Can Dogs Eat Ham and Turkey? A Thanksgiving Guide for Safe Snacking

The holidays are a time for family friends and of course, delicious food! While we humans indulge in feasts of turkey, ham, and all the trimmings, it’s natural to want to share some of the bounty with our furry companions. But before you toss your dog a slice of ham or a turkey drumstick, it’s important to know what’s safe for them to eat.

Can Dogs Eat Ham?

While ham isn’t toxic to dogs, it’s not the healthiest treat for them either. The high sodium content in ham can be detrimental to their health potentially causing kidney damage or seizures in some cases. Additionally, ham often contains preservatives like nitrates and nitrites, which are also sodium-based and can be harmful to dogs.

However, a small, infrequent piece of ham as a rare treat probably won’t hurt your dog Just be sure to remove any fat or skin, as these can cause digestive upset

Can Dogs Eat Turkey?

Turkey is a better meat option for dogs than ham, but it’s important to prepare it properly. Remove the skin and fat from a piece of white meat, boil it, and keep it bland and unseasoned. Avoid excessive salt and other seasonings, as these can be harmful to dogs.

It’s also crucial to ensure your dog doesn’t eat any bones, as these can splinter and cause internal injuries. Even with visible fat removed, turkey still contains some fat in the muscle, which can lead to an upset stomach or pancreatitis in some dogs.

Other Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid Giving Your Dog

While ham and turkey are the main culprits, there are other Thanksgiving foods you should avoid giving your dog:

• Casseroles: These often contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as onions, garlic, and dairy.
• Mashed potatoes: While potatoes themselves are safe for dogs, mashed potatoes often contain butter, milk, and seasonings that can be harmful.
• Creamed peas: The cream in creamed peas can cause digestive upset in dogs.
• Raisins and grapes: These are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
• Onions, scallions, and garlic: These are all toxic to dogs and can cause anemia.
• Yeast dough: This can rise in a dog’s stomach and cause bloating, which can be fatal.
• Fatty foods: These can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
• Foods containing spices: Many spices are harmful to dogs, including nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.

Safe Thanksgiving Treats for Dogs

While the list of what to avoid is extensive, there are plenty of other things your dog can safely eat this Thanksgiving. Here are some ideas:

• Sweet potatoes and potatoes: Both of these are safe for dogs, but be sure to cook them without any butter or seasonings.
• Green beans: These are a healthy and low-calorie treat for dogs.
• Pumpkin: This is a great source of fiber and vitamins for dogs.
• Apples: Just be sure to remove the core, as the seeds can be toxic to dogs.
• Plain peas: These are a good source of protein and fiber for dogs.

Remember: Moderation is Key

No matter what you choose to give your dog as a Thanksgiving treat, remember to do so in moderation. Treats should only make up about 10% of their daily caloric intake. The other 90% should come from a complete and balanced dog food.

Happy Thanksgiving!

By following these tips, you can ensure that your dog enjoys a safe and happy Thanksgiving feast alongside you. Just remember to keep an eye on them and avoid giving them anything that could be harmful.