Thanksgiving for your dog can be one of the most loving and one of the most dangerous holidays at the same time. Your four-legged family members may not be able to read a calendar, but they realize something’s afoot when the delicious aromas start wafting through the house early in the morning. They begin getting excited when friends start showing up at the door, carrying more sweet-smelling treats.
Guests who aren’t familiar with your pooch’s diet and canine restrictions need to clearly understand the rules of Thanksgiving for your dog and your family. Pets can’t eat the same dishes as the rest of the family without risking some really egregious side effects. And no one’s health and welfare is worth one day of broken rules.
It’s up to you to keep your dog safe. Tell your guests that he’ll receive his own special treats — he doesn’t need theirs! And keep your eye on the troublemakers at the table.
Plan a Safe Thanksgiving for Your Dog
While your pup may enjoy all the company coming to visit, you have to set some pretty strict rules about feeding. Make sure your guests know not to give certain food to your pet, such as:
- Grapes and raisins are severe and potentially fatal for your pup’s kidneys. They must be off-limits. Don’t ignore the many salads that might come in loaded with grapes and/or raisins, such as Waldorfs, ambrosias and fruit salads.
- Chocolate can be fatal to your dog. And most dogs love the smell. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is to canines.
- Stuffing may seem about innocuous as it gets, but most stuffing recipes call for scallions, onions or garlic, all of which can be deadly to your pooch.
- Turkey bones are perhaps the most well-known danger on Thanksgiving for your dog. The sharp bones can perforate abdominal walls or intestines and the ensuing infection may be fatal.
- Ham is a popular item on many Thanksgiving tables, but keep all pork products away from your dog. Pork can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and even pancreatitis.
Holiday Dog Dishes on Thanksgiving for Your Dog
You can make Thanksgiving for your dog a special day. Doesn’t he deserve more of a celebration than ill-gotten scraps eaten in secret under the table? Mix up some homemade puppy treats while you’re cooking in the kitchen.
All it takes is a little time and dedication — which is easy to muster if Buster is sitting at your feet watching your every move. Check out the following simple, quick and tasty recipes:
Turkey and Vegetable Loaf
Here’s a special recipe that your dog can eat at the same time you sit down to enjoy your repast. It’s healthy and nutritious too. But mind the portions you dole out; your pup just can’t say no to seconds!
Ingredients:
- Finely chopped turkey
- Thanksgiving veggies — use whatever you have on hand, but be sure to include sweet potatoes, either mashed or grated, but without the extra sugar or marshmallows. Other veggie suggestions include:
- Peas
- Green beans
- Carrots
- Celery, grated
- Apple, grated
- Rolled oats
- Chicken or turkey stock, enough to moisten and combine
- 1 egg, beaten
Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well. Form into a loaf shape and place in a greased or nonstick baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Pumpkin Spice Dog Treats
Did you know that pumpkin is actually good for your dog? If there’s ever a time to feed pumpkin to your pup, it’s on Thanksgiving, when you’re already in the baking mood. The best thing about these treats is that they keep well if properly stored, so Thanksgiving for your dog lasts longer than just one day!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup canned pumpkin
- 3 tbsp. creamy peanut butter
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine all the ingredients to form a dough. Gather together into a ball. Sprinkle a surface with extra flour and then roll out your dough. Use a puppy-inspired cookie cutter to punch fun shapes from the dough. Place the treats onto a baking sheet and bake 15 to 20 minutes for softer treats and 30 minutes for harder treats.
Personal Puppy Pumpkin Pies
Thanksgiving for your dog has to include dessert. Here’s one that your dog will love and you can whip up within a half hour. Get everything ready ahead of time and then serve it cool.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup whole oat oatmeal
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 3 to 4 tbsp. water
- Canned pumpkin
- Greek yogurt (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In your food processor, combine the flour and oatmeal until well mixed. Add the applesauce and mix. Add the water and mix again. Form the dough into a ball. Add flour if the dough is sticky. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick. Cut 3-inch circles from the dough. Use the circles to line mini-muffin pans to create miniature pie crusts. Bake your crusts for about 8 minutes. Allow your shells to dry completely in the pan. Fill the cooled shells with canned pumpkin and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for garnish.
Celebrate Thanksgiving for Your Dog
Don’t forget your furry family member when planning a sumptuous holiday meal. Thanksgiving for your dog can be a highlight of the day when you serve your pup a special meal in a special bowl. Show your little guy just how much he means to you and the rest of your family.
While you can buy healthy, organic and GMO-free dog treats, it’s always more personal when you make it yourself. Take the time to prepare your doggie dishes with care, whether you make one of these recipes or make one of your own. In fact, if you have a family pet recipe you’re particularly proud of, share it with your friends at Canine Styles so everyone can benefit!
