According to studies reported by Forbes Magazine, 92% of pet owners spent a considerable amount on their pets during the most recent recession period. Showing affection and expressing gratitude to our loved ones, including pets, creates an unforgettable bonding experience. Sharing your Thanksgiving food with your dog is a great place to start.

Sometimes the meals served on the Thanksgiving table may be harmful to your dog. You can avoid a trip to the animal hospital by laying off the toxic ingredients, high fat, and sugar content in your dog’s meal. Also, ensure the guests understand why these foods can be dangerous to your dog.

Animal vets strongly associate pancreatitis and food poisoning as common problems that occur when pets eat from your plate. If you are uncertain about what to feed your pet, ask your veterinarian for a list of friendly meals for your furry friend. Below are thanksgiving foods you can make for your dog.

Homemade Turkey Meal

Turkey is an essential part of Thanksgiving food that can also be enjoyed by dogs. You can make roasted turkey medallions, turkey breast, turkey gobbler, or turkey leftover hound hash. Keep the animal hospital at bay by ensuring every ingredient is safe for your dog to ingest.

Turkey gobbler is a simple casserole composed of ground turkey, peas, carrots, and cinnamon with homemade applesauce on top. Leftover turkey, either white or dark meat, will provide your dog with additional protein without the added calories. When making shredded turkey, select the meat from the middle of the breast and leave the skin off.

High-fat content and salt in the skin can sicken your dog and force you to rush to the animal hospital. If you have a group of dogs, a turkey loaf is the perfect family meal. The specially prepared doggy version of a turkey is delicious and healthy with ingredients such as carrots, kale, and pumpkin.

Pumpkin Dog Treat

Most specialty veterinarian services agree that pumpkin can help regulate your dog’s digestive process. Whether the pumpkin is steamed, baked, or canned, make sure there are no added ingredients. Veterinarians caution that spices, sugar, and whipped cream can all spell out gastrointestinal upset for your dog.

For a pumpkin pie, all you will need is oatmeal to make the pie crust and canned pumpkin. Ensure the pumpkin is completely natural with no added ingredients. Instead of rushing to the animal hospital, you can use pumpkin products to help settle your dog’s stomach, especially after an out of the ordinary Thanksgiving meal.

While your guests sip on cocktails, you can whip up a pumpkin smoothie for your dog. All you need is canned pumpkin puree and plain non-fat yogurt. Blend the two ingredients and serve right away or freeze overnight.

Sweet Potato Meal

Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene and fiber. You can mash up some of the boiled sweet potatoes without adding butter, cheese, or sour cream. Most veterinary services advise against these additives since they cause gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis.

Animal health services suggest that sweet potatoes are high in Vitamins A and C and contain antioxidants that could help with the aging effects on your dog. You could consider baking sweet potato cookies and give your dog a boost of beta-carotene and potassium. A cooked sweet potato, banana, quinoa flour, and vegetable oil are the various ingredients you need.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, mix the sweet potato and banana, add vegetable oil, then mix with the quinoa oil. Drop dough by the teaspoon onto a non-stick baking sheet and lightly flatten each cookie. Lastly, bake for 30 minutes and leave it to cool before serving.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving food safety is just as important as making sure everything is delicious. The best thing about homemade dog treats is that you control the ingredients. You can keep away from the animal hospital by observing calorie intake and consulting a specialty veterinarian.

You don’t need to wait for an emergency to become familiar with our veterinary services. Get the best care you can find for all of your pet’s health needs. We are more than just an animal hospital. Contact us today or directly call us at 520-888-3177 for more information about our specialty and 24-hour emergency services.