Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, fantastic food. While you’re whipping up your favorite dishes and sharing a meal, it’s only natural to want to treat your pets as well. But before you slip that piece of turkey or a spoonful of mashed potatoes to your pet, it’s essential to know which Thanksgiving foods are safe—and which could harm them. Here’s a handy guide to keeping your pets healthy during the holiday, organized by pet type.
For Dogs
Dogs are often the first ones at the table (or under it) when food is around. While many Thanksgiving foods are tempting for our pups, some can cause serious harm.
Safe Foods for Dogs:
- Turkey (plain, no skin, no bones): Turkey meat is safe in small amounts as long as it’s plain. Avoid giving them skin, which is high in fat, or bones, which can splinter and cause internal injuries.
- Plain Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes: A few bites of plain, unseasoned potatoes are fine. Avoid potatoes with butter, cream, cheese, or seasonings.
- Green Beans and Carrots (plain): These veggies are low-calorie and nutrient-rich, so a few cooked and unseasoned bites are a great treat.
Unsafe Foods for Dogs:
- Stuffing and Gravy: These are often loaded with garlic, onions, and spices that are toxic to dogs.
- Pumpkin Pie and Desserts: Pumpkin puree is okay for dogs, but pumpkin pie and other desserts contain sugar, spices, and sometimes chocolate, all of which are harmful.
- Alcohol and Caffeine: Keep these well out of reach! Both can be highly toxic to dogs.
For Cats
Cats are often more cautious than dogs, but some Thanksgiving aromas might bring them closer to the kitchen. Like dogs, cats should only get small, safe samples if you’re tempted to share.
Safe Foods for Cats:
- Turkey (plain, no skin, no bones): Cats are carnivores, so a small piece of unseasoned turkey can be a nice treat.
- Plain Pumpkin: Pumpkin is great for a cat’s digestion, but only if it’s plain with no sugar or spices.
Unsafe Foods for Cats:
- Onions, Garlic, and Chives: Often found in stuffing and seasonings, these ingredients can cause anemia in cats.
- Dairy Products: Many people think milk and cream are treats for cats, but most cats are lactose-intolerant and can suffer stomach upsets.
- Raw Dough: If you’re baking, be mindful of raw dough—when ingested, it can expand in a cat’s stomach and cause bloating or even alcohol poisoning from fermentation.
For Rabbits
Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, so Thanksgiving food can be especially tricky. While they may enjoy fresh greens, many holiday foods are far too rich for them.
Safe Foods for Rabbits:
- Leafy Greens (like romaine lettuce and parsley): If you have these on your Thanksgiving table, a small amount is safe for rabbits.
- Carrots (in moderation): Carrots are a treat, so only a small slice or two!
Unsafe Foods for Rabbits:
- Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, and Corn: These are too starchy and can upset a rabbit’s digestion.
- Fruit Pies and Cranberry Sauce: High in sugar, these are unsuitable for rabbits.
- Bread and Rolls: Carbohydrate-rich foods can cause serious digestive problems.
For Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs can also enjoy some fresh produce, but their sensitive stomachs require extra caution. Like rabbits, they should avoid most holiday foods.
Safe Foods for Guinea Pigs:
- Lettuce, Bell Peppers, and Carrots (plain): Fresh veggies are a great treat, as long as they’re raw and unseasoned.
Unsafe Foods for Guinea Pigs:
- Potatoes, Gravy, and Stuffing: Guinea pigs can’t handle starches or seasonings.
- Sweets and Pies: Sugar can lead to digestive issues and even diabetes.
- Bread and Rolls: Carbohydrates can be harmful, so it’s best to avoid giving bread to guinea pigs altogether.
For Fish
Your fish may not beg for food, but if you’re tempted to give them some leftovers, it’s best to resist!
Safe Foods for Fish:
- Nothing from the Thanksgiving table: Fish diets are typically specialized, and introducing outside food can disrupt water quality and balance.
Unsafe Foods for Fish:
- Anything Rich or Processed: Foods like turkey, gravy, or mashed potatoes will contaminate the tank water and harm fish. Stick with their regular food to avoid ammonia spikes and water quality issues.
For Birds
Birds might eye your food with curiosity, and certain fruits and vegetables are safe. However, many Thanksgiving foods are risky for birds.
Safe Foods for Birds:
- Cooked Sweet Potatoes (plain): These are nutrient-rich for birds, as long as they’re unseasoned.
- Apples (without seeds): Many birds enjoy apples as a healthy snack.
Unsafe Foods for Birds:
- Chocolate and Avocado: Both of these are toxic to birds.
- Bread and Stuffing: Bread can cause digestive issues, and stuffing often contains onions and other harmful seasonings.
- Alcohol: Even a tiny amount can be deadly for birds, so keep drinks away.
For Reptiles
Reptiles have very specific dietary needs, and the rich foods on the Thanksgiving table are best avoided.
Safe Foods for Reptiles:
- Nothing from the Thanksgiving table: Stick to their regular diet. Foods with seasonings, oils, or fats can disrupt their digestive systems and cause serious health problems.
Unsafe Foods for Reptiles:
- Meats, Vegetables, and Sugary Foods: Reptiles need carefully balanced diets, and Thanksgiving foods are too rich in fats, sugars, and salt for their needs.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving, the best way to show love to your pets is by keeping them safe and offering only small, pet-safe treats. Remember, moderation is key, and if you’re unsure about a food, it’s better to stick to their usual diet. Your pets will thank you for it with their happy, healthy selves!