In celebration of Thanksgiving and keeping our pets safe during family gatherings, we put together several Thanksgiving recipes safe for pets. Many ingredients, foods, and drinks served at Thanksgiving celebrations can be harmful to dogs and cats. Rather than risking your pets health and safety, if you can’t resist feeding them table scraps when they look up at you with their loving eyes and adorable faces, how about preparing your own healthy Thanksgiving recipes safe for pets?
Below are common Thanksgiving ingredients that can be harmful to pets:
- Alcohol
- Avocado
- Coffee
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Mustard seeds
- Raisins
- Salt
- Xylitol
- Dough Yeast
For a more thorough list of foods that can be harmful to pets, check out this link from the ASPCA. Now that you know some ingredients are harmful to dogs and cats, below are some healthy pet friendly recipes if you would like to prepare special treats for your fur kids so your dogs and cats can join in on celebrating Thanksgiving too.
Thanksgiving Recipes Safe For Pets
- Pumpkin Barley with Turkey by Rachael Ray
- Mini Muttballs with Ditalini by Rachael Ray
- Turkey and Sweet Potatoes by Jonna Anne with Mary Straus, Canine Nutritionist, and Shawn Messonier, DVM Veterinary Consultant
- Homemade Turkey and Sweet Potato Meatball Treats For Dogs by Pet Coupon Savings
- Turkey-Shaped Hypoallergenic Dog Treat Recipe for Thanksgiving by Olfa Turki
If cooking for your pets isn’t your thing or if you don’t have the time, you can also buy prepared food for pets with a Thanksgiving theme. Just Food For Dogs offers freshly made Turkey with Macaroni, Fish and Sweet Potato, and Venison and Squash meals for dogs. They also freshly make pumpkin treats. For store locations and hours check out this link. If you live in the Rufus and Delilah Dog Walking service area, they have a location conveniently located in Sherman Oaks.
Another option would be to check with your local pet stores for Thanksgiving themed meals for dogs and cats. For example, Merrick has a Thanksgiving Day Dinner canned food for dogs that also comes grain free. For cats, Merrick offers a Turkey Pate, Purrfect Bistro Thanksgiving, and Purrfect Bistro Turducken in canned food.
Before feeding your pets any of these foods, it is important to take into consideration if your pets have any food allergies or other sensitivities that could make these foods disagree with your pet. Also, you should only give small amounts of these foods if they are not part of your pets daily diet.
Will you cook something special for your pets this Thanksgiving? Or, will you pick up a special Thanksgiving treat for your pets to join you in your Thanksgiving celebration?
*This blog was updated in November 2018.*