Keeping Pets Safe for Thanksgiving: The “Not So Safe” or No-No Pet Food List

Just One More Pet (JOMP) – Cross-Posted at AskMarion: The following foods are not safe for dogs, cats, potbellied pigs, or guinea pigs. Never give the following foods or beverages to your pets:

• *Alcohol of any kind (a no-no for all animals)
• *Anything with Caffeine (a no-no for all animals)
• Avocados – especially for birds and cats
• Baby food if it contains onion powder
• Bones from Ham, Chicken, Turkey or Cooked Bones that can splinter
• * (Raw) Bread or Yeast Dough
• Candied Yams
• Casseroles (unless you absolutely know that none of the no-no foods are in them)
• *Chocolate and Cocoa (this includes things like brownies and chocolate chip cookies) and dark chocolate is the worst
• Raw cookie dough can also kill dogs and small children.
• *Grapes or raisins
• Jell-O Molds
• (Raw) Liver
• *Macadamia Nuts (this includes things like cookies and pies) and go easy on nuts in general (nuts in general are not great for dogs, but walnuts, macadamia nuts, and pecans are particularly harmful and add the additional possibilities of health problems caused by fungus and mold. Peanuts and peanut butter are not on the no-no list but could also cause problems because of mold issues). Nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are healthy for humans, but too much fat of any kind increases the risk of pancreatitis in dogs.
• Milk (and American Cheese) can be a problem for some dogs. They can be lactose intolerant like some people.
• Mushrooms, particularly wild mushrooms.
• Nutmeg
• *Onions, including onion powder (garlic should be fed in moderation)
• Pecans, including Pecan Pie (nuts in general are not great for dogs, but walnuts, macadamia nuts, and pecans are particularly harmful and add the additional possibilities of health problems caused by fungus and mold.  Peanuts and peanut butter are not on the no-no list but could also cause problems because of mold issues).
• Potato Skins and Green Potatoes (potatoes in general are not digestible by dogs).
• Pork Products because of the nitrates
• Stuffing (it usually contains onions, which are very harmful to pets)
• Large amounts of Grains (often a main ingredient in cheap commercial pet foods)
• *Raisins and grapes
• Raw eggs (raw egg whites) – (According to the ASPCA, raw egg whites contain avidin, which damages a dog’s metabolism and creates a biotin deficiency, so they recommend owners should discard the white if feeding a dog raw eggs.  Others disagree.)
• Tomatoes (plant and fruit) – All parts of the plant except the tomato itself are poisonous to humans
• Vitamin A in large amounts causes toxicity
• Walnuts (nuts in general are not great for dogs, but walnuts, macadamia nuts, and pecans are particularly harmful and add the additional possibilities of health problems caused by fungus and mold. Peanuts and peanut butter are not on the no-no list but could also cause problems, for humans as well, because of mold issues).
• *Xylitol and anything with it in it.

Depending on the amount consumed and the size, breed, species and age of the animal many of the items above can cause death, but they definitely can and usually cause discomfort for the pet/animal, more and expensive vet bills for you, butt scooting, and stress in your pets and for you. Distention of the abdomen, vomiting, muscle tremors, paralysis bloody stool, depression, stress, jaundice, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, abnormal fluid accumulation, drooling, restlessness, anemia and seizures are among the symptoms and conditions that can be caused by the aforementioned foods.

The range of diseases and conditions caused or intensified by the No-No Foods for pets include: coma, heart arrhythmia and cardiac arrest, paralysis, pancreatitis, inflammation throughout the body, seizures and tremors, gastric-dilitation volvulus (twisted stomach) and death.

*Causing the most severe health problems and the most incidents of death.

Tobacco products and many plants and herbs are also bad for pets.  Poinsettias, tomato plants and the Sago Palm are among the common plants that are toxic to dogs/pets. 

How to keep your dog safe during Thanksgiving holidays

“Holidays Are Great and Fun To Share With Our Pets, As Long As We Avoid the No-No Foods”

Common Foods That Are Harmful Or Even Fatal to Dogs

Pets and Toxic Plants

More Dogs (and Cats) Getting High, Sick and Fat In States Where Marijuana Is Legal – Drugs, unless prescribed or are specifically made and approved for animals, are a No-No!

