Thanksgiving Foods Dangerous to Dogs in North Dakota

Today officially marks seven days away from Thanksgiving 2023. Activity is picking up at homes and grocery stores across Williston, the state, and the US. All eyes are on the food and for what we are indeed thankful for. For many of us, our blessings include our 4 legged friends. They are a great source of happiness, and of course, we want the best for them. It couldn't hurt for the dog to have some leftover table scraps, right? It could indeed. The American Kennel Club has a list of things that you can or shouldn't give to your furry friend.

Here is all you CAN feed your dogs:

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. The dried sweet potato chew is a simple sweet potato delicacy. The table may have plain mashed sweet potatoes. Avoid giving your pet sweet potatoes with brown sugar, marshmallows, or maple syrup.

Potatoes. You may know your dog likes french fries. Share boiled or baked potatoes with your dog for the holidays. Reserve the butter-and-cream-whipped mashed potatoes with onions or garlic for yourself.

Apples are a good Thanksgiving treat for pets since they are high in vitamins A and C and fiber. If you're sharing an apple with your dog, chop around the core because huge amounts of apple seeds are toxic. Dogs can eat sliced fresh apples or an apple-cinnamon cookie, but apple pie is for humans only.

Boneless, skinless turkey. Dogs can eat Thanksgiving turkey but with restrictions. Turkey, as long as it has not been prepared with any seasoning. That probably rules out your nicely cooked holiday chicken too. Owners should avoid giving dogs turkey bones and skin. Turkey skin is fatty, and the exterior layer was likely smeared in butter or oil before cooking, which can cause your dog unpleasant and dangerous pancreatitis or other digestive disorders. Thanksgiving-themed canned dog food lets you feed your dog turkey without having to make a separate, dog-safe portion.

Green beans are ample plant fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K. Like turkey, sweet potatoes, and other meals on this list, green beans should be cooked and served simply without butter or salt. If your dog loves satisfying, healthy green beans, set aside a special amount.

Plain peas are fine in moderation for dogs, but creamed peas and mashed potatoes are not. Fats and casseroles can cause pancreatitis and other digestive issues.

Pumpkin itself is a very healthy snack. Pumpkin aids digestion and hair and skin health in dogs. If feeding canned pumpkin, use pure pumpkin puree, not pre-spiced or sweetened pie mix. As before, keep the pumpkin pie on your platter.

Frozen plain yogurt with pumpkin puree (avoid xylitol, which is harmful to dogs) may be offered. Plain yogurt provides calcium, protein, and probiotics for your dog's delightful nutrition and digestive health.

Now, for what is not good for your dogs:

Turkey bones, skin, and gravy
Stuffing
Casseroles
Mashed potatoes
Creamed peas
Chocolate, cookies, pies, and sweets (as well as anything “sugar-free” or containing xylitol, which can be fatal for dogs)
Alcoholic beverages
Raisins and grapes
Onions, scallions, and garlic
Ham
Yeast dough
Fatty foods
Foods containing spices

After your big meal is finished and you've managed to keep your dog away from any dangerous items, make sure your trash for the day is securely put away to prevent your dog from getting into it and ruining all of your careful preparation.

Seek immediate assistance if your dog eats anything they shouldn't. In case of an emergency, give the Pet Poison Helpline a call or get in touch with your nearby emergency veterinarian, who provides services on the weekends and after hours.