When we gather around to toast Thanksgiving, we like to go around the table and ask each person what they’re especially thankful for. We all admit that Thanksgiving is one holiday that we all love! We celebrate the beginnings of our freedom-loving country and there’s not much stress (like other holidays) over what gift to give someone for Valentine’s day, their birthday or Christmas. Good food of course usually tops the list when you’re sitting around a table brimming with your favorite foods! Our friends and pets are right up there in the top 3 along with the food. The pets usually as close to the food as they can get, smelling the delicious food that’s been cooking for hours. So when you’re thinking about the pets this Thanksgiving, check out the list of what part of the dinner is Safe for the pets, “treat” them responsibly – and have a happy and thankful day!

Thanksgiving Food Checklist: Beware! Human food can cause stomach upsets and diarrhea. It’s best to keep them our pets on their regular diet. Well, maybe just a few little bites …that your pet will no doubt be thankful for!

Turkey – a couple bites of lean (not fatty) turkey as a treat, well done and boneless. No turkey legs to chew on.

Gravy – a few drops (max) of it on their favorite chew bone should keep them busy while you eat.

Stuffing – skip it: herbs, onions and oils are not great for pets and can cause stomach upsets.

Mashed Potatoes – a bite of potato if you must – before you add the cream, butter and salt.

Green Beans: only a few green beans in small pieces – before the casserole ingredients are added.

Sweet Potatoes – have lots of vitamins and pets love the taste – a couple small bites before they are mixed with other ingredients.

Cranberries – are added to lots of premium dog foods for their Omega-3 Fatty Acids but powdered cranberries in dog food is not like the sugar added cranberries or sauce that we eat. Let them get their cranberries in their dog food.

Cake, pie or cookie batters: usually contain raw eggs, pets should not eat them – or lick the bowls!

Pumpkin Pie – A bite of canned pumpkin is ok, but skip the pumpkin pie, they don’t need the sugar, the spices or the whipped cream!

Keep the garbage can covered and safe from savaging pets, and, remember, NO chocolate!