The holidays are a time to cherish our closest family and friends. For many, this includes our beloved four-legged companions.

It’s important to be mindful that, while we can feast on Thanksgiving foods like turkey, pumpkin pie, and stuffing, certain foods can land your dog in the vet.

Though it may be tempting to let them lick the plate, these are foods you should avoid giving them this holiday season that have potentially unsafe or unhealthy ingredients, according to the American Kennel Club:

• Turkey bones, skin or gravy
• Stuffing
• Casseroles
• Mashed Potatoes 
• Chocolate, cookies, pies, sweets with xylitol
• Alcohol 
• Raisins and grapes
• Onions 
• Garlic
• Ham
• Yeast dough
• Fatty foods
• Seasoned foods

While you may feel like a scrooge keeping these goodies away from your furry companion(s), there are still quite a few foods they can enjoy with the family:

• Sweet potatoes with no added ingredients 
• Boiled or baked potatoes without butter, sour cream, salt or pepper 
• Apples (be sure to remove the seeds)
• Turkey meat, no bone or skin
• Green Beans
• Plain peas
• Pumpkin, pure pumpkin puree

At the end of your meal, don’t forget to secure your trash. This will ensure your dog isn’t able to get ahold of the food you were previously successful in keeping away from them.

If your furry friend does happen to ingest something that they weren’t supposed to, don’t hesitate to contact your nearest emergency veterinarian.