by Petfolk
As the weather turns cooler, fall foods like pumpkin, apples, and turkey take the scene. Think about all the Halloween caramel apples, Thanksgiving with all the fixings, and of course, Christmas cookies, sweets, and fun finger foods. However, these sweet treats and savory morsels don’t have to be just for us. There are several fall foods that are safe and healthy to enjoy with the four-legged members of your family. We’ve compiled a list of fall foods that are safe for your dog, as well as a list that tells you which to avoid. Your pet is sure to be thankful as you celebrate the season together!
Healthy Fall Foods You Can Share with Your Pet
These foods are completely safe to enjoy with your pet in moderation. Be sure to follow the preparation instructions when giving your pup these healthy fall foods.
-
Pumpkin - Pumpkin is great for your four-legged friend’s digestive system. Adding pumpkin can help dogs experiencing either constipation or diarrhea. Resist the urge to slice off a piece of pumpkin pie for your furry friend; instead, serve plain canned pumpkin as is.
-
Apples - Apples are a great source of fiber for your dog that will help fill them up. Share an apple with your furry friend by cutting it up into pieces. You’ll want to be sure to avoid apple seeds since they aren’t good for your dog.
-
Sweet potato - Baked or roasted sweet potatoes are a wonderful food to share and an excellent source of fiber. Serve your canine friend a sweet potato cut into pieces.
-
Turkey - Turkey is a great source of protein, riboflavin, and phosphorus. Share non-fatty, lean turkey breast with your dog without any other fixings like gravy or stuffing.
-
Green Beans - Low in calories and high in fiber, green beans are a great choice for your dog. Green beans also contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K. Serve your canine plain, no-salt green beans.
Fall Foods Dogs Should Avoid
Here are some fall foods you should not serve your four-legged friend.
-
Chocolate/Halloween Candy - Sweets are a no-no for dogs. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which dogs don’t digest well and can be highly toxic, and even deadly to your pet.
-
Alcohol or Spiked Cider - All types of alcohol should be kept away from your canine companion as they can be poisonous to dogs.
-
Onions and Garlic - All members of the allium family are toxic to dogs as they do damage to their red blood cells. Onions are among the most dangerous foods for dogs to eat.
-
Grapes - Grapes contain tartaric acid and can be extremely harmful to your dog. Be sure to check foods where grapes like to hide such as fruit and chicken salads. Raisins are also toxic to dogs - even one or two can cause serious issues.
-
Ham, Turkey, Chicken, and Steak Bones - All cooked bones aren’t safe for dogs. Bones can splinter and do serious damage to a dog’s esophagus, stomach, or intestinal tract. Make sure that you walk cooked bones out of the garbage cans outside to ensure your furry friend won’t dive into the trash to sneak them out.
It’s wonderful when you and your pup can share healthy fall foods. Be sure to practice moderation and serve foods only as directed. If your dog eats one of the foods to avoid, be sure to monitor them closely, and reach out to your vet if you are worried. You can also call the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Hotline at 888.426.4435 to speak with a professional if you believe your dog has eaten something toxic.
