Don’t share that: Thanksgiving foods that can make your pet sick

As Minnesotans gather to give thanks this holiday season, many like to share something special with their pets. However, giving your furry friend the wrong thing could cause more distress than happiness.

The Animal Humane Society noted that many animal organizations and pet food companies offer special Thanksgiving treats for pets, but if you’d rather share your feast, you should avoid certain things.

Turkey bones are dangerous and can cause choking or gastrointestinal obstructions. As for foods, avoid sharing the following:

Desserts — chocolate is poisonous for both dogs and cats, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol is also toxic.

Garlic, onions and chives — They may add flavor to your food but irritate pet stomachs, with large amounts even being toxic.

Grapes and raisins — The sweet treats can cause kidney damage to pets.

Nuts — Salty or not, nuts can cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis for pets.

Salty snacks — They’ll cause excessive thirst and can lead to sodium poisoning.

AHS says a small bite or two of turkey is safe. However, you’ll want to avoid turkey skin and any pieces with spices, as they can wreak havoc on pet stomachs and make them feel lousy.

Plain pumpkin puree and unsweetened yogurt, in small amounts, are other special treats that are safe for pets.

Following those guidelines will help ensure you and your pet have a delicious and low-stress holiday.

The post Don’t share that: Thanksgiving foods that can make your pet sick first appeared on KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News.