As you gather around the table this
Thanksgiving and give thanks for good food, good friends and even your cranky
family members, don't forget the furry or feathery member of the family -- your
pet. Of course, a pet doesn't need a toast in its honor to feel appreciated,
but a special treat would probably elicit an extra lick or cuddle from your
best four-legged friend. Just remember that the holidays aren't an excuse to
break from tradition and serve your pet chocolate or other foods that might
upset its sensitive stomach. However, there are some terrific Thanksgiving
treats that are perfectly pet-safe and guaranteed to make your critter feel
extra-thankful for such a thoughtful pet parent. Here are just five.
If your pet is on a restricted diet or doesn't usually handle
new food well, pick out a toy that your animal will go gaga for. Consider a
squeaky toy shaped like a turkey bone or a carrot. Some retailers carry
"pampered pet" lines, in which you'll find toys shaped like wine
bottles or sushi (if turkey and all the fixings isn't your thing). McCulley
recommends interactive toys that dispense treats as a great way to keep your
pet occupied while you're entertaining human guests. By the time your furry
friend has gotten all of the kibble out of the toy, you'll be cleaning off the
table and ready to spend the afternoon curled up in a turkey-induced coma with
your pet.
Some one-on-one time like this is probably the best treat of all
for your pet, but any of these five ideas can also help make sure your pet is a
grateful gobbler this Thanksgiving.
2: Biscuits and Other Treats
If you aren't up for making your own treats or don't have any
leftovers, you can find a large variety of treats available at pet superstores
or even your local market that will leave your pet feeling gracious. McCulley
says ingredients like pomegranate, acai berry and quinoa, which have been fads
in people food for the past few years, are now crossing over into pet treats.
Look for items that are made with human-grade ingredients to ensure your furry
friend is getting the very best. Many organic treats are made with natural
ingredients such as pumpkin, sweet potato, and apple with ginger or cinnamon
for a fun Thanksgiving twist.
3: Turkey Treats
If you like a traditional feast with a big turkey as the main
dish, your pet is in luck. There are quite a few ways you can prepare some of
your leftover turkey that will be paw-licking good. Be sure to remove any skin
and bones and don't serve your pet any turkey that's been sitting out longer
than two hours to avoid risk of salmonella poisoning. Skinless, boneless turkey
is a great treat for most cats and dogs. Cut up a few pieces and add it to your
dog's regular food to give it its own Thanksgiving meal. For cats, try pureeing
turkey with sweet potatoes or pumpkin and adding it to their regular food or
letting them lick it straight from the spoon. And if you've ever wondered what
to do with turkey giblets, try boiling them up for a yummy pet treat.
4: Bones and Chews
It might be tempting to toss a turkey bone your dog's way during
the holiday, but according to L.A. Animal Services, turkey bones can easily
break, and the sharp splinters could cause damage to your dog's intestines. If
your pooch goes nuts for bones, look for store-bought bones or chews in special
Thanksgiving flavors that will be a real treat without the risk. Pet trend
expert Janet McCulley recommends turkey-flavored bones, or even organic dog
chews made out of sweet potatoes or apples. Make no bones about it, you will be
thankful your canine has a yummy Thanksgiving treat without the threat of a
visit to the emergency animal hospital.
5: Fruits and Veggies
Not all pets can eat meat, including most pocket pets like
gerbils, hamsters, rats and birds. Many people love these small pets, but often
overlook them when it comes to holiday treats. Pocket pets can have small
treats occasionally, but according to the educational staff at Drs. Foster and
Smith, they tend to like treats better than real food, so it's best to dish them
out sparingly. In general, raw vegetables like carrots and broccoli are OK to
give a small rodent, so when you're preparing your Thanksgiving meal, save a
few pieces for your pet. Pet birds also love fresh veggies and fruits,
including cooked sweet potatoes and cranberries, which are both common staples
on many Thanksgiving tables. Cooked vegetables like pumpkins, sweet potatoes,
carrots, green beans, and peas are terrific options for cats and dogs, too.
