The Holidays are a great time to get the family together to share a festive meal. The aromas wafting around your kitchen are a huge enticement for your dog. As you put dish after dish on the table, the smell of turkey and pumpkin pie can make even the most well-behaved pets go crazy for food.
Everyone likes to indulge during the holidays, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Even the most strict pet owners aren’t able to resist giving their four-legged friends some food. Which is why it’s good to know the appropriate and healthy treats for our four-legged babies. Responsible pet owners should want to use good pet care to keep their dog from getting sick. Veterinarians see a spike in pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and other gastrointestinal cases around Thanksgiving. Monitoring what your dog eats will keep them in good shape this holiday season.
It’s no secret that many human food ingredients are toxic to dogs. It can be very bad for your dog if you feed it food that is too high in fat, toxic, or has carbs that it can’t digest. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of coordination are signs of a more severe health issue. Don’t worry, though; this article tells you what kinds of food are safe for your dog and what kinds you should keep them away from.
Green bean casserole is a beloved holiday tradition in many households This classic dish of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions is a staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners But is it safe for our canine companions to nibble on? Let’s dive into the ingredients to find out.
Green Beans – Dog Friendly
The green beans themselves are perfectly fine for dogs to eat. Green beans are low in calories and high in fiber. They contain vitamins A, C, K, B6, and various minerals. The fiber helps dogs feel full and aids digestion. So green beans can actually be a healthy treat.
Both fresh and frozen green beans are safe options. Canned green beans are okay in moderation, but rinse them first to remove excess sodium. Always serve beans plain, with no added salt, butter, or other seasonings.
When preparing green beans for dogs, cut them into small bites to prevent choking. Steamed or lightly cooked beans may be easier for dogs to digest than raw.
Onions – Toxic to Dogs
Here’s where we run into a problem. The most common recipe for green bean casserole calls for onions, often an entire cup diced onion. Onions contain compounds called disulfides and thiosulphates which are toxic to dogs if ingested.
Onions can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells leading to anemia. They also may trigger gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Consumption of large quantities can be fatal.
All forms of onions are unsafe for dogs – raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated. Any dishes containing onions should be off limits to canine eaters.
Mushrooms – Use Caution
Another key ingredient in many green bean casserole recipes is cream of mushroom soup. Mushrooms themselves are not necessarily toxic, but they can present some risks.
Some types of mushrooms can cause stomach upset or lethargy. Wild mushrooms can contain toxins. Without knowing the exact variety, it may be best to avoid feeding dogs mushrooms.
Cream of mushroom soup also has high sodium content, which is unhealthy in large amounts. Rinse the soup first to remove excess salt before adding to the casserole.
Fried Onions – High Fat Content
No green bean casserole would be complete without those crispy fried onion toppings. Unfortunately, dogs should avoid these due to the high fat content as well as seasonings.
Fried foods are difficult for dogs to digest and can cause pancreatitis. Onion powders and other spices are often used on the onions during cooking or in the breading. This added seasoning is toxic to dogs.
Stick to dog treats rather than sharing fatty, seasoned table foods like fried casserole toppings which can lead to obesity and other health issues.
Milk and Butter – May Cause Digestive Upset
Many traditional green bean casserole recipes also call for ingredients like milk, cream, or butter. Dairy products may cause diarrhea, vomiting, gas, or bloating in dogs who are sensitive or lactose intolerant.
Butter is high in fat and salt, which can lead to pancreatitis, obesity, and heart issues. Limit high fat human foods and stick to dog treats instead.
If going dairy-free, sub plant-based milk and oils when making green bean casserole. But the other dog-unsafe ingredients are still a concern.
Potential Substitutes – Optional Dog-Friendly Version
To make a dog-safe green bean casserole alternative, omit anything toxic and minimize salt, fat, and dairy. Potential substitutes could include:
- Sauteed mushrooms instead of cream soup
- Caramelized onions rather than fried
- Almond milk and olive oil instead of dairy
- All spices removed
This may not taste exactly like traditional casserole to humans. But dogs will love the green bean goodness without unhealthy add-ins.
