Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Turkey day may seem like an okay day to treat your pup to some extra goodies, but did you know that some of what we make can be deadly to dogs?
Here are some ways that our dogs can celebrate Thanksgiving with us while staying safe at the same time.
Let’s start with the almighty turkey. I’m sure some of you may think “what’s so bad about turkey?” When we cook turkey we usually use seasoning and lots of butter so it’s best to be sparse with the turkey. Breast meat only and no skin.
Cooked bones are a definite no, they can splinter and can puncture your dogs intestines.
Stuffing is also off the list as it often contains alums like garlic and onions.
Sweet potatoes without the butter are okay to share but should also be given in small portions.
We don’t want any dogs to end up in the ER with pancreatitis, which is why we’re sharing this important information. As a matter of fact veterinary staff often call the Friday after Thanksgiving ‘Pancreatitis Friday.’
What is Pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which is an organ integral to the digestive tract. The inflammation disrupts the natural flow of enzymes secreted by the pancreas, resulting in an interruption in the normal digestion of food.
Warning Signs of Pancreatitis:
Hunched back
Repeated vomiting
Pain or distention of the abdomen (dog appears uncomfortable or bloated)
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Dehydration
Weakness/lethargy
Fever
How can my dog celebrate Thanksgiving without the risk?
Merrick offers these really great “Thanksgiving Dinner” meals made just for dogs. They actually have ones for several different occasions like Christmas Dinner and Easter Brunch. You can also give your dog a frozen marrow bone. Primal makes them and you can probably get them in most pet stores. The frozen marrow bones are a much better treat than a plate of leftovers and they last a lot longer.
Make your own Thanksgiving Treats with these recipes from the American Kennel Club:
Frozen Pumpkin Dog Treats
Ingredients
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup pumpkin puree
Directions
Mix pumpkin and yogurt together in a bowl
Divide the mixture evenly into an ice tray or molds
Freeze for 24 hours
Pop the treats out of the mold and put into a freezer bag for storage. You can also leave them in the ice tray if you have space in your freezer
Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats
Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it is Xylitol-free)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F
In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin and peanut butter
Stir in the flour and combine the mixture into a dough
Roll out the dough onto a floured surface
Cut the dough into shapes with your favorite cookie cutter
Place the treats half an inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet
Bake for 12 minutes
Banana Pumpkin Dog Treats
Ingredients
3 cups whole wheat flour + extra for dusting counter
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 banana, mashed
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix eggs, banana and pumpkin together. Add flour and mix until all the flour is incorporated.
Lightly dust the counter and a rolling pin with flour, then roll out dough to approximately 1/8″ and cut out treats.
Lay on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Cool completely before giving to your pup!