Leaving Fido out of the Thanksgiving meal is one of the saddest things I've seen. Fido smells food being prepared and cooked all day but doesn't get to partake. Let's change that! Here's how to include him in the festivities.
Turkey Delight:
80% cooked white meat turkey (without the skin)
10% sweet potato (baked)
5% green beans (steamed)
5% cranberries (fresh is best)
While this meal is not balanced and should not be fed on a daily basis, it does provide several nutrients for your dog. Cranberries contain Quercetin which is considered "nature's Benadryl" and has anti-inflammatory properties. These berries also contain Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Manganese. Vitamin C supports immune regulation, Vitamin K supports metabolism, and Manganese supports healthy ligaments.
For picky eaters, you can puree the recipe and offer it on a lick mat. Cranberries as a stand alone item may be too tart for some dogs.
Cranberries are also known to lower the risk of UTI's in both humans and dogs. The natural sugar called D-mannose is the active ingredient that assists in this process. One study revealed that 85% of UTI's are related to E. coli. D-mannose blocks this bacteria's adhesion to the urinary tract cells which reduce the risk of UTI's.