Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share delicious meals, and give thanks for the blessings in our lives. But for pet owners, it’s also important to remember that some of the foods we enjoy can be harmful—or even deadly—to our furry companions. At Comfy Carepacks, we provide essential food and supplies to pets of the unhoused, and we want to ensure that all pets, no matter their living situation, stay safe and healthy this holiday season.
Here’s a reminder of some Thanksgiving foods that are best kept away from your pets:
1. Turkey Bones
While the turkey itself is often a staple on the Thanksgiving table, turkey bones are a serious danger for pets. They can easily splinter, causing choking, blockages, or even injury to the digestive tract. It’s best to avoid giving your pets any bones—cooked or raw.
2. Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, and related foods (like chives and leeks) contain compounds that can be toxic to pets, especially dogs. Even small amounts can cause damage to their red blood cells and lead to anemia. Keep these ingredients out of reach of your pets.
3. Cranberry Sauce
While cranberries themselves are safe for dogs in small amounts, the sugar content in cranberry sauce can be harmful. Too much sugar can upset your pet’s stomach or contribute to obesity and other health issues. If you want to share cranberries, try fresh, unsweetened berries in moderation.
4. Stuffing
Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, raisins, or sage—all of which can be harmful to pets. Additionally, the rich, buttery texture can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis in some pets, especially those with sensitive stomachs. Best to keep the stuffing to yourself.
5. Chocolate and Sweets
Chocolate is one of the most well-known dangers to pets, and it can be especially tempting during the holiday season. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause seizures, heart issues, or even death if consumed in large quantities. Other sweets, like those containing xylitol (a sugar substitute), are also dangerous. Keep these treats well out of reach!
6. Macadamia Nuts
While they might seem like a harmless snack for humans, macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia, and even paralysis. Keep your pet away from any nuts, as other varieties, like walnuts, can cause digestive issues as well.
7. Alcohol
It may be tempting to share a little sip of your holiday drink with your dog or cat, but alcohol is toxic to pets. Even small amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and even coma or death. Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended around your pets.
8. Dough and Uncooked Foods
Uncooked bread dough or any raw dough can cause severe bloating in your pet’s stomach and lead to serious complications. It’s also important to remember that uncooked meats, like turkey or ham, can carry harmful bacteria, including salmonella, which is a risk for both pets and humans.
How You Can Help Your Pet Stay Safe
Keep a separate pet-friendly meal: Prepare a special Thanksgiving treat for your pet. There are many healthy and safe options, like plain boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, or carrots.
Ensure your pet’s food is safe: If you're helping to provide food for pets of the unhoused, always make sure that the food you’re distributing is safe for pets to consume. We at Comfy Carepacks are committed to providing only high-quality, pet-safe food and supplies.
Monitor their behavior: During family gatherings, pets can be excited or curious. Keep an eye on your pet to make sure they aren’t sneaking bites from the table or from the trash.
Create a safe space for pets: With the hustle and bustle of the holiday, it’s a good idea to give your pet a quiet space where they can retreat from the noise, especially if they’re easily stressed.
At Comfy Carepacks, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve pets of the unhoused and ensure they have the care and supplies they need. This Thanksgiving, let’s all be mindful of what we share with our pets and make sure they are safe from harmful foods. The love we show our furry friends extends to the care we give them—and that means keeping them safe during the holidays.
Wishing you and your pets a happy, healthy Thanksgiving! 🦃🐾
If you're interested in helping pets in need, learn more about how Comfy Carepacks supports pets of the unhoused and ways you can contribute to our mission. Together, we can make a difference!
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