Thanksgiving Foods Your Dog Can and Can’t Eat

Thanksgiving is a time for feasting, fun, and family—including our furry family members who, let’s be real, are probably sitting right under the table waiting for some of that delicious food to fall into their laps. It’s tempting to share a little holiday love with your dog, but before you do, you need to know which foods are safe and which could send you running to the emergency vet.

Sure, the turkey looks delicious, and your dog is giving you those puppy-dog eyes, but not all Thanksgiving dishes are dog-friendly. So let’s go over which Thanksgiving foods you can share with your pup and which ones are a hard pass. Because no one wants to spend Thanksgiving night at the vet!

Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Treats

While some dishes are off-limits, there are a few Thanksgiving foods that your dog can safely enjoy in small amounts. If you want to treat your dog to a taste of the holiday, here are some options that can be shared—just make sure to prepare them simply and avoid extra ingredients like butter, salt, or spices.

1. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are basically dog superfood. They’re rich in fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, which are all amazing for your dog’s health. Just make sure to keep them plain—no marshmallows, butter, or brown sugar (as delicious as that might sound to us). You can either mash them or serve small bites of cooked sweet potato to your dog for a healthy, safe treat.

2. Plain Turkey (Without Skin or Bones)

Yes, your dog can have turkey! But you’ll want to make sure it’s unseasoned, boneless, and skinless. Skip the buttery, herb-covered skin and any gravy, and only give them a small portion of plain, white meat. Turkey bones are a definite no-go—they can splinter and cause serious harm, from choking hazards to digestive injuries. If you want to avoid the hassle of separating out a dog-safe portion, you can also find some fun, Thanksgiving-flavored dog treats or canned dog food that’s safe and prepped for the occasion.

3. Green Beans

Green beans are packed with fiber and vitamins and make for a low-calorie, filling snack. Just be sure to serve them plain—no green bean casserole! That means no butter, no cream, and no fried onions. If your dog likes green beans, this can be a great addition to their Thanksgiving treat plate.

4. Apples

Who doesn’t love a crisp apple? Dogs do, too! Apples are full of vitamins A and C, and they have plenty of fiber. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core before offering your dog a slice, as apple seeds contain cyanide, which can be toxic in large quantities. Also, as much as you might want to share your slice of apple pie, leave that on your own plate.

5. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is another safe and nutritious food you can share with your dog, and it’s perfect for digestion. Just make sure it’s plain, cooked pumpkin—canned or roasted, both are fine. Pumpkin pie, on the other hand, is off-limits due to the sugar and spices. You can give your dog a spoonful of plain pumpkin puree mixed with their dinner for a little holiday flair.

6. Plain Peas

Plain, cooked peas are another healthy veggie you can share with your dog in moderation. Just skip the creamed peas or any casserole versions that have butter or heavy cream. Plain peas offer a good source of fiber and vitamins, making them a nice little addition to your dog’s holiday meal.

7. Plain Yogurt

If you want to give your dog a dessert-like treat, plain yogurt can be a good option. It’s loaded with calcium, protein, and probiotics, all of which are beneficial for your pup’s digestion. Just be sure to check the label for any added sugars or sweeteners—especially xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. You can mix the yogurt with a little pumpkin for an extra festive treat.

Foods to Avoid Giving Your Dog

While it might be fun to share a little Thanksgiving spirit with your dog, some foods are definitely off the menu. In fact, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times for emergency vet visits because dogs accidentally consume foods that aren’t safe for them. To keep your pup safe and happy, make sure you steer clear of these foods:

• Turkey bones, skin, and gravy
• Stuffing (contains onions, garlic, or herbs that are toxic to dogs)
• Casseroles (especially those with cream, butter, or fried ingredients)
• Mashed potatoes (butter, cream, and garlic make them unsafe)
• Raisins and grapes (highly toxic and can lead to kidney failure)
• Chocolate, pies, and sweets (chocolate and xylitol are dangerous)
• Ham (too fatty and salty for dogs)
• Yeast dough (can expand in their stomachs and cause issues)
• Alcohol (obviously a no-go!)

Post-Meal Precautions

Once dinner is done, and you’ve successfully avoided sharing any unsafe foods with your dog, there’s still one last thing to keep in mind—the trash!

Dogs are super sneaky when it comes to sniffing out leftovers, so make sure your trash is securely tied up and out of reach. You don’t want your dog getting into discarded turkey bones or greasy leftovers when you’re not looking.

If your dog does manage to sneak something they shouldn’t have, it’s important to seek help immediately. Keep the Pet Poison Helpline number handy or call your emergency vet if you notice any unusual symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or discomfort.

And while we’re all for holiday fun, it’s a good idea to remind your guests, especially any kiddos, not to feed your dog from their plates. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to sharing food with your pets.

Lastly, if your dog is prone to getting overly excited when guests are around, having something like the Joyride Harness can help keep them under control. Whether you’re managing their excitement during the family meal or taking them for a post-feast walk to burn off energy, the harness makes it easy to keep your dog calm and close by, ensuring a stress-free holiday for everyone.