A Dog Friendly Thanksgiving Feast! A How-To Guide for Pet Parents

It's Thanksgiving! What better way to show thanks for our pets than by treating them to their very own dog friendly Thanksgiving dinner. Don't just spare some dinner scraps which aren't always safe for our pets to eat (seasoned meats cooked in a lot of oil, foods flavoured with onion or garlic, just to mention a few). Instead, I'm going to show you how, without buying any additional ingredients, you can make a tasty and healthy Thanksgiving meal for your dogs at home.

Thanksgiving Tradition

Thanksgiving is a cherished tradition that brings families together to express gratitude over a tasty meal. In this guide, we'll explore creating a dog-safe Thanksgiving dinner, featuring dog-friendly ingredients that are not only delicious but also filled with health benefits. The best part? No begging at the table (or in our case, Milkshake jumping on a spare seat to join in while Dumpling parkours on to the dining table!) This special Thanksgiving meal for your pup can keep them happily occupied while the rest of the family enjoys their dinner!

              You can print my recipe below and keep in your recipe binder!

Let's Get Started!

Now, let's dive into the "How-To Make a Dog Friendly Thanksgiving dinner". You can follow the infographic or read the written instructions below.

Lean Meat: Roasting Chicken or Turkey

Let's start with the highlight of our feast - a lean meat like chicken or turkey. Choose boneless, skinless cuts where possible, and roast them with a teaspoon of coconut oil. Not only is a lean meat tasty, but it also provides your pup with high-quality protein.

Health Tip: Lean meat supports muscle health and provides essential amino acids, promoting overall well-being in your furry friend.

Veggie Vibes: Steamed or Boiled Dog-Safe Vegetables

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a medley of vegetables! Opt for dog-safe choices like carrots, green beans, cabbage, kale, cauliflower and peas. Boil or steam them to retain maximum nutrients and create a colourful and tasty side dish for your pup.

Health Tip: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, promoting healthy vision, while green beans are a great source of fibre and aid digestion. 

The Sweet Potato Swap

Ditch traditional white potatoes in favour of nutrient-packed sweet potatoes. Rich in vitamins A and C, sweet potatoes provide a delicious and healthy alternative for your pup's Thanksgiving plate. These can be boiled or steamed. Whilst they're technically vegetables, your dog won't know the difference. 

Health Tip: The antioxidants in sweet potatoes contribute to a strong immune system and a shiny coat - a win-win for your dog's health and appearance.

Gravy Goodness

Add a dash of flavor with a homemade dog-safe gravy. Combine meat broth (no onions or garlic) with a bit of whole wheat flour for thickness. Drizzle over your pup's plate for some added deliciousness. If you don't have time to make your own broth, you can buy ready made bone broth on Amazon or dog safe gravy granules.

Health Tip: The broth not only adds flavor but also provides hydration, ensuring your pup stays hydrated over the holidays.

Berry Bliss

Include a hint of cranberry for a festive touch. Fresh or unsweetened dried cranberries can be sprinkled over your pup's meal. Cranberries offer antioxidants, promoting urinary tract health in dogs. If you opt for dried Cranberries be sure to check that they contain no xylitol which is harmful to dogs.

Health Tip: The natural compounds in cranberries may help prevent urinary tract infections, making them a tasty and beneficial addition to your pup's Thanksgiving spread.

Making Memories: A Special Thanksgiving for Your Pup

Cooking a dog-friendly Thanksgiving dinner isn't just about safe and nutritious ingredients; it's about creating lasting memories with your furry family members. As you tuck into your Thanksgiving feast, your pup can enjoy their own plate, keeping them happily occupied.

We want to wish all of our friends and followers who celebrate, a very Happy Thanksgiving Holiday. Living in the UK we typically don't celebrate Thanksgiving however we are this year as we have a lot to be thankful for, most of all Milkshake's recovery from surgery. If you try this recipe at home don't forget to tag us in your photos and videos so we can feel like we're there too! @milkshakethepug #milkshakethepug.

From Milkshake and the pink pug crew,

Happy Thanksgiving xo.❤