Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Should Never Eat
Some stuffing recipes also contain large amounts of butter, salt, and seasonings that can upset your dog’s digestive system.
What to do instead:
Keep stuffing on the dinner table and out of your dog’s reach.
If you want to give your dog a special holiday treat, stick with plain, dog-appropriate foods rather than sharing seasoned side dishes.
1. Gravy and Turkey Drippings
It’s tempting to pour a little gravy over your dog’s dinner, especially when everyone else is enjoying it.
Unfortunately, traditional Thanksgiving gravy isn’t a good choice for dogs.
Gravy often contains butter, meat drippings, salt, onions, garlic, and other seasonings.
Foods containing excessive fat can cause digestive problems and may trigger pancreatitis, a potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas.
What to do instead:
Skip the gravy entirely.
Your dog doesn’t need rich sauces or extra seasonings to enjoy a special meal. A small amount of plain, cooked turkey alongside their regular food is a better option.
2. Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are common ingredients in many Thanksgiving recipes.
You’ll often find them in:
- Stuffing
- Gravy
- Green bean casserole
- Mashed potatoes
- Sauces and marinades
- Seasoned vegetables
Both raw and cooked onions and garlic can be harmful to dogs.
They contain compounds that can damage red blood cells. Depending on the amount consumed, this can lead to anemia and other health complications.
Important: Don’t assume that cooked onions or garlic are safe. Cooking does not make these ingredients harmless to dogs.
Keep dishes containing onions and garlic away from your pet.
3. Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins are particularly dangerous because they are thanksgiving foods dogs can’t eat and can cause serious kidney damage in dogs.
They may appear in unexpected places during Thanksgiving, including:
- Fruit salads
- Desserts
- Stuffing recipes
- Baked goods
- Snack trays
One important thing to understand is that dogs can react differently to grape and raisin exposure. There isn’t a reliably safe amount to give your dog.
What to do instead:
Keep grapes, raisins, and foods containing them completely away from your dog.
If your dog eats any grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
4. Chocolate and Thanksgiving Desserts
Thanksgiving desserts are another potential danger for dogs.
Chocolate contains substances called theobromine and caffeine, which dogs cannot process as efficiently as humans.
Depending on the type and amount eaten, chocolate can cause serious poisoning and is a food toxic to dogs
Be especially careful with:
- Chocolate cakes
- Brownies
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Chocolate candies
- Chocolate-covered desserts
Dark chocolate and baking chocolate can be particularly dangerous.
Keep all chocolate desserts somewhere your dog cannot reach.
5. Sugar-Free Desserts Containing Xylitol
Some Thanksgiving desserts and baked goods contain artificial sweeteners.
One ingredient dog owners need to watch for is xylitol, which may also appear on labels as birch sugar.
Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs.
Even relatively small amounts can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar. More serious exposure can also result in liver damage.
Check ingredient labels carefully, especially on:
- Sugar-free baked goods
- Sugar-free candies
- Chewing gum
- Some peanut butter products
- Certain dessert ingredients
If your dog consumes something containing xylitol, seek veterinary help immediately.
6. Fatty Foods and Turkey Skin
Turkey skin might seem like a delicious treat to your dog, but it’s best to keep it off their plate.
Turkey skin, butter, bacon grease, meat drippings, and other fatty foods can upset a dog’s digestive system.
Large amounts of fatty foods may also trigger pancreatitis.
Signs of digestive problems can include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
What to do instead:
Remove the skin and visible fat before offering your dog a small amount of plain turkey meat.
Remember that your dog’s regular food is usually the safest choice for their main meal.
7. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are another food that should never be shared with dogs.
These nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms such as:
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Difficulty walking
- Increased body temperature
Macadamia nuts sometimes appear in cookies, desserts, and mixed nut bowls.
Keep these snacks well out of reach, and make sure guests understand that dogs shouldn’t be given nuts as treats.
8. Raw Bread Dough
Making homemade Thanksgiving rolls or bread?
Keep your dog away from uncooked yeast dough.
Raw bread dough can continue expanding inside a dog’s stomach, potentially causing dangerous bloating.
As the yeast ferments, it also produces alcohol, which can lead to alcohol poisoning.
This is one kitchen hazard that’s easy to overlook when you’re busy preparing holiday meals.
Keep rising dough covered and stored somewhere your dog cannot access.
9. Alcohol and Holiday Drinks
Whether it’s wine, cocktails, beer, or mixed drinks, alcoholic beverages should never be shared with dogs.
Alcohol can affect dogs much more severely than humans.
Even relatively small amounts can cause serious health problems.
Keep drinks on tables where pets cannot reach them, and clean up spills immediately.
Remember that alcohol can also be present in some desserts and uncooked dough.
What Thanksgiving Foods CAN Dogs Eat?
The good news is that your dog doesn’t have to feel left out of the Thanksgiving celebration!
There are several simple foodhat may be appropriate for dogs when prepared correctly and served in moderation.
Here are some options:
Plain Turkey
Fully cooked, boneless, skinless, unseasoned turkey meat can be offered in a small portion.
Avoid turkey skin, bones, gravy, and seasoned meat.
Plain Green Beans
Cooked or fresh plain green beans can make a simple dog-friendly treat.
Avoid green bean casserole because it often contains onions, garlic, cream, and other ingredients dogs should avoid.
Plain Pumpkin
Plain cooked pumpkin or canned pumpkin without added sugar or spices can be an occasional treat.
