Foods Your Pets Should Not Eat

Many foods we eat are not pet friendly. Take time to become familiar with this list to ensure you are not endangering your pet this Thanksgiving: 

• Turkey bones. Turkey bones are a choking hazard. If your pet does manage to swallow one, it's possible the bones can puncture their organs (like the stomach), which could result in serious injuries. 
• Turkey skin. Fatty foods like turkey skin can wreak havoc on an animal's digestive system. With enough fat, the pancreas can become inflamed and cause pancreatitis. 
• Stuffing. Most stuffing recipes include three ingredients that are toxic to pets: scallions, garlic, and onions. Unless you make your stuffing from scratch and omit these ingredients, it's safer to avoid giving your pet stuffing this Thanksgiving.  
• Mushrooms. Dogs and mushrooms do not mix well. It's possible for your dog to experience vomiting and seizures after consuming mushrooms. 
• Nutmeg. Due to its mild hallucinogenic property, nutmeg can negatively impact pets. They may experience vomiting or seizures. If you are giving your pet sweet potatoes, make sure they are nutmeg free. 
• Alcohol. Your pet should never have alcohol under any circumstances. It can result in a long list of medical issues and cause death.
• Nuts. Nuts are incredibly high in fats, which are difficult for pets to digest. Avoid feeding your pet nuts if you want to help prevent pancreatitis. 
• Dough. Yeast can cause life-threatening illnesses in pets. Feeding raw dough to pets can cause them to suffer painful symptoms and often results in emergency hospitalization. 

Pets are like family, and you want to keep them safe. They might whine or beg, but be sure to keep these foods away from your pets this Thanksgiving. They may not appreciate it, but you will still have them around for another Thanksgiving next year. If you need a new place for you and your pets, contact our office to learn which floor plans are still available.

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Ham

Ham has long been an alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving. In fact, at many large gatherings, you can often find both ham and turkey served. Ham pairs well with all of the traditional side dishes that are served on Thanksgiving, making it a great choice for those who need a turkey substitution or for those who want to offer a different type of meat to their guests. 

Seafood Dishes

When you think of Thanksgiving, seafood is not typically what comes to mind. However, seafood can be a great addition to a turkey or can be served as a main course. Salmon can be paired with traditional Thanksgiving fruits, such as cranberry or pomegranate, which creates a seasonally-appropriate meal for those who may not like turkey. If you're looking for a high-end seafood option, both bouillabaisse or lobster tails can be served. 

Vegetarian Options

If you have vegetarians in your family, pumpkin ravioli and butternut squash dishes can help to fill up your non-meat eaters. While there are plenty of side dishes vegetarians can fill up on, providing them with a main dish helps to make them feel included and ensures they get a well-balanced meal. These types of dishes are both earthy and hearty, which is perfect for Thanksgiving.

Chicken

Finally, chicken can be served as an alternative to turkey. Chicken is versatile and can be prepared in a number of ways to help it feel more like a Thanksgiving dish. For example, chicken can be prepared with apricots or apples. It can be served with green beans or squash. Mix and match your favorite fall fruits and vegetables to create a wonderful Thanksgiving main dish. 

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all of the things you're thankful for. If you're looking for apartments in Denver, Colorado, you may be thankful to find the perfect new place to call home. The Apartments at Denver Place offers amazing views, a long list of amenities, and spacious floor plans. Contact us today to discuss the availability of our apartments. 

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Bruschetta

With a loaf of French bread and some canned or jarred bruschetta, you can create this appetizer quickly in your Denver apartment. Bruschetta comes in a few varieties, but many grocery stores have at least the standard tomato version on the shelf. You can stock up for when guests arrive.

Slice French bread about 1-inch thick and put on a baking pan. Toast in the oven at 350 degrees just long enough for bread to start to brown (about 3 to 5 minutes). While toasting, open a jar of bruschetta. When bread is toasted, put about 1 teaspoon of bruschetta on each slice. Place on a plate and serve.

Optional variations:

Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top of bread when toasting; then add bruschetta.

Stuffed Olives

Stuffed olives can be made quickly and served immediately. All you need are black or green olives already pitted and a can of almonds. To prepare, open the can or jar of already-pitted olives, drain the liquid, and pat dry with a paper towel. Then open the can of whole almonds, and put one almond inside each olive. Put toothpicks in each one and put on a plate and serve.

Optional variations:

Stuff olives with cream cheese or cheese spread.

Vegetables and Dip

Creating a veggie and dip tray is easy to do. This idea works best if you buy fresh veggies ready to serve such as small, peeled carrots, green beans or cherry tomatoes. Place veggies on a tray and then make the dip. All you need is a package of dip seasoning and a small container of either sour cream or plain yogurt. Mix in seasoning and serve with veggies.

Your friends and loved ones will feel right at home with your quick appetizer recipes. Contact us for information about our available apartments in Denver.

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