Cooking real food or feeding a raw diet is generally the best option for most pets, but pet parents need to know the general restrictions as well as those for their particular pet plus make sure that their furkids are getting all the nutrients they need and avoiding too many fats, sugars and of course the no-no food list!  Commercial pet food, including kibble, is a rather new creation along with pre-packaged, processed and restaurant-style junk food for humans, including baby food and baby formula, filled with questionable additives and unrecognizable ingredients; none of which are proving to be the best choices, just read the labels.  All were invented for the consumers’ convenience and the profit for their manufacturers not good health and nutrition. The more fresh and freshly prepared food from good sources, as well as mother’s milk over formula for babies, the healthier we, our children and our pets are and will be!

When Raw Food is NOT the Right Food for Your Pet

Every species, breed or type of animal has its own requirements and no-no’s.  As a pet parent or the parent of a learning pet parent, it is your job to find out what those requirements and no-no’s are and meet those needs.  A pet is a living creature that adds joy to our lives.  We are all God’s creatures and any animal is a gift that has been given to you to cherish and take care of properly!!

Tips for a Healthier Thanksgiving

Here are a few of easy tips to follow in order to get the most out of Thanksgiving while staying healthy:

Portion size is key. You can enjoy turkey (white meat is healthier), stuffing and all the foods that come with Thanksgiving, but know how to ration them on your plate. Ideally, you should have three fist size servings on your plate, one for protein (turkey), one for carbohydrates (stuffing) and one of veggies (sweet potato or green beans).

So while you may want to pile on the food until you can’t see the bottom of your plate, ease back a bit and let her know that your healthy choices will keep you around for a lot longer to enjoy many more Thanksgivings with your family.

Serve breakfast. Skipping a meal to build your appetite so you can eat more at dinner is a bad idea. Not only will you be starving your body of calories needed for energy, you’ll actually eat more erratically at the big meal to soothe your hunger.

Don’t go overboard by filling your belly with a huge breakfast, but definitely eat a bowl of cereal or enjoy some fruit so your eyes don’t fill your belly before your mouth can.

Save leftovers for the next day. Remember that it takes 20 minutes for your stomach to let your brain know that you’ve had enough, so if you’re thinking about eating more, wait a bit and then re-evaluate the situation.

Eating seconds comes with the holiday territory. But instead of eating those seconds on Thanksgiving, make yourself a plate, wrap it tightly and have a re-run holiday the next day.

Make time for exercise. Although you might find yourself extra busy this time of year, you’re also probably more stressed. Exercise shouldn’t be neglected this time of year. Even 20 minutes a day of walking or some physical activity is good for you both physically and mentally.  Playing games, dancing, or just taking a walk after dinner is a great idea as well.

Switch out the products. If you’re involved in preparing the food,

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use products lower in calories, fat and sugar. Use healthier substitutes for ingredients like oil and butter; use evaporated skim milk instead of heavy cream and plain fat-free yogurt instead of sour cream. Start with extra virgin olive oil and you’re on your way!

Drink plenty of water. It will keep you feeling full and boost your metabolism. Add a decorative pitcher of water to your beverage table alongside the coquito. The beauty of it will attract the eye first, which will then get your guests to serve themselves a glass.

Stay out of the kitchen and dining room. Make the center of your Thanksgiving holiday the living room or outside in the fresh air, and only enter the kitchen to cook and the dining room when it’s time to eat.

If you have an entrance to your home that doesn’t allow guests to walk through the kitchen use it. Decorate the entryway with warm holiday designs and present guests with a beverage upon arrival. The smell of the food cooking can serve as an appetizer, which will build the excitement for when the food is finally ready to eat!  If you decide to serve an appetizer make it something light, like celery stick stuffed with cream cheese or just carrot and celery sticks alone or with a light dip.

