Pet Safety Essentials for Thanksgiving Celebrations

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and food—but when you have a pet, ensuring their safety during the holiday is an essential part of the celebration. Here are some practical tips to keep your furry family members healthy and happy while including them in the festivities.

1. Watch Out for Toxic Foods

Thanksgiving spreads are full of ingredients that can be harmful to pets. Keep these common toxic foods off their menu:

  • Cooked bones: Unlike raw bones, cooked bones can splinter and cause serious injuries.
  • Onions and chives: These are toxic to dogs and cats, damaging their red blood cells.
  • Grapes and raisins: Even small amounts can lead to kidney failure.
  • Chocolate and sweets: Xylitol (found in sugar-free products) and chocolate can be fatal for pets.
  • High-carb foods: like stuffing & mashed potatoes, while delicious, can cause digestive upset. In some cases, in excess & combined with large amounts of fats can lead to pancreatitis.
  • Alcoholic & caffeinated beverages: Alcohol is not a good thing for our pets to ingest & can lead to liver issues. Likewise, caffeinated beverages can be quite toxic to our pets. 

2. Safe Treats for Raw-Fed Pets

Include your pets in the celebration with safe, raw-friendly options:

  • Turkey necks or wings: A festive raw bone treat your pet will love.
  • Organ meats: If you’re prepping a turkey, save the liver, heart, & gizzard for a nutritious treat.

3. Protect Against Holiday Overindulgence

It’s tempting to spoil your pets during the holidays, but overfeeding—even with raw treats—can cause digestive upset. Stick to their usual meal portion sizes and spread out treats throughout the day.

4. Keep Trash Out of Reach

Holiday garbage can be a treasure trove of dangers for pets. Securely dispose of:

  • Turkey carcasses
  • Aluminum foil or packaging soaked in meat juices
  • Food scraps like stuffing or pie crusts

5. Manage Stress and Excitement

The hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving gatherings can overwhelm pets. Ensure they have a quiet, safe space to retreat to if they need a break. If you have visitors, remind them not to bother your pet when they are in their safe place. It's also good to remind visitors not to feed your pet table scraps, even with the best intentions.

6. Educate Guests About Raw Feeding

If your family or friends are unfamiliar with raw feeding, Thanksgiving is a great time to share information. Show them how you prepare your pet’s meals and explain the benefits of a species-appropriate diet.

Celebrate Together, Safely

Thanksgiving can be a special time to connect with all members of the family—two-legged and four-legged alike. With a little planning, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone.

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