Thanksgiving foods dogs can eat (plain)
Serve small amounts, cooked plain, with no butter, salt, onion or garlic.
| Item | Safety | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | In moderation | White meat, no skin, no bones, no gravy. |
| Sweet Potatoes | Safe | Plain baked or mashed, no butter, sugar or marshmallows. |
| Green Beans | Safe | Plain steamed, not the casserole with fried onions. |
| Pumpkin | Safe | Plain canned pumpkin, not pie filling. |
| Cranberries | In moderation | Plain fresh or dried in small amounts; sauce is sugary. |
| Potatoes | In moderation | Plain boiled or baked; mashed potatoes usually contain butter, milk and garlic. |
| Apples | Safe | Slices without core or seeds. |
| Carrots | Safe | Raw or steamed plain. |
Thanksgiving foods dogs should not eat
| Item | Safety | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey skin, fat and gravy | Caution | High fat is a common cause of pancreatitis after holidays. |
| Turkey bones | Dangerous | Cooked bones splinter: choking, injuries and blockages. My dog ate a bone |
| Stuffing | Toxic | Contains onion, garlic, leeks or chives, which damage red blood cells. |
| Ham | Caution | Very salty and fatty. |
| Bread | In moderation | Baked rolls are OK in tiny amounts, but raw yeast dough is dangerous. |
| Pumpkin pie | Caution | Sugar, fat, nutmeg, and some recipes use xylitol. |
| Grapes | Toxic | Also raisins in stuffing and desserts: kidney failure risk. |
| Chocolate | Toxic | Chocolate desserts and pecan pie with chocolate. |
| Corn | In moderation | Kernels are fine, but corn cobs cause blockages. |
| Alcohol | Toxic | Even small amounts can cause vomiting, wobbliness and low blood sugar. |
Cats at Thanksgiving
Cats can have a little plain turkey breast. Keep them away from onions and garlic (cats are even more sensitive than dogs), the string used to truss the turkey, and lily-filled centerpieces, which are deadly to cats.
How to make a dog-friendly Thanksgiving plate
- Set aside plain, unseasoned portions before adding butter and spices.
- Use a small handful: holiday "extras" still count toward the 10% treat budget.
- Ask guests not to feed your dog, and secure the trash, where bones and string end up.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
Yes, a little plain white meat without skin, bones or gravy is fine.
Can dogs eat stuffing?
No. Stuffing usually contains onion and garlic, which are toxic to dogs, plus fat and salt.
Can dogs eat mashed potatoes?
Plain mashed potato is fine in small amounts, but most recipes include butter, milk, salt and sometimes garlic.
My dog ate turkey bones. What should I do?
Do not induce vomiting. Call your vet and watch for vomiting, straining, lethargy or a painful belly over the next 72 hours.