What Food Can My Dog Eat at Thanksgiving and What Must be Avoided?
Key Takeaways:
- Dogs can eat some Thanksgiving foods, but only if they are plain, cooked, and unseasoned.
- Safe options include plain turkey meat, sweet potatoes, pumpkin purée, green beans, carrots, apples, peas, cranberries, plain bread, and corn kernels.
- Avoid giving dogs fatty, greasy, salty, or seasoned dishes.
- Never feed dogs onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, xylitol, or raw bread dough.
- Many holiday foods like casseroles, gravies, sauces, and pies contain hidden ingredients that are unsafe for dogs.
- Plain and Simple Rule, if the food isn’t plain and unseasoned, your dog shouldn’t eat it.
Thanksgiving is a day full of good food, warm company, and gratitude. And if you have a dog, you know they’ll be right there watching your plate with hopeful eyes.
But before giving in to those puppy-dog stares, it’s important to know: What Thanksgiving food for dogs is actually safe to share?
This guide shows you which Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs, which ones to avoid, and how to keep your pup safe during the holiday.
Can Dogs Eat Thanksgiving Foods?
Yes, dogs can eat some Thanksgiving foods, but not all. Many dishes that start as healthy ingredients become unsafe once butter, salt, sugar, spices, or sauces are added.
Examples:
- Plain turkey = safe. Turkey skin, bones, and gravy = unsafe.
- Plain vegetables = safe. Casseroles and seasoned dishes = unsafe.
- Plain pumpkin = safe. Pumpkin pie filling = unsafe.
Serving food plain and separate from the table ensures your dog enjoys Thanksgiving safely.
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs to Eat
Dogs can enjoy a few classic Thanksgiving ingredients, but only in their plain, unseasoned form. No butter, no spices, no sauces.
1. Plain Turkey Meat
If your dog eats turkey regularly, this part feels familiar. Plain, cooked turkey meat is one of the safest Thanksgiving foods for dogs because it’s lean and protein-rich. Just make sure it’s:
- Boneless
- Skinless
- Completely unseasoned
Turkey skin and drippings are too fatty and can trigger pancreatitis.
2. Pumpkin (Not Pie Filling)
Pumpkin is a superfood for dog, especially for digestion. Rich in fiber, it can ease constipation and diarrhea. Serve cooked pumpkin or canned pumpkin (without added sugars or spices).
Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which often contains harmful spices and sugars.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They support digestion and boost immunity [source]. Serve them cooked and unseasoned. Avoid candied sweet potatoes or dishes with spices and sugar.
4. Apples
Apples make a sweet and healthy treat for your pup. They are a great source of vitamins A and C and dietary fiber, which help maintain your dog’s skin and coat [source].
Remove the seeds and core before serving, as apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Ensure that apples are fresh and unseasoned with no added sugar, caramel, or pie spices.
5. Green Beans
Dogs can enjoy green beans that are steamed or boiled without seasonings. They’re filling, low-calorie, and packed with fiber. Avoid casserole, as they often include cream, onions, or garlic.
6. Peas
Simple green peas(fresh or frozen), are a healthy snack packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re easy to digest and can help regulate your dog’s digestive system. Canned peas are often high in sodium and should be avoided.
7. Carrots
Raw or lightly steamed carrots make an excellent crunchy snack during Thanksgiving prep. They’re nutritious, low in calories, and easy to digest. Just don’t add butter or salt.
8. Cranberries
Cranberries are safe for dogs in small amounts. They also give your dog helpful vitamins and antioxidants.. You can offer them fresh or dried, but only in small amounts. Avoid cranberry sauces with added sugars, alcohol, or spices.
9. Broccoli
Broccoli is another nutritious vegetable that can be a healthy Thanksgiving treat. It’s high in fiber and vitamin C. Offer it plain and cooked to make it easier for your dog to digest.
