Are Thanksgiving foods safe for dogs? | That’s A Great Question

MAUMELLE, Ark. — In just three days family and friends will gather around the table to celebrate Thanksgiving with a feast— but what about man’s best friend? 

Most of us will have a furry friend under the table begging for food or waiting for something to drop. However, is it safe for our pups to eat? 

Dr. Jessica Roberts with Boulevard Vet Clinic in Maumelle has the answers— and it might disappoint your pets.

“Sadly, it’s best not to give them anything at all as far as table food goes because they just can’t digest fats and sugars and the things that we eat the same way that we can,” she explained. 

Unfortunately, Dr. Roberts has seen cases where folks have had to take their pups to the emergency room because they were given food they shouldn’t have eaten.

“One of the number one emergencies we see around the holidays is a life-threatening condition called pancreatitis. One of the main reasons they get that is from ingesting fatty foods, especially human food,” Dr. Roberts explained. 

Now if you’re desperate to give your pup a small treat, she recommended a couple of safer options. 

“Really lean turkey, no skin and no bone. No butter, oil, or seasonings. Low-sodium green beans or plain sweet potatoes. That’s about it,” she stated.

Finally, make sure you clean up and put things out of your pets' reach before you take that post-meal nap.

“We kind of leave things out on the counter at Thanksgiving. We’ve got turkey carcass, we’ve got skin, all the utensils we’re using, and we’ve got trash bags left open,” Dr. Roberts said. “Try to be vigilant about your dog’s not having access to those things that will land you in the E.R. as well.”

If your dog or pet does ingest food that they’re not supposed to, be sure to contact your vet or a vet emergency room.