Can’t you just smell the turkey roasting?

On Thursday, most of us will gather together with family and friends to give thanks over delicious foods that people look forward to all year long. Yes, Thanksgiving is really a special holiday.
However, if you’re including your dog in on the fun, be sure that you’re making the right choices when it comes to his diet and health. Here are some tips and guidelines to follow if your dog comes begging at the table during Thanksgiving dinner:
First off, if your dog has a sensitive stomach or other health issues, don’t give into the begging. Keep him restricted to dog food only but if you want to treat him, give him a dog biscuit or another natural dog treat that he’s allowed normally. Other natural treat substitutes that are great for dogs include raw carrot, a little bit of cheese, or freeze dried beef. Fresh pumpkin right from the can (just a spoonful!) can also be a great treat for your dog to enjoy, as can a little bit of natural, low sodium turkey broth. Avoid anything with lots of seasoning, garlic, salt, or onion, as these can cause digestive problems.
If you want to give your dog a little bit of turkey, first you’ll need to get rid of the skin. Turkey skin is high in fat and can be hard on the digestive system, plus, it may contain spices or seasonings used in cooking that can cause tummy trouble. Instead, choose a bit of breast meat and remove all the skin. Then, cut the turkey in to smaller pieces and feed a little at a time to your dog as a treat. Or, you can mix in a bit of shredded turkey with his regular kibble.
As for side dishes, remember that dogs have delicate digestive systems and need to be fed foods that are free of the spices we typically use. Onions and garlic can sometimes cause problems for dogs, so avoid feeding your dog any amount of side dish that uses these ingredients. Some plain cooked veggies (like carrot or broccoli) can be a nice treat. Pass on any gravies or sauces, as these too can cause issue.
Finally, Thanksgiving can be a time to overfeed your dog so be sure that you’re doing your part to reduce your dog’s risk of obesity. Feed him proper portions and don’t over indulge in people food. Keep it as a treat only. Remember – having an overweight dog means a higher risk of many common health problems, including pet cancer. Make sure that you’re doing everything you can to keep your dog properly nourished and within a healthy weight range. Have questions? Consult your vet.
And as always, have a Happy Thanksgiving!