Thanksgiving/Holiday Safety and Health Tips For Pets

“Holidays Are Great and Fun To Share With Our Pets, Who Love To Be Part of the Family Activities, As Long As We Avoid the No-No Foods”

JOMP: While giving your pets Thanksgiving leftovers or scraps from the table can be a heartwarming experience for you and an exciting experience for them, it is important to be aware of which Thanksgiving leftovers are pet friendly, and which ones should remain in your fridge and away from your pets’ food dish.

To help you decipher which Thanksgiving leftovers are safe for your pets to eat, we have compiled two lists below — a “safe” list and a “not safe” list — that you can use as a quick reference during your Thanksgiving meal. But be sure to pay attention to the pets mentioned in the lists, and how the food should be prepared; just because something is safe for a dog doesn’t mean it’s safe for a cat.

If you, or your family, eat a food during the Thanksgiving holiday that is not mentioned on the lists below, do some additional research or talk to your local vet about the safety of the food in question.

Thanksgiving/Holiday Safety Tips For Pets

‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.

Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.

Sage Advice
Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.

No Bread Dough
Don’t spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal’s body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.

Don’t Let Them Eat Cake
If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.

Too Much of a Good Thing
Boneless pieces of cooked turkey, some mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie or cheese cake shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don’t allow your pets to overindulge, especially if you don’t normally cook for your pets, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, if your pets have sensitive stomachs, it is best to keep them on their regular diets during the holidays with just some table scraps added to their food.

A Feast Fit for a Kong
While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them rawhide strips, Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.

The “Safe” List

Cranberry Sauce

While cranberry sauce is safe for most dogs, it has the potential to make them a little wild or give them an upset stomach if they’re not used to fruit or foods high in sugar. So if you want to give your dogs a little cranberry sauce this holiday season, start out slow and see how your dog reacts. Cranberry sauce should also be safe for cats and potbellied pigs, but again, only in small portions.

Green Beans

Safe for cats, dogs, potbellied pigs and guinea pigs, green beans that are low in sodium (try using unsalted ones) can actually be good for your pets when served in moderation. As long as the green beans you have leftover this Thanksgiving don’t have anything extra added (no green bean casserole!) they are pet friendly Thanksgiving leftovers.

Ice Cream (Dogs Only), a Few Licks of Pumpkin Pie, Cheesecake or Carrot Cake Without Nuts

While it is not a good idea to give your cat, guinea pig, potbellied pig, or any other common pet type ice cream this Thanksgiving, ice cream is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts as long as it contains no chocolate. A few licks of pumpkin pie, cheesecake or carrot cake without nuts are also fine.

Macaroni and Cheese (Dogs and Potbellied Pigs Only)

As long as you don’t give you dog or potbellied pig too much macaroni and cheese, it is safe for them to eat on occasion, but not all the time.

Mashed Potatoes

As long as you don’t add anything extra to your mashed potatoes (such as cheese, sour cream, or gravy) mashed potatoes should be safe for dogs, cats, and pigs. But again, remember portion control: don’t give them too much, and consider mixing a little bit of mashed potatoes into their dry food instead of giving them mashed potatoes by itself.

Turkey

While leftover turkey can be safe for dogs, cats, and potbellied pigs, make sure that the turkey does not have any bones, and that any excess fat and the skin has been removed. Also be careful about portion control, not giving your pets — no matter how big they are — human sized portions of turkey. It will be very rich for them, and could cause them to be sick if given too much. If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don’t offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.

The “Not So Safe” List

The following foods are not safe for dogs, cats, potbellied pigs, or guinea pigs. Never give the following foods or beverages to your pets:

· Alcohol of any kind

· Anything with Caffeine

· Bones from Ham, Chicken, or Turkey

· Candied Yams

· Casseroles (unless you absolutely know that none of the no-no foods are in them)

· Chocolate and Cocoa (this includes things like brownies and chocolate chip cookies) and dark chocolate is the worst

· Jell-O Molds

· Macadamia Nuts (this includes things like cookies and pies) and go easy on nuts in general

· Pecan Pie

· Potato Skins

· Pork Products because of the nitrates

· Stuffing (it usually contains onions, which is very harmful to pets)

· Anything with onions in it (and garlic should be fed in moderation)

· Anything with Xylitol in it

· Grapes or raisins

· Raw eggs

· Mushrooms

· Baby food if it contains onion powder

· Milk (and American Cheese) can be a problem for some dogs. They can be lactose intolerant like some people.

