Because Your Fur Family Deserves a Seat at the Table (Just Not the Actual Food on It!)
Happy almost-Thanksgiving, pet parents!
The house smells like heaven, the turkey is golden, and Aunt Karen is already fast asleep on the couch
. It’s the most wonderful (and dangerous) food holiday of the year for our dogs and cats. At Kibbles & Cuts, we want every tail wag and purr to make it safely to Black Friday, so here are our top Thanksgiving reminders—served with a side of humor and zero judgment if you’ve already slipped Fido a dinner roll.
1. The No-No Table (Foods That Will Ruin the Holiday Faster Than Uncle Bob’s Politics)
Keep these far away from sneaky paws and counter-surfing noses:
- Turkey skin & fatty trimmings → Instant pancreatitis party (no one wants that vet bill)
- Bones (cooked) → Splinter city → Emergency surgery
- Onions, garlic, leeks, chives → Destroy red blood cells (especially dangerous for cats)
- Grapes & raisins (yes, even in stuffing or trail mix) → Acute kidney failure
- Xylitol (in sugar-free desserts) → Life-threatening drop in blood sugar
- Chocolate & caffeine → Heart and neurological issues
- Alcohol → Even a lick of that spiked punch can be toxic
- Yeast dough → Expands in the stomach and produces alcohol
Pro tip: Print this list and stick it on the fridge. Your future self (and your credit card) will thank you.
2. Create a “Quiet Zone” for Anxious Pets
Not every dog dreams of being dressed as a pilgrim. Set up a cozy room with their bed, favorite toys, a worn T-shirt that smells like you, and a white-noise machine or calming playlist. A frozen stuffed Kong or a Lickimat with plain canned pumpkin can work miracles.
3. The Turkey Trot Proof-Your House
- Secure trash cans (turkey carcasses are basically pet crack)
- Push chairs in so no one goes countertop snowboarding
- Keep the toilet lid down (no one needs a broth-slurping surprise)
4. Safe (and Actually Healthy) Thanksgiving Treats You Can Share
A little plain, white-meat turkey (no skin, no seasoning) is usually fine in tiny amounts. Even better options:
- Plain cooked sweet potato or pumpkin (great for digestion)
- Green beans (no butter or casserole junk)
- Carrot sticks or apple slices (no seeds!)
- A spoonful of plain mashed potatoes (no gravy, butter, or salt)
5. Watch for Post-Feast Emergencies
If your pet manages to score forbidden foods, call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435) immediately. Warning signs:
- Vomiting/diarrhea (especially bloody)
- Extreme lethargy
- Bloated/distended belly
- Tremors or seizures
- Excessive drooling or panting