Only Give Dogs Plain, Cooled Green Beans
When enjoying green bean casserole for your own holiday meal, make sure not to share any from the table with begging canine eyes nearby. The multiple ingredients of concern make this dish off limits for dogs.
If any plain green beans are cooked as a side dish without onions, butter, or other add-ins, set some aside before seasoning and allow to cool. Give your dog a few small, plain portions of beans without any casserole, sauce, or toppings.
Risks of Onions and Other Ingredients
To understand why dogs must avoid casserole and other onion-laden foods, let’s take a closer look at the risks:
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Onions – Damage red blood cells leading to anemia, Heinz body formation, and hemolytic anemia. Also may cause gastrointestinal issues.
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Garlic – Similar to onions with damage to red blood cells, but less toxic than onions in smaller amounts. Still unsafe.
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Mushrooms – Can upset digestion and may contain unknown toxins if wild varieties are used.
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Fried foods – Hard for dogs to digest, may cause vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis.
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Fatty foods – Can trigger pancreatitis and obesity-related issues like diabetes and joint problems.
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Dairy – May cause digestive upset, gas, vomiting, diarrhea in lactose intolerant dogs.
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Sodium – Excess salt can lead to kidney disease, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Symptoms of Toxicity to Look For
If your dog accidentally ingests any amount of onion or food containing onion, watch for these symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Red or brown urine
Seek veterinary help immediately if these symptoms develop. Do not wait for multiple or severe symptoms before getting medical care.
Safer Treats and Foods for Dogs
While green bean casserole is off the menu, dogs can enjoy many other people foods in moderation, such as:
- Plain cooked chicken or turkey (no skin, bones, or seasoning)
- Lean deli meats (low sodium)
- Some fruits like apples, bananas, blueberries
- Some vegetables like carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes
- Whole grain pasta, brown rice, oatmeal
- Unsalted popcorn, whole grain pretzels
- Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- Plain yogurt (unsweetened)
Check with your vet about any people food before sharing with your pet. They can advise you based on your dog’s health conditions, medications, age, and weight.
With so many dog-safe foods to choose from, your pup won’t miss out by avoiding green bean casserole. Stay vigilant to keep your canine companion away from this high-risk holiday dish. With a few simple precautions, we can all enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season together.
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Tips to Keep Dogs Healthy and Happy
Keep your portions small and limit the introduction of new foods. Abrupt dietary changes can be unsafe on a dog’s digestive tract. Small portions help curb the possibility of danger. If a toxic ingredient is present in the food you give them, a smaller dose will help their chances of not getting sick. Some dog breeds are more prone to stomach issues, Shelties are especially vulnerable. If your dog has a sensitive stomach please use precaution.
Watch out for known common cooking ingredients that have been found toxic in dogs. Garlic, onions, and cilantro are very harmful to dogs. Also, foods that are rich–high in fat content are also not easily digested. Butter, sour cream, and bacon are often overly rich for a dog to eat. Consumption of foods like these will cause digestive irregularities and are not part of well-balanced pet care diet.
Removing any temptation is also useful for your dog in the long run. When a juicy turkey is right next to a dog’s nose, even the best-behaved ones will give in. Make sure to push all dishes toward the middle of the table. This will curb bad behaviors like begging and scrap-stealing. Also, while you cook and eat, you might want to put your dog in a different room or close the door for him.
Turkey
Small portions of turkey are okay. Turkey is a protein, and in small doses will be fine for your dog. But if you decided to fry your turkey this year, you might want to reconsider. Frying a turkey drives the fat content up, which can be unhealthy for your pup.
Pet owners should remove the skin and bones before putting the turkey into a dog bowl.
