Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family, and of course, food. As you gather around the table with loved ones, your dog is probably sitting nearby with those irresistible puppy eyes, hoping for a taste of the feast. While it's tempting to share the holiday spread with your furry friend, not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs.
Some can cause mild stomach upset, while others pose serious health risks. Knowing which foods are dog-friendly and which should stay off their plate will help you celebrate with your dog safely this holiday season.
Key Takeaways
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Plain turkey meat without bones or seasoning is safe for dogs in small portions.
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Many Thanksgiving staples like onions, garlic, grapes, and chocolate are toxic to dogs.
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High-fat foods such as gravy and buttery mashed potatoes can trigger pancreatitis in dogs.
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Always remove bones from turkey before offering any meat to your dog.
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Keep your dog's regular diet consistent even during the holidays to avoid digestive upset.
Safe Thanksgiving Foods Your Dog Can Enjoy
Plain Turkey (The Star of the Show)
Plain, cooked turkey is one of the safest Thanksgiving foods you can share with your dog. Turkey is a lean protein that many commercial dog foods already include, making it a familiar and digestible option. Just make sure the turkey is boneless, skinless, and free from seasoning, butter, or oils.
How to serve it safely:
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Remove all bones, skin, and fatty parts
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Skip the gravy and seasonings
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Offer small pieces as a special treat
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Avoid large portions that could upset their stomach
Dog-Friendly Vegetables
Several Thanksgiving vegetables are perfectly safe for dogs when prepared plain. These nutrient-rich options make wholesome treats without any health risks.
Safe vegetable options include:
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Sweet potatoes (plain, no marshmallows or butter)
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Green beans (steamed or boiled, no salt)
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Carrots (raw or cooked, no seasoning)
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Peas (plain, without butter or cream)
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, which can be beneficial for your dog's digestion. You can offer a small spoonful of mashed sweet potato or a few cubes of roasted sweet potato as a wholesome treat.
Related: Savoring Sustainability with Organic Wine
Plain Pumpkin and Apples
Plain pumpkin is safe and often recommended for dogs, especially for digestive health. Make sure it's pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar, spices, and other ingredients that aren't safe for dogs. A spoonful of plain pumpkin can even help settle an upset stomach or regulate digestion if your dog has eaten something they shouldn't have.
Apples are a crunchy, refreshing treat that most dogs enjoy. Remove the core and seeds before offering apple slices, as apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide that can be harmful in large quantities. A few thin slices make a safe, hydrating snack that's much healthier than processed dog treats.
Thanksgiving Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs
Some Thanksgiving staples are downright toxic to dogs. These items should never be offered to your pet, even in tiny amounts.
Highly Toxic Foods
Keep these far away from your dog:
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Turkey bones - Cooked bones become brittle and can splinter easily, causing choking, mouth injuries, or serious internal damage if swallowed. Always dispose of bones in a secure trash can where your dog can't access them.
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Onions and garlic - Whether raw, cooked, or powdered, these ingredients damage red blood cells and can lead to anemia. Since many Thanksgiving dishes like stuffing, gravy, and casseroles contain onions or garlic, it's best to keep these foods completely off-limits.
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Grapes and raisins - Extremely toxic to dogs, and even a small amount can cause kidney failure. If your Thanksgiving spread includes fruit salads or desserts with raisins, make sure they're stored safely away from your dog.
Related: Sip Right: Choosing the Healthiest Wine for You
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Chocolate - Thanksgiving desserts like chocolate pie, brownies, or chocolate-covered treats should be kept far out of reach. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, or seizures. If you're enjoying dessert wines or sweet wines with your meal, keep the chocolate pairings away from your pup.
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Xylitol - This artificial sweetener found in sugar-free baked goods, gum, and some peanut butters causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and can lead to liver failure. Always check labels on any human foods before sharing them with your dog.
Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid for Health Reasons
Not all dangerous foods are toxic. Some Thanksgiving dishes are simply too rich, fatty, or heavily seasoned for dogs to handle safely.
High-fat and rich foods to skip:
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Gravy (loaded with fat, salt, and seasonings)
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Stuffing (contains onions, garlic, and butter)
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Mashed potatoes (packed with butter, cream, and garlic)
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Casseroles (too rich and often contain toxic ingredients)
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Mac and cheese (high fat and sodium content)
High-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. Even if your dog has a strong stomach, the rich, fatty nature of these dishes makes them unsuitable for canine consumption.
Other Hazards to Watch For
Bread dough is a surprising hazard. If your dog gets into uncooked dough, it can expand in their stomach, causing bloating and severe discomfort. The yeast in the dough also produces alcohol as it ferments, which can lead to alcohol poisoning.
Alcohol in any form is toxic to dogs. Wine, beer, cocktails, and even dishes cooked with alcohol should never be given to dogs. If you're enjoying your own curated wine subscription box during the holiday, make sure your glass stays out of your dog's reach.
Nutmeg, a common spice in pumpkin pie and other Thanksgiving desserts, is toxic to dogs in large amounts. Symptoms of nutmeg poisoning include disorientation, increased heart rate, and seizures.
Keep Your Dog Safe and Happy This Thanksgiving
If you want to include your dog in the Thanksgiving festivities, consider preparing a small plate of dog-safe foods just for them. Plain turkey, sweet potato, and green beans make a simple, festive meal that your dog will appreciate. You can also look into wine gift boxes that include dog treats, so you and your pup can enjoy the holiday together safely.
Looking for a way to treat both yourself and your dog this season? Explore curated options that pair quality wines with natural dog treats, giving you peace of mind while celebrating. Shop the collection here.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy good food and great company, and your dog deserves to feel included. By sticking to safe, plain foods like turkey, sweet potatoes, and vegetables, you can share the holiday spirit without putting your dog's health at risk. Avoid the temptation to offer rich, seasoned, or toxic foods, and always keep dangerous items like bones, chocolate, and alcohol out of reach. With a little planning and awareness, you and your dog can enjoy a safe, happy Thanksgiving together.