Table scraps aren’t the healthiest option for dogs. However, come Thanksgiving, it can be tough to ignore those pleading puppy eyes. Pets are family, after all, and many of us feel the urge to offer a treat.
To help take the guesswork out of holiday feeding, consider the following tips, and read on for a pup-friendly “pumpkin pie” biscuit recipe.
Thanksgiving Treats: Keeping Your Dog Safe
A balanced diet formulated for dogs is essential to your pet’s health and wellbeing. That said, a couple well-selected treats from the holiday table are probably fine.
“A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem,” says Dr. Hyunmin Kim, veterinary staff manager for community medicine at the ASPCA.
Just avoid overindulging your pup, “as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse, an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis,” cautions Kim.
Additionally, it’s important to be aware of Thanksgiving foods that are dangerous for pets. Ingredients such as garlic, onions, grapes, raisins and artificial sweeteners are toxic to dogs, while bones pose a choking hazard.
“We always recommend sticking to your pet’s regular diet during the holidays, but if you do decide to give your pup a nibble of your Thanksgiving turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked,” says Kim.
Kim also recommends green beans, which are “very low in calories and have a satisfying crunch.”
DIY Dog Treats: A Homemade Biscuit Recipe
If you’d like to celebrate safely with your dog, you might consider making homemade holiday dog treats. This recipe courtesy of Orlando-based Woof Gang Bakery puts a pup-friendly spin on pumpkin pie.
(As with any treat, practice portion control—even a safe treat is problematic when offered too frequently.)
Pumpkin Pie Dog Treats
Ingredients
* 1.5 cups pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
* 1/3 cup water
* 4 tablespoons canola oil
* 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses
* 4 teaspoons cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon nutmeg
* 8 cups whole wheat flour
Instructions 1. Combine pumpkin puree, water, canola oil, molasses, cinnamon and nutmeg in a mixing bowl. 2. Slowly add flour and mix on low speed until all ingredients are combined and dough forms. 3. In small batches, roll dough out to 3/8” thickness. 4. Use a cookie cutter to create desired shape, and place treats on a baking sheet. 5. Bake at 325° for 20-25 minutes. Bake uncovered for the first 10 minutes, then lay a piece of parchment paper and an empty baking sheet on top for the last 10 minutes. 6. Place treats back in the oven once it is turned off and cooled to warm. This will help residual moisture to evaporate. 7. Treat your dog to a pumpkin pie biscuit!