Make sure you don’t accidentally grab pumpkin pie filling, which may contain added ingredients unsuitable for dogs.
Plain Sweet Potatoes
Fully cooked, unseasoned sweet potatoes can be offered in small portions.
Avoid sweet potato casserole containing marshmallows, brown sugar, butter, or other rich ingredients.
Carrots
Plain carrots can make a simple snack for many dogs.
Serve them in appropriately sized pieces to reduce choking risks.
Apples
Small pieces of fresh apple can be an occasional treat.
Remove the seeds and core before offering them.
Remember: Moderation Matters!
Even foods that are generally safe for dogs can cause digestive upset if they eat too much.
Introduce unfamiliar foods carefully, keep portions small, and consider your dog’s individual dietary needs.
If your dog has food allergies, an existing medical condition, or a special diet, ask your veterinarian before introducing new foods.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe During Holiday Dinner And Info On How To Keep Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Should Never Eat Away From Your Furry Loved One
Food isn’t the only thing to think about when preparing for Thanksgiving.
A busy house, unfamiliar guests, and a kitchen full of delicious smells can create plenty of opportunities for curious dogs to get into trouble.
Here are some simple ways to make the holiday safer.
1. Keep Food Out of Reach
Don’t leave serving dishes, leftovers, or ingredients sitting where your dog can reach them.
Remember that some dogs are surprisingly good at getting onto counters and tables!
2. Secure Your Trash Can
Thanksgiving garbage can contain turkey bones, food scraps, chocolate wrappers, and other dangerous items.
Use a secure trash can with a lid, and consider keeping it behind a closed door.
3. Tell Guests Not to Feed Your Dog
Your family and friends may think they’re being kind by slipping your dog a little food under the table.
Unfortunately, they may not realize how dangerous certain ingredients can be.
Politely explain that your dog has a special diet and ask everyone to avoid sharing food.
4. Give Your Dog a Quiet Place to Relax
Thanksgiving gatherings can become overwhelming for some dogs.
Create a comfortable, quiet area where your dog can relax away from the noise and activity.
Provide fresh water, a comfortable bed, and a favorite toy.
5. Watch the Kitchen
During meal preparation, keep your dog away from hot cooking surfaces, sharp utensils, dropped food, and uncovered ingredients.
A baby gate or another safe barrier can help keep curious pets out of the kitchen.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Something Dangerous?
Accidents happen, especially during busy holiday celebrations.
If you discover that your dog has eaten something potentially toxic, don’t panic, but don’t wait to see whether symptoms develop.
Contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
You can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at:
(888) 426-4435
A consultation fee may apply.
When contacting a veterinary professional, try to provide:
- Your dog’s approximate weight.
- What food or ingredient was eaten.
- Approximately how much was consumed.
- When the incident happened.
- Any symptoms you’ve noticed.
Don’t attempt to make your dog vomit unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so.
Some toxic exposures can cause serious problems before obvious symptoms appear, so getting professional advice promptly is important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Foods and Dogs
Can dogs eat turkey on Thanksgiving?
Yes, dogs can generally eat a small amount of fully cooked, boneless, skinless, unseasoned turkey meat.
Avoid turkey bones, skin, gravy, and meat prepared with garlic, onions, or other potentially harmful seasonings.
Can dogs eat mashed potatoes?
Plain, fully cooked mashed potatoes may be acceptable in small amounts for many dogs.
However, traditional Thanksgiving mashed potatoes often contain butter, cream, garlic, onions, and salt.
It’s best to avoid sharing the seasoned version.
Is pumpkin pie safe for dogs?
Pumpkin itself can be an appropriate occasional treat when served plain.
However, pumpkin pie often contains added sugar, spices, and other ingredients that aren’t suitable for dogs.
Offer plain pumpkin instead, and avoid pumpkin pie filling.
Can dogs eat Thanksgiving stuffing?
No. Traditional stuffing often contains onions, garlic, seasonings, butter, and other ingredients that can be harmful to dogs.
It’s safest to keep stuffing off your dog’s menu.
Can dogs eat cranberry sauce?
It’s best to avoid sharing traditional cranberry sauce.
Many recipes contain large amounts of sugar, and some variations may include raisins, grapes, or other unsuitable ingredients.
Plain cranberries are a different matter, but they should only be offered in small amounts if appropriate for your dog.
What is the safest Thanksgiving treat for dogs?
A small portion of plain, fully cooked, boneless, skinless turkey is one option for dogs that can tolerate it.
You can also choose a familiar dog treat or a small amount of plain pumpkin.
Your dog’s normal food remains the best foundation for their diet.
Final Thoughts: Make Thanksgiving Safe for Your Best Friend
Thanksgiving is about spending time with the people and pets we love.
Although it can be tempting to share everything on your dinner plate with your dog, remember that many traditional holiday foods aren’t suitable for our furry family members.
Avoid dangerous ingredients, keep leftovers secured, and make sure everyone in your home understands which foods are off-limits.
If you want your dog to enjoy the celebration, prepare a small, dog-friendly treat using ingredients you know are appropriate.
A little preparation can go a long way toward preventing an unexpected trip to the emergency veterinarian.
From everyone at Zen Dog Life, we wish you and your four-legged family members a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving!
Because our dogs deserve to be part of the celebration, too. 🐾
Other useful resources for your furry friend:
Important Pet Health Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dogs have different dietary needs, and individual reactions to foods can vary. If your dog consumes a potentially toxic food or develops concerning symptoms, contact a veterinarian promptly.