What Not to Feed Your Pet This Thanksgiving: Houston SPCA Warns of Hidden Dangers
As families across the Greater Houston area prepare their Thanksgiving feasts, local animal welfare experts are urging residents to consider how holiday festivities might affect their four-legged companions. The Houston SPCA, a leading voice in pet welfare and rescue, has released key safety tips to help ensure pets stay healthy and happy this Thanksgiving.
From heaping plates of turkey and stuffing to decadent desserts, Thanksgiving is a time of indulgence for many. But what’s delicious for people can be dangerous—or even deadly—for pets.
"It’s very common to see a spike in emergency veterinary visits around the holidays," says the Houston SPCA, "often due to pets eating things they shouldn’t." That’s why knowing what’s safe—and what’s not—can make all the difference.
Table Scraps Are Not Pet Snacks
While it’s tempting to share the holiday spirit with your pets, experts warn that most Thanksgiving foods should be off-limits. Common ingredients like onions, garlic, leeks, and chives—often used in stuffing and casseroles—can be toxic to both dogs and cats. Rich, fatty foods like turkey skin, gravy, or buttery sides can also lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially dangerous inflammation of the pancreas.
Instead, Houston SPCA recommends sticking to your pet’s regular diet during the holiday. "Keeping pets on their normal feeding routine not only supports their digestion, but also reduces the likelihood of them begging at the table or sneaking food when no one’s looking."
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Don’t Let Turkey Bones Be a Holiday Hazard
Cooked turkey bones may seem like a festive treat, but they can splinter easily, causing choking, intestinal blockages, or internal injuries. Dispose of all bones in a tightly sealed trash can and make sure pets can’t rummage through the garbage while you’re busy entertaining.
If you want to spoil your pet, consider picking up a pet-friendly chew or special treat from a local Houston pet store—or ask your vet for safe options.
Holiday Desserts Are for Humans Only
Chocolate, macadamia nuts, raisins, and the sugar substitute xylitol are all commonly found in desserts and baked goods—and all are toxic to pets. Chocolate in particular contains theobromine, which can cause vomiting, seizures, or worse in dogs. Keep desserts far out of reach and talk to kids and guests about not feeding your pets from their plates.
Pet-Safe Vegetables? Yes, With Caution
Vegetable dishes can be a healthy treat for pets, but only if they’re served plain. Before seasoning or adding butter, salt, or sauces, set aside a small portion of cooked green beans, sweet potatoes, or carrots. "A spoonful of plain veggies can be a nice, nutritious treat—but only if it’s free of added ingredients," the Houston SPCA advises.
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Additional Safety Tips for Pet Owners This Thanksgiving
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Secure trash cans: Pets can smell leftovers a mile away. Use bins with lids and keep them in closed rooms or behind locked doors.
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Watch the doors: With guests coming and going, pets may slip outside. Make sure your pet is microchipped and wearing an up-to-date ID tag.
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Create a quiet space: Not all pets love company. Set up a calm, safe area where your pet can retreat if the excitement becomes too much.
Thanksgiving in Houston is a time to gather with family, reflect on gratitude, and enjoy good food. By taking a few simple precautions, families can make sure their furry friends are part of the celebration—without a trip to the emergency vet.
For more pet safety resources or to support the Houston SPCA’s work, visit houstonspca.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