· Avocados – especially for birds and cats

Poinsettias:
These plants are probably the most popular holiday plant and are easily recognizable by their large red, white, pink, or mottled leaves. These plants also contain a thick, milky irritant sap. In general, it would take ingestion of a large amount of this plant to see possible clinical signs in your pet. Signs could include vomiting, anorexia and depression. The symptoms are generally self-limiting and treatment is rarely needed. Your Vet may recommend limiting food and water intake for 1 or 2 hours if your pet is suspected of becoming sick after ingestion of poinsettias. Ingestion of poinsettias will not kill your pets, but keeping them out of reach is a good idea; and fake ones might be even a better idea!

Thanksgiving Pet Recipe of the Day Simple Roasted Organs

(This is a great recipe to make up for Thanksgiving to feed your canine friends… you can substitute chicken for the turkey and add a few turkey scraps at carving time, or just bake the liver and giblets and add the warm turkey as you carve… just go easy on the skin and watch for bones.)

This dish can actually double up as a treat, or healthy topping to your pet’s usual meal. Turkey giblets (hearts, livers and kidneys) are available from butcher shops and many natural food markets – and also come included with most Thanksgiving turkeys!

This recipe is super-simple and just about all pets love it! Since this recipe is cooked, turkey necks should not be used.

Ingredients

Up to 1 lb Turkey scraps, organs/giblets (don’t include bones)

6 tbsp Olive Oil

½ tsp Dried or Fresh Rosemary

1 Clove Garlic, crushed or finely diced (optional)

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Arrange the organs on a baking sheet. Slowly pour on the olive and gently shake the pan so that the oil is evenly distributed. Sprinkle on the rosemary and crushed garlic. Place in the oven and cook for about 35 minutes, until golden brown. Cool before serving and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days.

For cats, dice the organs finely with a sharp knife before serving. This technique also works well to create bite-sized training treats that are a little bit different.

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Storing & Reheating Thanksgiving Leftovers Safely

Storing & Reheating Thanksgiving Leftovers Safely

For storing, cut your leftover turkey into small pieces; refrigerate the stuffing and turkey separately in shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking. Use leftover turkey and stuffing within 3-4 days; gravy within 1-2 days; or freeze these foods. Reheat thoroughly to a temperature of 165 ° F or until hot and steaming. Try to gage how much of the leftover food you will actually use and send the rest home with guests, as long as their travel time and temperatures will allow for safe transport and storage of the food.

If you’re like most Americans, eating turkey and dressing goes on long after holiday meals are over. Most don’t think twice about sticking leftovers in the microwave and reheating them. But when heating up food in plastic, you might be consuming chemicals you never knew existed. Studies have shown that in some plastics, a chemical called DEHA can seep into your food when heated up. High levels have been shown to cause cancer in some lab animals.

It might surprise you that the Food and Drug Administration has guidelines on how to reheat food safely in the microwave. Dr. Glen Aukerman at the Ohio State University Medical Center said consumers really have to look to see the precautions printed on most packages. For example, many frozen foods say -- in very small print -- “re-reheating of tray is not recommended.” Aukerman said many plastic plates are “not intended for microwave use” and foam plates actually have a warning on the package saying the plate “may melt and cause injury.” He said glass or microwave-safe plates are best for cooking or reheating food. If you buy plastic bowls or plates, look for the words “microwave safe” on the label. But what about covering your food with plastic? The FDA suggested you leave some room between the wrap and your meal. “Make sure that there’s at least 1 or 2 inches between it and the food," Aukerman said. "And if there isn’t, you’re absorbing the chemicals coming out of that when you microwave it.” It’s important to know that there is no evidence yet that those chemicals cause problems in humans, and following the precautions should keep consumers safe. What worries Aukerman is just how many people know those precautions even exist.

