It's getting close to one of my favorite holidays: Thanksgiving. With family and friends around the table there's plenty of good food and conversation to make for a memorable afternoon. If your dogs are anything like ours, they are pretty excited about all the wonderful smells coming out of the kitchen. Unfortunately the dishes we serve on the table are not well suited for our pets.
Each year hundreds of dogs spend black friday in the veterinarian's office because they were fed turkey skin by well meaning individuals. The excessive fat in the skin can cause pancreatitis which causes diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy and abdominal pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek professional help immediately.
Then there's the pumpkin pie; the mace and nutmeg that define that wonderful fall flavor can cause abdominal pain, vomiting and affects the central nervous system.
My most basic rule is that if it goes on your plate, it doesn't go in the dog bowl. Once we add fats, salt, pepper and other spices to our meals it's too late to share. However, it doesn't mean you have to leave your dog out of the festivities. Share off your cutting board instead. Below are some foods that might be appearing on your menu and they can be shared with your dog in small amounts. Pick one to liven up the dog bowl this year and give your dog something to wag about.
Potatoes - after boiling potatoes set a small amount aside for your dog before you add the butter, sour cream, salt and pepper. Serving size: 1 tablespoon per 10 pounds body weight.
Pumpkin - dogs love pumpkin and it's safe to share some of the leftover pumpkin you use to make your pie provided it doesn't have any spices added. (Pre-made, canned pie filling contains the mace and nutmeg.) Serving Size: 1 tablespoon per 10 pounds body weight.
Green Beans - fresh or frozen these can be given raw as a distracting snack to keep your dog out of the kitchen or lightly steamed and chopped. Canned green beans have too much salt, so don't share these. Serving Size: 1 green bean per 10 pounds body weight.
Green Peas - they're like little tiny tennis balls with vitamins! Serving Size: 1 tablespoon per 10 pounds body weight.
Baby Carrots - while your setting out the crudite platter, toss a carrot to your pal. Serving Size: 1 carrot per 10 pounds body weight.
Whip Cream - an extremely small amount of whip cream can go further by smearing it around a plate or your dog's bowl. By no means should you give your dog an Uncle Carl size heap of whip cream. (Hey, Uncle Carl, did you leave any for the rest of us?) Serving Size: 1/4 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight.
It's time to begin thawing that turkey (it takes 3-4 days to thaw in the fridge), so consider turning the giblets into a delicious gravy to put over your dog's food. I like to do this on Tuesday so it's ready in advance and doesn't take up room on my very full stovetop. It takes about 20 minutes, it's nutritious and you can save the leftovers by freezing in an ice cube tray.
Giblet Gravy for Dogs:
2 russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into quarters
1/4 cup parsley (optional)
Remove giblets from package and combine with turkey neck, water and potatoes in a medium size pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove from heat. Discard neck and allow broth to cool to room temperature.
Combine giblets, broth, potatoes and parsley in a blender and process on low speed until smooth. This will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, but freezes really well in ice cube trays so that you can give an extra treat anytime.
Yield: 6 cups.
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons per 10 pounds body weight.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
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