Thanksgiving Foods Your Dog Can (and Can’t) Eat

Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year — full of family, food, and plenty of reasons to be thankful (especially if you’re a dog hoping for a dropped piece of turkey!). But before you let your pup join the feast, it’s important to know which foods are safe and which can lead to an emergency vet visit.

Let’s go over some of the most common holiday dishes and how to keep your dog safe this Thanksgiving.

Safe Foods: What Your Dog Can Eat in Moderation

Many Thanksgiving favorites can be shared, as long as they’re served plain and in small amounts.

1. Turkey (plain, cooked, no skin or bones)

A bite or two of plain, cooked turkey is perfectly fine. Just make sure there’s no butter, seasoning, or bones. Turkey skin and fatty scraps can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.

2. Sweet Potatoes & Pumpkin

These are packed with vitamins and fiber, great for dogs when cooked plain! Avoid recipes with butter, sugar, or marshmallows (like casseroles).

3. Green Beans

A healthy, crunchy snack your dog will love. Skip the casseroles and serve them plain for a safe veggie treat.

4. Apples

Crisp apple slices are a great low-calorie treat. Just make sure to remove the seeds and core.

5. Carrots & Peas

Both make great dog-friendly sides, raw or cooked plain. Avoid anything seasoned or mixed with cream or onion.

Dangerous Foods: What to Keep Off Your Dog’s Plate

Some traditional Thanksgiving dishes might look tempting, but they can be harmful or even toxic to dogs.

1. Turkey Skin, Bones, and Gravy

Bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries, while skin and gravy are loaded with fats and seasonings that can upset your dog’s stomach.

2. Stuffing & Casseroles

These usually contain onions, garlic, and butter, all of which are dangerous to dogs.

3. Mashed Potatoes

Plain potatoes are fine, but holiday mash usually includes butter, milk, salt, and sometimes garlic — a recipe for tummy trouble.

4. Desserts (especially pie and chocolate)

Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and chocolate desserts are off-limits. Sugar and spices like nutmeg can be harmful, and chocolate is toxic to dogs.

5. Bread Dough & Alcohol

Yeast dough can expand in your dog’s stomach, and alcohol, even in small amounts, can be extremely dangerous.

Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Food Ideas

Want your dog to feel included without risking their health? Here are a few simple, safe treats your pup will love:

Turkey & Sweet Potato Bites

• Combine cooked, unseasoned turkey and mashed sweet potato.

• Plop a spoonful into an ice cube tray or fun silicon mold and freeze for an easy, high-protein snack.

Pumpkin Pup Cups

• Mix canned pumpkin (not pie filling) with a spoonful of plain yogurt.

• Serve chilled or frozen in silicone molds.

Thanksgiving Dinner Bowl

• Small portions of plain turkey, peas, carrots, and sweet potato all mixed together.

• Perfect as a special “holiday meal” for your dog.

Apple Crunch Cookies

• Mix oat flour, unsweetened applesauce, and shredded carrot.

• Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until firm.

These are great ways to let your dog join in the celebration, without the risk of unsafe ingredients.

A Safe, Happy Thanksgiving for Every Pup

Thanksgiving is about gratitude, togetherness, and (of course) good food. With a little planning, you can include your dog in the fun while keeping them healthy and safe.

Remember: even safe foods should be given in moderation, and it’s always best to keep your pup’s regular diet consistent. If you’re ever unsure about a certain dish, it’s safest to skip it.