INDIANA—As families across the country prepare to carve the Thanksgiving turkey, pet owners are urged to exercise caution when sharing the festive feast with their four-legged friends. While it’s common to include dogs in the holiday meal, experts warn that several popular Thanksgiving staples, though safe for humans, can be deadly for dogs.
Experts at MF TECNO Packaging Systems have highlighted common holiday foods and materials that pose a serious risk to canine companions, emphasizing the need for owner awareness before the holidays arrive.
The following foods and items, commonly found during Thanksgiving, should be kept strictly out of your dog’s reach:
1. Turkey (Skin and Bones)
While plain, cooked, lean white turkey meat is an excellent protein source, the skin and bones present major hazards:
- Cooked Bones: They can splinter, leading to choking or severe internal injury.
- Skin: The high fat content can trigger pancreatitis, a severe inflammation of the pancreas in dogs.
Safe Sharing Tip: If you share turkey, ensure it is plain, cooked white meat, completely free of bones, skin, and seasoning.
2. Allium Family Foods (Onion and Garlic)
Onions and garlic, whether raw, cooked, powdered, or dried, are extremely toxic to dogs because they contain thiosulfates.
- These compounds damage a dog’s red blood cells, potentially leading to hemolytic anemia.
- These are commonly found in stuffing, gravy, meat seasoning, and mashed potatoes. Even a small amount can cause harm.
3. Grapes and Raisins
These fruits, often found in fruitcake, holiday breads, and charcuterie boards, can cause sudden, severe kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. Symptoms can include vomiting, lethargy, and decreased urination.
4. Food Packaging
In the rush of holiday preparation, packaging is often overlooked but can be highly dangerous. Materials like plastic wrap, aluminum foil, butcher’s twine, and skewers can cause choking, intestinal blockages, or internal injuries if swallowed.
Safety Measure: Promptly dispose of all packaging, keeping sealed trash bags securely out of your dog’s reach.
Safe Alternatives for Your Pup
Pet owners can safely include their dogs in the festivities by sticking to plain, cooked, dog-safe options:
| Safe Food Options | Substitute For |
| Plain, cooked white turkey meat | Turkey skin and bones |
| Plain, cooked green beans, carrots, broccoli, or sweet potatoes | Dishes seasoned with onion or garlic |
| Apples, bananas, and strawberries | Grapes and raisins |
Maurizio Massini, Sales Director of MF TECNO Packaging Systems, stressed the need for vigilance. “Thanksgiving is a great time for family, food, and festivities, and the last thing anybody wants is for their dog to become unwell,” Massini commented. He advises owners to remind guests not to share food or leave packaging within reach.
If your dog consumes any dangerous foods, stay calm and contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and treatment.