Also try to resist picking at leftover food, even in the refrigerator, you can still contaminate it.

Facts for this article were taken from the US Census Bureau, the US Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Library of Congress. For the FDA guidelines, go to www.fda.gov and type in the words “microwave safety”.

Distributed In Part by Internet Broadcasting.

Happy Thanksgiving To You And Yours!

Wishing You All A Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving Weekend!!

The Thanksgiving Meal: How to Eat Healthy and Well

Simmons College nutrition experts give tips for enjoying the Thanksgiving meal

BOSTON, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Health and nutrition specialists at Simmons College in Boston have these tips for eating well at Thanksgiving while avoiding overeating and gaining weight.

Q: On Thanksgiving, I tend to go overboard with portions. How can I eat healthfully, without feeling deprived?

Thanksgiving is filled with wonderful foods that we tend to eat once or twice a year. We recommend enjoying the flavor of the food by taking small bites, eating slowly, making the food last, and eating only until you are satisfied.

If we come to the table ravenous, we tend to eat faster, eat more, and choose higher fat foods. The best way to fend off hunger is to have a glass of water, a piece of fruit or a small snack before the meal and while you are preparing it to help you avoid eating too much too soon. Be aware that drinking alcohol can also stimulate appetite and lower inhibitions, which may make it difficult to eat healthy. And remember, you can always take some food home with you for later -- something to look forward to!

Most importantly, don't have Thanksgiving dinner be your only meal of the day.

Q: Why not? Wouldn't that be a good way to keep my calorie intake down?

It is never a healthy choice to just eat one meal throughout the day, not even on Thanksgiving. It is best to give your body the fuel it needs throughout the day. If people eat only one meal a day, they are ravenous and will tend to eat more at that meal.

Q: I've been on a diet for a few months now. How do I handle this food- laden holiday?

Work to maintain your weight, instead of to lose weight, during the holiday season. Remember to stay active, and continue to eat the healthy foods you have been eating on your diet -- particularly whole grain, fruits and vegetables, and lean meat and poultry.

Most of all, enjoy the holiday season. Take the focus off of the food and create some new social traditions with family and friends. Remember to re-affirm your choices and your motivation for why you are on a diet or have made a commitment to eat healthfully.

Q: In my family, we eat until we're so stuffed, we can't move. Are there any tips that can help me eat avoid eating "past full"?

Try to wait 20 minutes or so after your first portion before going for seconds; let the fullness set in. We tend to no longer feel hungry when we wait before going back for seconds or thirds.

Q: What are some of the best food choices during Thanksgiving? The worst?

There are no bad choices you can make for the Thanksgiving holiday. (Over the long term, however, choosing more healthful choices can make a difference in your well-being.) The general rule of thumb is to eat what you enjoy, eat small amounts, and enjoy the festivities. Load your plate up with a variety of foods: lots of colorful vegetables, fruit, salad, whole grains, and potatoes (sweet potato is a better choice than a white potato because it is more nutrient dense), and turkey/poultry or meat of choice. White meat -- which includes the breast -- is leaner than dark meat. And here's an interesting fact: a study showed that it didn't matter if the turkey was cooked with the skin, as long as the skin was removed before eating it. Also when preparing foods, use broths instead of cream, steam your vegetables, and have fresh fruit available.

Q: Other than "tofurky" (tofu shaped into a turkey), are there any food or dish substitutions you recommend for a vegetarian?

Vegetable loaves, quiche or cheese pies, pasta and rice dishes, and any soy product that you enjoy are good choices. There also are some great vegetables available this time of year, like acorn squash, parsnips, and pumpkin.

Q: Many people get tired after eating their Thanksgiving meal. What's the best way to energize ourselves after we eat?

Choose an activity that makes you move after the meal. Take a walk with your friends or family, or put on some of your favorite music and do some gentle dancing. This will help with digestion and metabolism. Then you can return to cleaning up from the meal, and get ready for the dessert course. Most importantly, enjoy the day and the people you're spending it with!