by Shae Marcus

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate gratitude, family, and of course, food—and for many of us, that includes our four-legged family members waiting patiently under the table. While it’s tempting to share a bite or two with our furry friends, not everything on the Thanksgiving spread is safe for pets.

Let’s start with the star of the show—turkey. A little plain, skinless turkey meat is perfectly fine for most dogs and cats and even offers a lean source of protein. But skip the skin, bones and rich gravies. The American Veterinary Medical Association warns that fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas, while cooked bones can easily splinter and cause choking or intestinal injuries.

Side dishes can be equally tricky. Ingredients like onions, garlic, scallions and chives—found in everything from stuffing to mashed potatoes—can damage red blood cells and lead to serious health problems. Dairy-heavy dishes such as mac and cheese or creamy potatoes may cause digestive distress, especially for lactose-intolerant pets.

And when it comes to desserts, the rule is simple: keep them human-only. Chocolate, xylitol (a sugar substitute), raisins and grapes are all toxic to pets, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Even pumpkin pie, with its sugar and spices, is off-limits—but a spoonful of plain canned pumpkin makes a healthy, fiber-rich treat.

One of the biggest Thanksgiving hazards, though, may be the trash can. Curious noses can find their way into discarded bones, string and foil wrappers—so be sure leftovers are out of reach, and keep pets away from the kitchen during cleanup.

To make pets feel included in the holiday feast, make them their own special plate: a little plain turkey, a spoonful of mashed sweet potato (no butter or marshmallows) and a few green beans. It’s simple, safe and sure to earn you a grateful tail wag or happy purr.

Thanksgiving is all about love, connection and gratitude—and that includes the unconditional love we receive from our pets. With a few mindful choices, we can ensure everyone at the table (and under it!) has a happy, healthy holiday.

PUMPKIN & OAT HOLIDAY BITES FOR PETS

•  1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)

• 2 ½ cups rolled oats

• 1 egg

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Blend oats into a course flour.

In a bowl, mix pumpkin, egg and flour until dough forms. Roll into small balls or flatten into biscuit shapes.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm. Cool completely before serving.

Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for later treats.