Potatoes
Potatoes are also usually okay in small servings. One or two bites of potato for your dog won’t hurt them. Many premium dog foods are replacing whole grains with potatoes as a fibrous substitute. You might want to serve this dish as a treat if your recipe calls for a lot of butter, cheese, sour cream, or bacon. Give your dog a few bites before adding the toppings.
Yams or Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious treat for your dog, however, they’re best served raw. If you add butter, brown sugar, or marshmallows, don’t let your dog have any. Be especially careful of ’sugar-free’ foods. Sugar-free foods can potentially contain xylitol.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. The chemical is also common in sugar-free gum and some peanut butter.
Doesn’t have time to make sweet potatoes for your dog? Our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats taste like Southern sweet potatoes!
Green Beans
These veggies are great for a healthy low-calorie snack. Green beans are high in vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin B. They also contain high amounts of minerals like calcium and iron. For your dog, they’re best served raw without butter or fried onion toppings. Especially the onions, these are terribly bad for pet care diets.
Carrots
Carrots are also ‘all good’ for dogs. Bite-sized cooked portions without the sugary glaze and butter are the most ideal. Carrots are certainly nutrient-rich but will need to be cooked so your dog can properly digest them.
Carrots contain beta-carotene–an antioxidant and precursor to Vitamin K. The green veggies are a great side for your dog’s Thanksgiving Dinner.
Bread Rolls
Bread is one of those treats that isn’t necessarily good or bad for your dog. Dogs can metabolize some carbohydrates as long as it’s served in small portions.
Since it’s Thanksgiving the exception can be made. Although plain turkey or vegetables are probably the better options.
Hidden Spices Can Make Your Dog Sick
Pumpkin is a great treat for dogs. It’s delicious, nutritious, and can be served as a puree or frozen cube. Unfortunately, when it comes to Thanksgiving pumpkin, many of the canned brands and pie fillings come with hidden spices like ginger. While a little bit of these roots and spices won’t kill your dog, giving them just a little could give them an upset stomach and giving them a lot could cause grave health problems. If you plan to feed your dog pumpkin as dog food this Thanksgiving, try to keep it as plain as possible.
If you don’t have time to make your pumpkin pie dog-friendly, try our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats in the Pumpkin Patch flavor!
Only the Best Part of Turkey as Dog Food
Turkey is an excellent source of protein for people and for dogs. It’s such a good source that some of the best dog food on the market uses it as their main ingredient. If you want to share the turkey with your pet this holiday season, make sure it’s all white. The darker meat may have more fat, which isn’t good for your dog and makes it harder for his stomach to process. On another note, do not give your dog turkey bones. Sometimes it’s good for a pet to happily chew on a bone after a big meal. But turkey bones can have splinters inside them that can cause internal bleeding if they are swallowed.
Green Beans and Potatoes
Green beans and potatoes are more great items to give your pet as dog food. However, they are also much better for your dog if they are kept in a purer form. If you plan to share the greens and potatoes with your dog, make them as plain as possible. If you make green bean casserole, don’t give it to your dog because the cream and onions are bad for their stomachs. Many times, mashed potatoes have butter, sour cream, milk, and different spices that are bad for pets’ health.
Alcohol and Sugar is Never Okay
People may think that a drunk dog is funny at a party because of all the funny videos and memes on the internet and America’s Funniest Home Videos. However, alcohol is something that your dog should never have in their clutches. It can cause incredible sickness which can become more severe with higher volumes of alcohol. Also, no matter how much we love sweet treats like pecan pie or Thanksgiving cookies, dogs should never eat sugar or fake sugar. Instead of giving your dog treats made just for people, why not make some special doggie biscuits that are both tasty and good for them?
If you don’t have time to make these treats, try our Keepin’ It Simple All Natural Dog Treats in the PB N’ Jelly Crunch flavor instead!
Healthy Dog Eats with Dr. Cos – Green Bean Casserole & Holiday Travel
FAQ
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