Thanksgiving for Dogs

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Peaches, America's Top Dog Model (R) 2015 National Winner

Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and sharing. People with dogs want to share Thanksgiving dinner with their four legged family members, because they give us so much and ask for so little in return. While this is a loving and gracious gesture, here are tips for keeping dogs happy, healthy and safe while sharing the Thanksgiving meal:

  • Serve only cooked turkey meat, minus skin and bones.
  • Skin is fatty food that can lead to gastric distress and turkey bones should never be fed to dogs.
  • To avoid a sudden change in diet, add a few pieces of boneless, skinless turkey to regular dog food.
  • Save portions of sweet potatoes, carrots and green beans before they have been buttered and creamed.
  • Chocolate is a food that should never be given to a dog. If you want your dog to have a special Thanksgiving dessert, bake homemade pupcakes or doggie biscuits.
  • Onions are toxic to dogs. Make sure your dog stays away from the pearly whites, yellows and reds!
  • Sage and nutmeg have essential oils that can cause tummy upsets. Avoid serving your dog food with these seasonings.
  • Keep a watchful eye on children who might want to feed your dog from the table.
  • Make certain that people food is out of dog's reach.
  • Following is a special recipe for a Thanksgiving meal that your dog will surely enjoy.

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Favorite Pick:Thanksgiving Dinner for Dogs Recipe

Dogs love turkey and sweet potatoes. Here is a meal that can be made from scratch or from leftovers-either way, your pups tail will wag for this delicious dish!

Portion Size

For small dogs, 3/4 cup; medium dogs, 1 1/2 cups; larger or more active dogs, 3 cups.

RECIPE

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Makes: 9 1-cup servings

Ingredients

3 lb/1.3 kg skinless turkey pieces (light and dark meat)

1 cup (about 6 oz/175 g) oatmeal (cooked)

1 lb/450 g sweet potatoes, cubed

2 tbsp cranberry sauce

4 tbsp turkey gravy (optional; to reduce the fat content, omit the gravy or substitute olive oil)

Directions
Use turkey leftovers or roast the turkey:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Lightly oil a roasting pan.
2. For boneless breast or thigh, cook 30-45 minutes; boned breast or thigh, 45-60 minutes; whole turkey, 1 1/2-2 hours or until the meat juices run clear when pierced with a skewer. Let cool.
3. Remove all the bones and dice the meat into large pieces.
4. If using fresh sweet potatoes, roast with the turkey for about 25-30 minutes or until tender. Let cool, then peel and dice.
5. Meanwhile, cook the oatmeal according to package instructions.

6. Mix together the turkey meat, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. If using gravy or oil, add it now and mix thoroughly. (If your dog is at all prone to pancreatitis or other fat-related upsets, omit the gravy.)

This recipe is adapted from the

Healthy Dog Cookbook: 50 Nutritious and Delicious Recipes your dog will Love.

Arf Arf! (Bone Appetit)