Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat Safely

Thanksgiving Dinner, Through Your Dog's Eyes

Thanksgiving is a feast for the senses, and your dog knows it. The smell of roasting turkey, the clatter of plates, and guests sneaking treats under the table can turn even a well-behaved pup into a hopeful beggar. Sharing a little holiday joy is wonderful, but not every dish on the table is safe for dogs. Some Thanksgiving foods are perfectly fine in small portions, while others can cause stomach upset or a serious emergency. Knowing the difference ahead of time means your dog can enjoy the holiday safely, right by your side.

Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Can Eat

When you want to include your dog in the celebration, stick to plain, unseasoned versions of these holiday staples, and keep portions small. Treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog's daily calories.

Plain Turkey Meat

Yes, dogs can eat turkey, as long as it is plain, cooked, boneless, and skinless. Remove all bones, which can splinter, and skip the crispy skin, which is high in fat and can trigger pancreatitis. A few small pieces of white meat are plenty.

Sweet Potatoes and Pumpkin

Plain cooked sweet potatoes and plain pumpkin puree are both dog-friendly and rich in fiber and vitamins. Serve them without butter, sugar, marshmallows, or spices. Pumpkin pie filling, however, is a different story, so save that for the humans.

Green Beans and Carrots

Plain steamed green beans and carrots make excellent low-calorie treats. Just skip the green bean casserole, which usually contains cream soup, fried onions, and extra salt and fat that dogs do not need.

Plain Mashed Potatoes and Cranberries

A spoonful of plain mashed potatoes without butter, milk, or garlic is fine for most dogs. Fresh or dried cranberries in small amounts are also safe, but cranberry sauce is often loaded with sugar, so offer it sparingly or not at all.

Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Should Avoid

Some holiday favorites are dangerous for dogs, even in small bites. Keep these dishes well out of reach, and let guests know the rules before dinner.

Stuffing, Gravy, and Seasoned Dishes

Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, and herbs that are toxic to dogs. Gravy is typically high in fat and salt, and many recipes include onion or garlic as well. Seasoned, buttered, or fried foods can upset your dog's stomach and, in larger amounts, cause pancreatitis.

Chocolate, Raisins, and Desserts

Chocolate and raisins are both toxic to dogs, and they hide in many desserts, from chocolate pie to fruitcake and cookies. Xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free treats, is extremely dangerous for dogs. When in doubt, keep all desserts on the human side of the table.

Bones, Skin, and Leftovers

Cooked turkey bones can splinter and injure your dog's mouth, throat, or digestive tract, so never hand over a bone from the table. Fatty skin, turkey drippings, and rich leftovers can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, or worse. Bag up scraps promptly and keep the trash can secured.

Tips for a Dog-Safe Thanksgiving

Prepare a small dog-safe plate before the meal so you are not tempted to share from your own plate. Feed your dog at the usual time so they are not overly hungry when guests arrive, and give them a long-lasting chew or puzzle toy to keep them busy during dinner. If your dog does eat something questionable, note what and how much, and call your veterinarian or an animal poison hotline right away.

With a little planning, Thanksgiving can be a happy day for the whole family. Stick to the safe list and enjoy the holiday together.