Dog Thanksgiving Guide: Safe Thanksgiving Food for Dogs

It is turkey time! The day where all our loved ones come together to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast and celebration, including our dogs. While we might be tempted to allow our fur family to join in the Thanksgiving meal, it is important that we are mindful of their sensitive stomachs and different palates. Our dogs do not share the same digestive system as humans do, and some foods can be very toxic for our best friend. Your dog’s diet should always consist of a dog food that is 100 percent complete and balanced. If you occasionally give your dog people food, it is important to know what is potentially toxic. It is alright to give them foods, such as turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin in moderation; however, dogs should not have any bones, alcohol, fatty foods, or food that contains onion, garlic, or xylitol. 

Safe Thanksgiving Food for Dogs

As with any tasty treat, it is imperative that we feed dogs human foods in moderation during these special occasions. We also want to remember to proceed with caution before giving our buddy some delicious delicacies. Too much of a good thing, especially in enormous amounts, may lead to obesity and other weight issues, along with their associated health risks, such as diabetes. It is essential to limit Thanksgiving treats to no more than 10 percent of your dog’s total daily calorie intake. 

The following is a list of Thanksgiving foods that our Purina experts say are ok in moderation for your dog:

• Turkey Meat (no bones, no skin, no seasoning). Overall, turkey can be a tasty treat for your pooch. However, it is important to note that many seasonings are not good for dogs, and some seasonings can even be toxic. Furthermore, the bones and skin should be avoided, especially if the skin is cooked in butter or oil. If the turkey has pieces of skin, fat, or seasonings, then this increases the chances of your loved one having pancreatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, and more. Bones can also act as a choking hazard and can cause other health risks; therefore, they should be removed first. Remember to cut the turkey pieces into plain, bite-sized portions and your dog should be fine.  
• Pumpkin. Pumpkin is a safe option for dogs to eat. If you choose to feed your pup canned pumpkin, it is important to avoid the sugary or pre-spiced pumpkin pie mixes and stick to just the pure pumpkin purees. Depending on the size of your dog, it is best to limit them a couple of tablespoons of pumpkin puree so their tummies will not get upset from eating too much. You can even add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a tasty Thanksgiving dessert.  
• Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a nice treat to give your dog. If the sweet potatoes are not loaded with added ingredients like brown sugar, marshmallows, or maple syrup, your dog can enjoy this delicious side dish with you all. This is in moderation, of course. 
• Potatoes (cooked and no added ingredients or skin). Whether your buddy can eat potatoes or not will depend on how the potatoes are prepared. If the potatoes have a ton of added ingredients, such as the butter, milk, salt, and seasonings we sometimes see in mashed potatoes or French fries, then they are not healthy for dogs. Raw potatoes are also not good for dogs because they contain a substance called solanine, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. It is also good to remove the potato skins first, as the skin is difficult for dogs to digest and can cause an upset stomach. If the potatoes are boiled or cooked without all the extra ingredients added, then they should be a safe snack to feed your dog.  
• Apples. Apples are safe for pups to eat. While you might not want to give your dog apples inside recipes, such as apple pie, apple stuffing, apple salads, and more, it is fine to give your pup some slices of an apple. Make sure to wash the apple thoroughly to get rid of any pesticides or other contaminates; cut up the apple into a size your dog can eat; and remove the stem, core, and seeds as those can be a choking hazard, and the seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. You can even peel the apple if you would like to make it easier for your dog to digest and to reduce their fiber intake.  
• Green Beans. These incredible greens might be what your canine loves. They can be served to your dog raw, steamed, canned, or frozen. As with other ingredients on this list, the key is preparing them plain and without any seasonings. You can put aside a small bowl of plain green beans for your dog to enjoy with their Thanksgiving meal if this is a snack they love.  
• Cranberries. Cranberries can be a nice option to give your dog. However, not all dogs like the taste of cranberry. If you are using cranberry sauce, then it can be high in sugar content. Therefore, if you do decide to give your pup a taste, do it in a small amount.  
• Corn. Corn is another nice option for pups to eat and has that added crunch factor dogs love. Corn is also used in many nutritious dog foods. To feed your pup corn safely, make sure it is cooked and removed from the cob (to avoid a choking hazard) and unseasoned without butter. You can also feed your dog some unsalted canned corn as well.  
• Carrots. Carrots are fine in small portions. If your dog decides they want to try this snack, then feeding them a tiny bit of carrots should be alright and only as an occasional treat. If you do not add harmful ingredients to the carrots, your dog can eat this tasty side dish cooked, raw, steamed, and in many other ways. 
• Specific Nuts (peanut, cashew, etc.). Not all nuts are created equal and there are many nuts that can be toxic to your dog. However, there are a few that your dog can safely have. Peanuts, peanut butter (without xylitol), and cashews are a few examples of nuts that are fine to give to your loved one in tiny amounts. How much you give your dog is the most important aspect for any nut due to their high fat content and calorie count, which can lead to issues such as pancreatitis, obesity, and more. Therefore, giving this treat in moderation and as a rare snack is highly recommended.  
• Squash. Squash is a safe choice for your pup. The squash family includes zucchinis, acorn squash, butternut squash, and more.  
• Eggs. Eggs are a great food option that you can give your dog. If you do choose to give your dog this treat, make sure the eggs are cooked fully as raw eggs can give them Salmonella poisoning. Also, make sure the eggs are plain, unseasoned, and do not have added ingredients that could be harmful to your loved one.  
• Oats. Oats are safe to give to dogs if they are not mixed with ingredients which can harm them. You can give oats to your dog in moderation.  
• Rice. Rice is a safe way to fill up your hungry buddy during the holidays. Rice is used in many nutritious dog foods and is a treat most dogs enjoy.  
• Spinach. This is a tasty snack that your dog can eat. This might be a nice side dish your dog can enjoy in small amounts.  

