Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratefulness, but it’s also a time when our dogs eagerly eye the dinner table in hopes of sharing in the feast. As much as we want to indulge our furry companions, it’s important to be mindful of which Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs and which can be harmful. While some traditional dishes are perfectly fine in moderation, others pose serious risks to your dog’s health.
This guide will walk you through dog-safe Thanksgiving foods, what to avoid, and tips for keeping your pet happy and healthy during the holiday season.
Disclaimer: I am not a certified professional; all information provided is based on my personal experience and research. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your dog, please contact your vet or a certified trainer. This post may include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase from these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchases.
Dog-Safe Thanksgiving Foods
It’s hard to resist those puppy-dog eyes staring at your plate, but fortunately, some Thanksgiving foods can be safely shared with your dog. Below are some of the best options:
- Plain Turkey (Without Skin or Seasoning)
- Turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving meal, and the good news is that plain, cooked turkey is safe for dogs. It’s an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for their muscle and overall health.
- What to Avoid: Make sure the turkey is plain, without any seasoning, skin, or bones. Turkey skin contains excess fat and seasoning that can upset your dog’s stomach, while the bones can splinter and cause choking or internal damage.
- Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes are a nutritious, dog-safe food rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and beta-carotene. They can be served plain or mashed, just as long as they haven’t been mixed with any spices or sweeteners.
- What to Avoid: Avoid candied sweet potatoes or sweet potato casseroles, which often contain added sugar, butter, or marshmallows—ingredients that can lead to digestive issues or pancreatitis in dogs.
- Green Beans
- Green beans are a great low-calorie treat for dogs and provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can be served steamed or raw, but make sure they are plain without any added seasonings, sauces, or butter.
- What to Avoid: Do not feed your dog green bean casserole. The creamy sauces, onions, and other ingredients used in this dish are harmful to dogs.
- Pumpkin (Plain, Cooked, or Canned)
- Pumpkin is a fiber-rich food that is excellent for a dog’s digestion. Plain, cooked pumpkin or canned pumpkin (without added sugar or spices) is safe to give your dog in small amounts.
- What to Avoid: Stay away from pumpkin pie filling or any pumpkin desserts. These typically contain sugar, nutmeg, and other spices that are toxic to dogs.
- Carrots
- Raw or cooked carrots are a crunchy, low-calorie treat that most dogs love. Carrots are full of vitamins and fiber, making them an excellent choice to share with your pet.
- What to Avoid: Avoid giving your dog carrots that have been cooked with butter, garlic, or seasoning.
- Apples (Without Seeds or Core)
- Apple slices make a sweet and safe treat for your dog, and they are full of fiber and vitamins. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core, as apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs in large amounts.
- What to Avoid: Stay away from any apple pies or desserts, as they often contain sugar and spices that could be harmful.
Foods to Avoid Giving Your Dog at Thanksgiving
Now that we’ve covered what dogs can safely eat, let’s take a look at the foods you should avoid sharing with your furry friend. Many Thanksgiving dishes are laden with ingredients that are harmful or toxic to dogs.
- Stuffing
- Stuffing is one of the most dangerous Thanksgiving foods for dogs. It often contains onions, garlic, and other seasonings that are toxic to dogs. Even in small amounts, these ingredients can cause serious gastrointestinal issues and even damage to red blood cells.
- Gravy
- Gravy might seem like a harmless topping, but it is usually high in fat, salt, and spices that can cause pancreatitis in dogs. Fatty foods like gravy can also lead to obesity and other long-term health problems.
- Mashed Potatoes (With Add-Ins)
- Plain, unseasoned mashed potatoes are technically safe for dogs, but many Thanksgiving mashed potatoes are prepared with butter, cream, and garlic—all of which are harmful to dogs.
- Tip: If you want to share mashed potatoes, set aside a small portion before adding any ingredients and serve them plain to your dog.
- Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberries themselves are safe for dogs, but most cranberry sauces are loaded with sugar, and some even contain raisins, which are toxic to dogs. Always check the ingredients carefully, and it’s best to avoid sharing this side dish altogether.
- Desserts (Pies, Cakes, Cookies)
- Thanksgiving desserts like pies, cakes, and cookies are packed with sugar, spices, and sometimes chocolate, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Keep all desserts out of reach, and make sure your dog doesn’t accidentally get into any sweets.
- Bread Dough
- Unbaked bread dough containing yeast can expand in a dog’s stomach, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or bloat. This can cause extreme discomfort, vomiting, and in severe cases, requires emergency surgery.
General Tips for Feeding Your Dog During Thanksgiving
- Moderation is Key: Even though some Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs, it’s important to feed them in moderation. Too much human food, even the safe kinds, can upset your dog’s stomach or contribute to weight gain.
- Keep Bones Away: Cooked turkey bones and other bones can splinter and cause choking or severe internal damage to your dog’s digestive system.
- Avoid Alcohol: Never give your dog alcohol, as it is highly toxic and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
- Stick to Their Regular Diet: While it’s tempting to share the holiday feast, try to keep your dog on their regular diet as much as possible. If you want to make them feel special, consider giving them a small amount of their favorite dog-safe treats or preparing a dog-friendly version of a Thanksgiving dish.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and sharing, but when it comes to your dog, it’s crucial to know which foods are safe and which could be harmful. Stick to plain turkey, sweet potatoes, and vegetables like green beans and carrots, and avoid anything with added seasonings, sugar, or fat. By being mindful of what you share with your furry friend, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving for the entire family, dogs included.
Remember to always consult with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about a particular food, and when in doubt, it’s best to play it safe and stick to your dog’s regular food and treats.