It's that time of year again! The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and family is coming to visit. That's right, it's Thanksgiving! As you prepare your home and your menu for the big day, don't forget about your furry family members. Here's a list of some Thanksgiving staples that are safe for Fido to enjoy alongside his human companions.

Turkey

You can't have Thanksgiving without turkey! Most dogs love the taste of turkey, and it's a lean protein that's good for them, too. Make sure to remove any skin or bones beforehand as the bones can splinter and be dangerous for your dog. Serve only the lean white meat with no heavy oils, onion, or spices for a delicious Thanksgiving treat. Turkey is a popular ingredient in many premium dog foods like Health Extension® Chicken & Turkey Recipe.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are another Thanksgiving classic that your dog will enjoy. Just be sure to avoid adding butter, salt, sour cream, or gravy as too much of these can be bad for your pup. If you cook your mashed potatoes with onion, it’s best to skip this treat.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another nutritious option for your dog. These are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, just like they are for people! And they're a good source of fiber as well. Just be sure not to add any sugar, spices, butter, or salt as these can cause stomach upset in dogs. Health Extension® Grain Free products add whole sweet potatoes to their recipes for a healthy happy pup!

Green Beans

Green beans are a healthy, low-calorie option that dogs love. They're also rich in Vitamin A, K and C to help support your dog’s immune system. Plus, it’s a reliable source of fiber, which can help with digestion. Best when served plain with no butter or salt and not the traditional green bean casserole which has too much cream and fat for your pup.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is actually really good for dogs! It's full of natural fiber and antioxidants that can help with everything from digestive issues to immunity. Pumpkin puree is a wonderful way to add some extra vitamins and minerals to your dog's diet. Just make sure to avoid canned pumpkin pie filling, as this contains sugar and other ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Pumpkin is also used in many Health Extension® Products including Impawfect Treats for Digestion Health which would make a great alternative for your pooch on Thanksgiving. 

Carrots

Carrots are a safe and healthy treat for dogs. Cooked or raw, both full of antioxidants, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and vitamin C to support eye health and digestion support. Bite size pieces are usually the best for your pooch to prevent choking hazard. Since this is such a great ingredient for dogs, Health Extension® pet foods adds carrots to many of their products like Grain Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe.

Cranberries

Cranberries are great for dogs and considered a superfood that contains a chemical compound that can help prevent urinary tract infections, if they eat enough! Cranberries also help with tartar and plaque buildup, help prevent cancer and are good raw or dried, in moderation. However, the common cranberries made over thanksgiving contain a lot of sugar and spices that may not be beneficial for your pooch. So you should limit this delish side dish and opt for a better source such as Health Extension® Grain Free Buffalo & Whitefish Little Bites Recipe.

Foods to Avoid

There are also quite a few Thanksgiving foods that you'll want to keep out of reach of your pup. These include:

-Turkey skin: This can be hard for dogs to digest and may cause an upset stomach.

-Gravy: Most gravy contains onion or garlic powder, which can be toxic to dogs.

-Stuffing: Stuffing often contains onion and other spices which can be harmful to dogs. Plus, it's generally high in fat, which can lead to weight gain or digestive upset.

-Cranberry sauce: Cranberry sauce is usually loaded with sugar, which is bad for dogs' teeth and can cause digestive problems.

 So, there you have it! A list of what your pooch can and can't eat this Thanksgiving. Just remember to keep an eye on him while he's indulging in his holiday feast - we all know how good those smells can be! Moderation is the key to avoid digestive upset and if you're ever unsure about whether or not something is safe for your dog, always err on the side of caution and consult your veterinarian.

Happy Thanksgiving!