What Thanksgiving Foods Can Dogs Not Eat?

The following is a list of Thanksgiving foods that our Purina experts say are not good or healthy to give dogs: 

• Turkey Bones, Skin, Drippings & Gravy. As mentioned above, bones, pieces of skin, fat, seasonings and even gravy can lead to serious health issues in your dog, such as pancreatitis and other digestive issues. The high fat content in these ingredients could lead to obesity and other weight concerns, and the bones could become a choking hazard or cause serious health risks, such as rectal bleeding from splintered bone fragments. Therefore, it is important to stick with plain, bite-sized turkey that has had the skin and bones removed before giving this snack to your dog.  
• Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Chives, Scallions & Allium Vegetables. Garlic, onions, leeks, chives, scallions, and other veggies like these are all part of the allium species of vegetables. This species of vegetable can be toxic to dogs. There is a risk it can cause hemolytic anemia, a breakdown of the red blood cells, and liver damage. There is also a chance that if they come into contact with a dog’s skin, this could also cause dermal irritation. It is best to keep your dog away from foods that have these types of vegetables in them, such as that casserole.  
• Sage & Other Herbs. Most experts agree that it is best to avoid herbs in your dog’s diet. The reason is because some dogs have an adverse reaction, while some do not. Unless you know how your pup will respond, the best rule of thumb is to avoid any potentially harmful ingredients. 
• Nutmeg. While this might be a common holiday spice, nutmeg is incredibly toxic to dogs. It is hallucinogenic and can cause seizures, tremors, vomiting, and even death. Therefore, it is best to keep an eye on your pet and make sure they do not get into anything with nutmeg.  
• Stuffing. Stuffing might be the highlighted side dish for the holiday season; however, it is usually filled with ingredients that are toxic and unhealthy for your dog. Ingredients in stuffing might include herbs, spices, butter, onions, garlic, and other foods that can make your pup ill.  
• Casseroles. Fatty foods and casseroles can trigger diseases, such as pancreatitis or other digestive issues. This is due to the substantial amounts of sodium, sugar, and fat that casseroles and similar foods contain. These foods normally have ingredients that are toxic to dogs as well, such as onions, garlic, herbs, and more.  
• Mashed, Seasoned & Raw Potatoes. Most mashed potatoes have added ingredients in them, such as butter, milk, seasonings, etc., which can cause a lot of health issues in your pup. Certain potato dishes, such as mashed potatoes and French fries, might also have a high sodium content, which is not good for your pet. Furthermore, as mentioned above, raw potatoes contain solanine, which can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. It is also a good best practice to peel the skin off potatoes first since the skin can be difficult for dogs to digest. 
• Creamed & Canned Peas. While plain peas are usually alright to give to your dog, the concerns come with creamed and canned peas. The cream in creamed peas usually contains too much fat content, whereas the canned peas usually contain too much sodium content. Either choice is not healthy for your dogs and can lead to obesity and other health problems over time.  
• Alcoholic Beverages. If your dog decides to lap up some alcoholic beverages, you will need to keep an eye on them for alcohol poisoning. You will also want to make sure they did not drink an alcoholic beverage that contained a mixer with xylitol or any other artificial sweeteners as this could be fatal for your pet. It is also important to keep in mind that other items contain alcohol as well that can seep into your dog, including hand sanitizer, perfumes, medications, and raw bread dough. If your dog licks these things off you or ingests them in some way, then the dog’s stomach might begin to act as an oven and produce ethanol, resulting in alcohol toxicity. In turn, your buddy may end up experiencing seizures, stomach pains, drooling, vomiting, hypothermia, and more.  
• Raisins & Grapes. Raisins and grapes are known to be so toxic to dogs that even if they eat one, it can be fatal to them usually due to acute (sudden) kidney failure. The reasons for this remain mostly unknown; however, what is known is that, if ingested, a dog could experience many different symptoms, including decreased appetite, lethargy, stomach issues, dehydration, increased thirst, frequent urination, and more. If you know your dog devoured a grape or raisins, then act fast and call your veterinarian right away.  
• Ham. A lot of store-bought hams contain a ton of salt, sugar, and preservatives that are not healthy for your dog. This could lead to a range of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, frequent urination, increased thirst, kidney damage, seizure, coma, and even death. It has a huge amount of fat outside the normal range for your dog, which can cause pancreatitis and other ailments. It is best to just stick to the plain, skinless turkey if you want to give them some meat for Thanksgiving or any other holiday.  
