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

Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and festive fun, but while you’re indulging, your dog will likely be on high alert for dropped morsels or sneaky tastes of your feast. However, not everything on your table is safe for your furry friend. Here’s a breakdown of what foods your dog can and can’t eat this Thanksgiving, so you can keep them happy and healthy during the holiday.

Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs

The good news? Some Thanksgiving dishes are perfectly safe in moderation!

1. Turkey (Plain, No Skin or Bones)

• Skinless, cooked turkey is a great source of lean protein. Just make sure it's plain, with no seasoning, butter, or gravy.

2. Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Without Butter or Sugar)

• Packed with vitamins A and C, plain mashed sweet potatoes make a nutritious treat. Skip the marshmallows and sugar, though.

3. Green Beans (Steamed, No Additives)

• Rich in fiber and vitamins, plain green beans are a healthy snack for dogs. Avoid adding garlic, onions, or salt.

4. Pumpkin (Pure, Not Pie)

• Canned pumpkin is excellent for digestion. However, pumpkin pie, with sugar and spices, is off-limits.

Thanksgiving Foods Your Dog Should Avoid

Unfortunately, many common holiday dishes can harm dogs. Here are the top foods to avoid:

1. Stuffing and Gravy

• Often filled with onions, garlic, and rich fats, both are toxic to dogs and can upset their stomachs.

2. Turkey Skin and Bones

• The skin is high in fat, which can cause pancreatitis, and bones can splinter, posing choking hazards.

3. Cranberry Sauce

• Too much sugar (and sometimes xylitol) makes cranberry sauce a bad choice for dogs.

4. Bread Dough

• Raw yeast dough can expand in a dog’s stomach, leading to bloating and serious health issues.

5. Desserts (Especially Chocolate)

• Chocolate, raisins, and artificial sweeteners like xylitol are highly toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs.

Tips for a Dog-Safe Thanksgiving

Prepare a Dog-Friendly Plate: Set aside some plain turkey, green beans, and sweet potatoes for your pup to enjoy.

• Keep Food Out of Reach: Assign someone to watch food that’s within your dog’s reach to prevent sneaky snacking.

• Provide Distractions: Give your dog a new toy or long-lasting chew to keep them occupied during dinner.

• Know Emergency Contacts: Save the number of your veterinarian and the Pet Poison Helpline just in case.

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy good food with loved ones, including your dog! Just make sure they stick to safe foods so everyone can have a stress-free holiday.