begging at the table. I really like this autumnal toy from West Paw:
And this squeaky, slobber-wicking “wishbone” toy from Planet Dog:
So prepare yourself against the onslaught of “begging eyes”.
With a little forethought, Thanksgiving can be a delicious and healthy holiday for everyone in your family.
Happy Gobbling!
~Your Loyal Calvin & Susie Blogger
As always, check with your vet before making any changes to your pet’s diet or body care. The Calvin & Susie Blogger always researches to the best of her ability, but she is not a vet. This blog is not in any way meant to replace veterinary advice or care. When in doubt always ask a vet.
