What Thanksgiving food can cats and dogs eat? What you should know about giving turkey and other common dishes to your pet

While you may want to have yours Pets When attending the family Thanksgiving feast, letting dogs and cats eat human food can be a challenge. So are holiday favorites like turkey safe for you? Cat or dog to eat?

Experts explained what you should know before sharing your meal with your feline and canine companions.

Can dogs and cats eat turkey?

It is usually safe for pets to eat skinless, boneless turkey meat.

“It is a great source of protein that supports muscle health and lean body condition. However, be careful to avoid the extra.”
Fillings, spices, skin and bones,” said Dr. Danielle Bernal, a global veterinarian at Wellness Pet Company, told CBS News.

Rich foods like turkey skin, drippings and gravy can cause a lot of problems for your pets, said veterinarian Dr. Ruth MacPete told CBS News Los Angeles before the holidays last year.

“Our pets aren’t used to eating what we eat, and all that high-fat food can cause gastrointestinal problems, or worse, your pet can end up in the emergency room with life-threatening pancreatitis. “So you definitely want to avoid feeding them rich, fatty foods,” she said.

Can dogs and cats eat cranberry sauce?

Cranberries, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, B1, B2 and C, are also safe.

“Just like in humans, cranberries can support urinary tract health and help prevent urinary tract infections and bacterial growth in pets,” Bernal said.

Can dogs and cats have green beans?

Plain green beans are usually safe, as are peas and some other seasonal vegetables.

Butternut squash, for example, can support the immune system and hydration, Bernal said, “as long as it’s not roasted with oils.”

Can dogs and cats eat sweet potatoes?

Steamed sweet potatoes, rich in vitamins A, B6, C and calcium, can aid your dog’s digestion with their fiber. In moderation they are also safe for cats.

“Remember not to give your pet sweet potatoes that are loaded with extra ingredients that we humans crave on Thanksgiving, like butter, brown sugar, marshmallows or maple syrup,” Bernal said.

Can dogs and cats have mashed potatoes?

Pets can eat mashed potatoes, but not one with butter and cream like you probably made for your human guests.

“Any dish that is simple and unseasoned is a good option,” Bernal said.

More common Thanksgiving foods that cats and dogs can eat

There are a few more Thanksgiving dishes our furry family members can partake in, including:

• 100% canned pumpkin puree

“Pumpkin is known to promote healthy digestion, which contributes to your pet’s overall energy and vitality,” Bernal said.

• Unsweetened applesauce
• Natural yogurt
• Raw fruits
• Raw vegetables

“Raw carrots are a great, low-calorie snack that protects against cataracts and heart disease. Apples take care of that.”
“Source of pectin, which supports the digestive system,” she said.

Common Thanksgiving food not suitable for feeding cats or dogs

In many cases, what is good for humans is not a good option for our pets.

Bernal recommends not giving our four-legged friends grapes, raisins, onions and garlic. Other foods that are not safe include:

• Alcoholic drinks
• Sweets (like cakes and cookies)
• Chocolates and sweets
• Uncooked yeast dough
• Fatty foods
• Ready meals (such as casseroles, creamed peas, etc.)
• Ham
• filling

MacPete also recommends that your guests not share what’s on their plate.

“I know it’s tempting, and ’tis the season of giving, but the problem is that sharing your food with your pets can cause a number of different health problems for your animals,” she said.