Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Treats

Image of a small dog in a basket for Thanksgiving

Dog-friendly Thanksgiving Treats: The Ultimate Guide to Happy and Healthy Holiday Feasting for Your Furry Friends

Discover how to safely include your pets in Thanksgiving celebrations with our guide to dog-friendly Thanksgiving treats at Wagsworth Manor. Read on to keep your pup safe and well-fed this holiday season!

Understanding Safe and Unsafe Ingredients

Before we dive into the fun part of making DIY treats, it’s crucial to discuss some common but hazardous ingredients that could harm your pet. Knowing what’s safe and what to avoid ensures a joyful and healthy holiday for everyone.

Do’s – Safe Treats for Your Dog

Turkey (Boneless and Skinless): A great source of lean protein, turkey is safe for dogs when it’s plain and without the fatty skin or bones.

Plain Vegetables: Vegetables like carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes are excellent when cooked plainly—no seasonings or butter.

Apples: Refreshing and crunchy, apples are great for dogs as long as they’re seedless and core-free.

Pumpkin: Plain canned pumpkin is a digestive aid and fiber-rich snack for dogs, but make sure it’s not the spiced pie filling.

Green Beans and Broccoli: These are safe in their plain, cooked form, providing fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Sage and Rosemary: These common Thanksgiving herbs are safe for dogs and cats. A little bit of sage or rosemary can be a flavorful addition to homemade dog treats.

Don’ts – What to Avoid

Breads and Rolls: While small amounts of plain bread are safe, avoid any dough or rolls with butter, garlic, or herbs.

Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie: These desserts are often made with sugar, spices, and dairy, which are unsuitable and sometimes dangerous for dogs.

Stuffing: Typical stuffing contains onions, garlic, and other ingredients like raisins, which are toxic to dogs.

Macadamia Nuts: Surprisingly, macadamia nuts are toxic only to dogs, causing symptoms such as overheating and vomiting. Even a small amount can be harmful to your pet.

Onions, Garlic, Shallots, Leeks, and Chives: These are toxic to both dogs and cats, causing damage to red blood cells which can lead to anemia. It is crucial to keep any dishes containing these ingredients away from pets.

Walnuts: While not inherently toxic, walnuts can develop a mold that produces mycotoxins, leading to severe health issues. Due to their high fat content and potential risks, it’s best to avoid feeding walnuts to dogs entirely.

Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Treats

As promised, here are three delightful and simple dog-friendly Thanksgiving treats to show your furry friends how thankful you are for their companionship:

Sweet Potato Bites:

Ingredients:

  • Sweet potatoes (as needed, depending on how many treats you want to make)

These nutritious treats are easy to prepare and perfect for pets. Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Simply steam or bake the sweet potatoes until they are soft, then let them cool and slice into small, manageable pieces for your dog. These bites are not only delicious but also aid in digestion and can be a healthy, low-calorie snack.

Pumpkin Cookies:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plain canned pumpkin (ensure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2 eggs

A festive treat that’s good for your dog’s digestion, these pumpkin cookies are simple to make and sure to be a hit. Start with plain canned pumpkin—which provides a good dose of fiber—and mix it with oat flour and a couple of eggs to bind everything together. Shape the dough into small cookies and bake until crisp. These cookies are a wonderful way to include your pet in the holiday feasting without any of the guilt.

Cran-Apple Sauce Frozen Paws:

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped red apple
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 sprig of fresh rosemary

This recipe is a delightful way to give your pet a taste of Thanksgiving while ensuring they consume something healthy and appropriate. Combine half a cup of cranberries with the same amount of chopped red apple, and a sprig of fresh rosemary in a pot with half a cup of water. Boil the mixture until the fruits are soft, then remove the rosemary and mash the fruits into a smooth paste. Once cooled, spoon or pipe this cran-apple sauce into molds and set them in the freezer. These frozen treats will provide a refreshing and nutritious snack for your dog to enjoy while you feast.

Happy Thanksgiving from Wagsworth Manor

This Thanksgiving, as you enjoy the bounty of your table, remember that your pet can partake in the festivities with these safe and scrumptious dog-friendly Thanksgiving treats. For more ideas on how to keep your pet happy and healthy during the holiday season and beyond, continue exploring our blog at Wagsworth Manor. We’re always here to provide you with expert advice and heartfelt stories that celebrate the joy pets bring into our lives!