What Thanksgiving Foods Are Safe for Dogs?
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones—including our canine companions. While the dinner table overflows with delicious foods, not everything is safe for dogs. Knowing which favorites are okay to share can help you keep your pup healthy and happy during the festivities.
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs
Your dog can join in the holiday fun with a few classic dishes, as long as you know what’s safe food for dogs and what to avoid. Here’s a guide to dog-friendly Thanksgiving options:
- Plain Turkey: Lean, cooked turkey breast with no skin, bones, or seasoning is a good protein treat. Be sure to remove all fat, bones, and any gravy or spices before offering a small portion.
- Sweet Potatoes: Plain, cooked sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and vitamins. Skip the marshmallows, sugar, or toppings.
- Green Beans: Fresh or steamed green beans, without butter, onions, or garlic, make a crunchy, low-calorie snack for dogs.
- Carrots: Cooked or raw carrots are safe for dogs and provide a satisfying crunch.
- Pumpkin: Pure canned or cooked pumpkin (not the spiced pie filling) is gentle on canine stomachs and supports digestion.
- Apples: Sliced apples with the seeds and core removed can be a sweet, fiber-rich treat.
Offering these foods in moderation will keep your dog involved in the celebration without risking their health.
People Foods to Avoid During Thanksgiving
While it’s tempting to slip your pup a taste of everything, many traditional Thanksgiving dishes can be harmful. Some contain toxic ingredients, while others pose choking hazards or can upset digestion.
- Turkey skin, gravy, and stuffing: Fatty foods can upset a dog’s stomach or trigger pancreatitis. Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, and spices, all of which are unsafe.
- Mashed potatoes: These often include butter, milk, and salt, which aren’t good for dogs, and may also have garlic or onions.
- Desserts: Pumpkin pie, chocolate, and other sweet treats contain sugar, spices, and sometimes xylitol, all of which are dangerous for dogs.
- Cooked bones: Turkey and other poultry bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injury.
Let dinner guests know not to feed table scraps to your dog without asking first to prevent accidental harm.
Tips for Sharing Thanksgiving Safely
Including your dog in family celebrations doesn’t mean risking their health. A few precautions can keep everyone happy:
- Serve only unseasoned, plainly cooked foods.
- Present your dog’s special treat in their food bowl, not at the table.
- Offer small amounts to avoid digestive upset.
- Watch for allergic reactions—introduce new foods one at a time.
- Remind guests not to give your dog food without permission.
Managing Begging and Extra Treats
Dogs are quick to notice when delicious food is within reach. You can avoid unwanted begging or sneaky snacking by creating a distraction:
- Provide a stuffed toy or long-lasting chew.
- Set up a cozy spot away from the dining area for your pet.
- Give plenty of exercise before guests arrive to reduce excess energy.
Encouraging good behaviors during dinner keeps both your dog and your guests comfortable.
Signs Your Dog Ate Something Harmful
Even with vigilance, mishaps happen. If you suspect your dog has eaten something unsafe from the Thanksgiving table, watch for:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth
- Lethargy or restlessness
- Tremors, seizures, or difficulty walking
Should you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Fast action can prevent serious problems.
How to Make Your Own Dog-Friendly Treat
Want to treat your pup to something special? Whip up a simple, safe Thanksgiving snack just for them:
- Mix plain cooked turkey breast, mashed sweet potato, and green beans.
- Form small bite-sized balls or patties.
- Offer as a meal topper or treat, keeping portions sensible.
Homemade holiday treats let your pup enjoy the season without the risks of unknown additives or harmful ingredients.