Broccoli should be given in moderation as overfeeding it can cause stomach upset due to its isothiocyanate content.
Must-Avoid Thanksgiving Foods for Your Dog
Only some things on the Thanksgiving table are safe for your furry friend. Here are some foods to keep away from your dog:
1. Fatty, Greasy, or Creamy Foods
These can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, or pancreatitis. Keep them away from:
- Creamy casseroles
- Mashed potatoes with butter
- Gravy
- Stuffing
These dishes are usually loaded with fat, seasonings, and onions.
2. Anything With Seasonings
Thanksgiving recipes often include ingredients dogs cannot tolerate:
- Salt
- Garlic
- Onion
- Butter
- Herbs
3. Cooked Bones
Turkey bones become brittle after cooking and can splinter, causing choking or internal injuries. Bones and skin should be tossed, not shared.
4. Candy/Chocolates
Chocolate is toxic to dogs, as it contains theobromine, which their bodies can’t process. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and seizures.
5. Grapes/Raisins
Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. Even small amounts can lead to severe health problems, so keep these fruits away from your dog at all costs.
6. Products with Xylitol
Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in many baked goods and sugar-free products, is highly toxic to dogs. It can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, leading to seizures, and liver failure.
If your dog eats something toxic and starts to vomit, have diarrhea, drool nonstop, or get a fever, call your vet right away.
Try to have information handy about what your dog ingested, how much, and when it happened. Taking quick action could make a significant difference in your dog’s health and recovery.
How to Keep My Dog Safe on Thanksgiving
Follow these tips to ensure your dog stays healthy and happy during Thanksgiving.
- Prepare Before: Give your dog their treats before dinner to reduce begging.
- Keep food out of reach: Place food on counters or tables where your dog can’t access it.
- Create a dog-safe plate: Prepare a separate dish with plain, dog-friendly foods.
- Educate guests: Inform your family and friends about what foods your dog can and cannot eat.
- Supervise during meals: Watch your dog closely to prevent sneaky snacking on harmful foods.
- Offer distractions: Give your dog a distraction, like a long-lasting yak chew, to keep them busy while you cook.
Can You Make a Mini Thanksgiving Plate for Your Dog?
Absolutely, just keep it simple and safe. Here’s an easy dog-friendly Thanksgiving plate idea:
- 2-3 small cubes of plain turkey
- A spoon of cooked sweet potato
- A spoon of pumpkin puree
- A few green beans or carrots
That’s it: festive, safe, and gentle on the stomach.
Can Dogs Eat Thanksgiving Stuffing?
No, dogs should not eat Thanksgiving stuffing. Traditional stuffing often contains onions, garlic, butter, and seasonings that are toxic to dogs.
Plain bread is safe in a small amount. But stuffing and bread with spices, preservatives, raisins, or garlic are not safe for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Thanksgiving Leftovers?
It depends on what the leftovers are. Plain, dog-safe foods like turkey meat, green beans, and sweet potatoes can be given in moderation.
However, avoid giving your dog heavily seasoned or fatty dishes. Leftovers should also be free of harmful ingredients like onions, garlic, or gravy.
Can my dog eat mashed potatoes?
Yes, plain mashed potatoes are safe for dogs in moderation. However, ensure they are unseasoned and made without butter or milk, especially for dogs that may be lactose intolerant.
Can dogs have gravy?
Commercial gravies are generally not safe for dogs due to their high-fat content and harmful seasonings.
However, small amounts of homemade gravy made without salt or seasonings may be acceptable as an occasional treat.
Can dogs eat cooked ham?
No. Cooked ham is not recommended for dogs as it is high in salt and fat, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis. It's best to avoid feeding your dog ham altogether.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to share joy with your loved ones, including your furry family members.
When you know what foods are safe and unsafe, you can let your dog join the holiday fun without risking their health.
Stick to simple, unseasoned options, and always prioritize your dog’s well-being.
Related Articles You Be Interested In:
