The "Yeses" and "Nos" of Thanksgiving Table Scraps

Thanksgiving is finally here! For humans, it's a holiday full of love, family, and food. For animals, it might be a little chaotic. If your pup is celebrating Thanksgiving with you, it could be hard to stop Uncle Joe or little Chloe from sneaking your dog the occasional table scrap. And heck, it can be pretty hard for you to resist your dog's eyes. So if you don't want to say "no" to your dog all day, here are some tips for what they can and cannot have at Thanksgiving.

Turkey is Okay

Since turkey is a lean protein, it's actually not bad for your dog! But only in moderation. Stop your guests if they seem to be giving your dog a whole meal. Also remind them that turkey is only okay for your dog without the skin, fat, or bones. 

No OGLS

That stands for "onions, garlic, leeks, scallions." These all contain alliums, which can actually cause anemia in your pet. Avoid these getting anywhere near your dog. 

Light Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are okay, but only if they're light on butter, salt, and other seasonings. Any of those extra, saturated ingredients can be a little too much for your pet. 

No Desserts

Sorry, but your pup can't have it all. Even desserts that don't seem to be too sweet still have plenty of sugar, which isn't good for dogs. Beware of fruits, too, which aren't easily digestible by dogs. If you really want to give them something sweet, just give them a very minimal amount of cranberry sauce.

Vegetables - Yay!

Fresh vegetables are both yummy and good for your dog! Feel free to give your dog a small handful of green beans, which are one of the best vegetables to give to them. Fresh is better, but cooked green beans are okay, too, as long as it's not a green bean casserole.

Extra Tip - Dog Treats

Your family won't feel so guilty about your begging pup if they can give them something that's meant for them. Have some doggy treats handy around the dinner table so that if your dog is begging, then your guests can give them a doggy treat instead of their own food. 

Oh, and P.S. - absolutely no alcohol. That may be obvious, but some people still seem to think it's funny to give their dogs beer. Any amount of alcohol can be toxic to your pet. 

Now get ready to have a happy Thanksgiving! Remember to thank your dog for all the joy they give you.