cAN YOU SHARE THANKSGIVING WITH YOUR PET SAFELY?

Pets will eat — and enjoy — a number of foods, but just because they'll eat it doesn't mean it's good for them.
 Pets explore the world through their mouths, and they can end up chewing on some crazy things. So, which types of human foods are OK for pets? Which foods should they steer clear of and always reach out to your veterinarian if you think your pet may have ingested something dangerous.
Safe options for pets

• Plain turkey: Offer a small piece of white meat that is fully cooked and has no skin, bones, or seasoning.
• Plain cooked vegetables: Plain green beans, carrots, and sweet potatoes are safe options if they are cooked without butter, salt, or spices.
• Plain mashed potatoes: A small portion of plain mashed potatoes is acceptable if it's made without butter, milk, garlic, or salt.
• Plain pumpkin puree: A spoonful of 100% pure pumpkin puree can help with digestion, but do not give them pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices.
• Plain cooked corn: Off the cob, corn kernels are a safe treat.
• Plain apples: Small slices of apple without the seeds are a safe, crunchy treat.
• Plain cranberry sauce: A very small amount of plain cranberry sauce with no added sugar is safe, but many versions contain too much sugar. 

Dangerous foods to avoid

• Turkey bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
• Gravy: It is often high in fat and can contain onions and garlic, which are toxic to pets.
• Onions, garlic, and chives: These are toxic to both cats and dogs and can be found in stuffing, mashed potatoes, and other dishes.
• Sweets: Many desserts contain chocolate or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which are toxic to pets.
• Fatty and salty foods: These can lead to stomach upset or more serious conditions like pancreatitis. 

 
Fruits & Veggies Grapes & Raisins
NEVER for dogs and cats
Grapes and raisins have been associated with kidney failure in both dogs & cats.
 
Bananas
OCCASIONALLY for dogs and cats
Bananas offer potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, biotin, and copper. Bananas are also high in sugar, so use them more as a treat than a meal — and make sure to remove the peel.
 
Apples
YES for dogs
High in fiber and protein, this fruit is a great source of vitamins A and C. Do not feed your dog the core or seeds, both of which contain cyanide. It is also recommended to avoid allowing dogs to ingest the stem or leaves.

YES for cats
Apples are safe for cats so long as the stems, leaves, and especially seeds are removed from the apple.
 
Blueberries
YES for dogs
With strong antioxidant properties, blueberries especially are considered a superfood for humans and dogs alike.

YES for cats
While cats can’t detect sweet flavors, they can appreciate the wet, juicy texture.
 
 Melons
YES for dogs and cats
Pets can eat a little cantaloupe and watermelon now and again, but make sure you remove any seeds and avoid feeding any part of the rind, which may result in a foreign body obstruction.
 
Citrus fruits
NEVER for dogs and cats
Ingesting citrus fruits can cause pets to experience gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea. 
 
Cherries
Not advised
Cherry pits contain cyanide, which is toxic to pets. The fruit of a cherry is considered safe. Wild cherries are more of a concern, so best to avoid wild cherries altogether.
 
Avocados
RARELY for dogs and cats
Avocados contain persin, which may cause mild stomach upset in dogs. Pancreatitis is also a concern due to the high fat content.
 
 Onions & Garlic
NEVER for dogs and cats
Both can cause anemia, and serious damage to the red blood cells.
 
Strawberries
YES for dogs
Strawberries are rich in fiber and vitamin C. They also have an enzyme that can help whiten your dog’s teeth

YES for cats
It’s unlikely your cat will want one, but in small amounts, strawberries can be an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and manganese.
 
Carrots
YES for dogs
Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack and a common ingredient in dog food that is high in fiber and beta-carotene.

OCCASIONALLY for cats
Vegetables like carrots are safe to eat and high in vitamins, but not a natural part of your cat’s natural carnivorous diet.
 
Tomatoes
MAYBE for dogs and cats
A red, ripe tomato is safe for your pet to eat, but the green parts of a tomato (including the stem and leaves) can contain dangerous toxins.
 
 Broccoli
RARELY for dogs
While high in vitamins and fiber, too much broccoli can lead to possible stomach issues for your dog.

YES for cats
If your cat shows interest, broccoli is a great source of antioxidants and fiber. Offer it in small bites.

Developed in partnership with Pet Poison Helpline
 
If for some reason you cannot reach a veterinary professional, you can call the ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. There are fees for the services, but it's well worth it. Some poisons are more dangerous than others.

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