• Yeast Dough. There are quite a few issues when it comes to bread and yeast dough. Baked white and wheat bread is usually fine for dogs in moderation, especially if your pup does not have an allergy to these foods. Since bread is a carbohydrate, too much can lead to obesity and other dietary health concerns. With bread dough (or yeast dough), there are many other concerns to consider. If your dog were to eat the dough, the yeast and stomach heat will make it rise inside your dog’s stomach and can cause bloating. If it ferments in their stomach, it might also turn into ethanol and alcohol poisoning. The other thing that needs to be watched out for are added ingredients to bread which could be toxic, such as raisins, garlic, macadamia nuts, xylitol, and more.  
• Fatty Foods. As mentioned above, fats and fatty foods can cause obesity, pancreatitis, or other digestive issues. It is best to avoid giving your dogs these types of food in general.  
• Foods Containing Spices. Also, mentioned above are the number of spices and seasonings that can be toxic to dogs. There are also toxic spices that need to be watched out for, such as nutmeg. Unless you know that a spice is safe for your dog to eat, it is best to keep your pup away from the spice life.  
• Mushrooms. While most store-bought mushrooms are nontoxic to dogs, there are some that are highly toxic and can cause kidney and liver failure, neurologic issues, and sometimes death. In fact, experts say that 99 percent of wild mushrooms are toxic to pets. Furthermore, a lot of mushrooms during Thanksgiving tend to get slathered with butter, herbs, and other harmful ingredients. It is best to avoid giving your buddy mushrooms, especially since they will not add anything that a balanced diet does not already have. 
• Butter. Butter is usually the staple of a well-cooked holiday meal, but it also comes with a high-fat content which can be a dangerous choice for your dog. While a lick of butter might not result in any grave consequences, too much can lead to pancreatitis, stomach issues, and more.  
• Specific Nuts (macadamia, walnut, pistachio, almond, etc.). While some nuts might be alright to give your pet in small amounts, many nuts can be unsafe and highly toxic to dogs. For example, macadamia nuts can lead to nut poisoning, causing fever, tremors, muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and more. Then we have walnuts, which are susceptible to mold that can create a fertile breeding ground for tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can be fatal to dogs. The same is true for pistachios, which can carry the Aspergillus mold that can lead to a loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, jaundice, and even liver failure. Then we must take into consideration that nuts can be a choking hazard, which is especially true for certain nuts, such as almonds. Also, the high fat and calorie content in all nuts can increase the risk of pancreatitis, obesity, and more if too much is given to your dog.  
• Xylitol & Anything “Sugar-Free.” Xylitol and many other artificial sweeteners can be found in a lot of different foods, such as candies, cakes, chewing gums, mints, peanut butter, and even some liquid medications for people. Xylitol can be extremely toxic and even fatal for dogs. The reason is because it creates a spike in a dog’s insulin levels, leading to a dramatic drop in their blood sugar and causing acute liver failure. Symptoms can come as quickly as within 15 minutes, including seizure, the inability to stand, coma, etc. It is important to check the labels of all the items your dog ingests in case xylitol is present. 
• Chocolate. Chocolate and cocoa contain methylxanthine compounds, theobromine, and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs if they are consumed. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it becomes to dogs. This can cause chocolate poisoning in your pup with symptoms ranging from restlessness, hyperactivity, and stomach issues to seizures, coma, and death.

If you suspect your dog has eaten or drunk something toxic, then contact your vet, the local animal hospital, or the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435 immediately for assistance.

Can Dogs Eat Thanksgiving Turkey?

When it comes to celebrating Thanksgiving, it is best to take the proper holiday safety precautions and ensure that your buddy is only eating approved holiday foods. The same is true for the main dish that everyone gets most excited for, which is the Thanksgiving turkey. You might wonder, Can my dog eat the Thanksgiving turkey with us? This will depend on how the turkey has been prepared. 

If the turkey has any seasonings, salt, added oils, butter, gravy, or other ingredients that are harmful to dogs, then it might be better to make your pup their own turkey dish without all these additions. If the turkey is plain, then just make sure to not feed them the skin, fat, or bones of the turkey as these parts can cause health issues in your pet. This might include pancreatitis, stomach issues, and other ailments. If you take the right precautions, then you should be able to give your pup bite-sized turkey as a Thanksgiving treat. You can also give your dog some turkey dog food that has been specially formulated for your best friend.

For more expert tips on feeding your dog, explore our other dog feeding guides.