Your pet gives you cuddles and kisses all year round. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to show them what an important part of your family they really are.

As you start to plan your own holiday treat menu, be sure to include your furry friends on the list. There are many fun and seasonal pet treats to choose from in stores, and even more DIY recipes if you want to make something yourself. 

Remember to take photos of this special time together and share them on our Facebook page

Pumpkin Pie Pet Treats

Pumpkin is a safe and nutritious treat for your pet, but the human versions have way too much seasoning, sugar, and dairy for your little pumpkin. Do not feed your pet pumpkin pie from the table. Instead, opt for these healthy and nutritious pet treats that include them on the festivities without harming their health.

Holiday Spices

Good news: There are holiday spices that are perfectly safe for your pet! 

Bad news: One of them is not the beloved pumpkin spice blend

Your pet can consume these traditional Fall spices:

  • Cinnamon when mixed with other ingredients. Do not give it to them dry—if you think the cinnamon challenge is bad for humans, imagine what it does to your pet!
  • Ginger in small doses

Your pet cannot have:

  • Nutmeg—it’s toxic to pets
  • Cloves—also toxic
  • Allspice—contains toxic eugenols
  • Pumpkin pie spice—contains all 3 on this no-no list

Festive Gift Boxes

Pet treats do not have to only be the edible versions.There are many companies that make gift boxes for your pets. This Thanksgiving might be the perfect time to try one out. They often come with season-themed treats and toys, and are delivered right to your door. They even have subscriptions for exotic pets.

Veggies

If the following aren’t loaded with too much salt, garlic or onion, they are safe for your pet to snack on. These are all acceptable pet treats, to be consumed in moderation, of course:

  • Carrots
  • Green beans
  • Celery
  • Spinach
  • Peas
  • Broccoli
  • Pumpkin
  • Cooked & peeled sweet potatoes

Avoid These Leftovers

There are plenty of safe treats for your pets, but there are some leftovers with ingredients that can be toxic for your pet. Before lowering your hand to give your pet a treat, examine it and be sure that it is safe for animals. Avoid giving your pet any of the following;

  • Turkey bonesthey can shatter and wreak havoc in your pet’s body
  • Fatty leftoverslike mac and cheese and buttery potatoes
  • Cranberry saucetoo much sugar or fake sugar can be toxic 
  • Any veggies cooked with too much salt
  • Garlictoxic for pets
  • Oniontoxic for pets

It’s always best to check with your veterinarian before giving a treat to your pet to ensure they can enjoy a treat without any stomach issues.

Our team at Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital is happy to help you learn more ways to celebrate with your pet. Call us at 916-702-8971 to schedule an appointment today!