Thanksgiving With Pets: How To Include Fido In The Feast

Safe and Satisfying Dog Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes

Finally! The post your pup has been waiting for all year. Let’s talk about how to safely and satisfyingly include one of the hungriest members of the family in one of the most delicious days of the year: Thanksgiving with pets!

First Things First, Pass on the Ham and Turkey Bones for Thanksgiving Pet Safety

When Thanksgiving rolls around, two of the main attractions we think of on the table are ham and turkey. So it comes as no surprise that some of the main questions pet parents have when cooking Thanksgiving with dogs are…can dogs eat ham? Or can dogs eat turkey bones? Your dog, of course, would say, “Meat and bones? Um, yes and yes.” But unfortunately for Fido, that salty ham and splintering cooked turkey bone are off the menu when it comes to recommended Thanksgiving pet safety tips.

Easily Make Your Dog a Part of Dinner and Dessert

Fortunately for your furry friend, there are plenty of ways they can safely participate in the family meal. We’ll help make sure of it—with these dog friendly Thanksgiving recipes.

Thanksgiving Turkey or Pork Dinner Topper Recipe for Dogs

Turkey Dinner Ingredients

• Ground turkey 93/7, raw, unseasoned: ¼ cup
• White potatoes, raw, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup
• Carrots, raw and cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup
• Brussels sprouts, raw, quartered: ¼ cup

Pork Dinner Ingredients

• Pork tenderloin, raw, cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup
• Sweet potatoes, raw, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup
• Green beans, raw, cut into 1-2 inch long segments: ¼ cup
• Butternut squash, raw, cut into 1-2 inch chunks: ¼ cup

Prepping Instructions

Peel the white/sweet potatoes, and cut them into 1-2 inch chunks.

Wash the vegetables and cut them into 1-2 inch chunks or segments.

Cooking Instructions

Place the meat, white/sweet potatoes, and vegetables in a pot. Add a sufficient amount of water into the pot to cover all ingredients. Bring the water to a boil at high heat, and then bring down to medium heat and continue boiling until the white/sweet potatoes are fork tender and the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165° F.

Once finished cooking, remove the contents from the water, and let the food cool to room temperature before serving.

You may mash the food pieces smaller or blend them in a food processor, and add the cooking liquids to make the food easier to eat for your pet.

You may also use a slow cooker to prepare the recipe if you prefer, and can increase the recipe size if you have multiple pets.

Feeding Instructions

Add a small amount to your doggie’s usual dinner to serve as a tasty Thanksgiving topper!

Disclaimer: This is not a complete and balanced recipe meant for long-term feeding. It is only a treat meant for temporary feeding only.

Thanksgiving Pie Filling Dessert Treat Recipe for Dogs

Pie Filling Ingredients

• 100% pure canned pumpkin: ¼ of a 15 oz. can (Make sure it’s pure pumpkin with nothing else added. Be sure to avoid sweeteners like xylitol.)
• Unsweetened apple sauce: ¼ cup (Make sure it’s pure apple sauce with no sugar or sweeteners added. Be sure to avoid sweeteners like xylitol.)

Prepping Instructions

Make the filling by simply combining the pumpkin puree with the apple sauce in a bowl.

Feeding Instructions

Fill a lick mat to serve as a special treat that will keep even the nosiest beggars busy and entertained while food’s being passed around the table.

Enjoy Cooking Thanksgiving With Dogs

With these festive and easy dog friendly Thanksgiving recipes, your favorite canine companion can chow down right with the rest of the family. A little something for everyone to enjoy on Thanksgiving with pets! Then you can all take a break from the cooking and the eating (for a few hours, at least) with a new tradition: a well-earned gratitude walk to keep everyone happy and healthy from head to tail.

Here’s to Thanksgiving pet safety that can still be extra tasty! Happy feasting to you and yours!