Thanksgiving Foods Your Dog Can and Cannot Eat

Thanksgiving is a special time to gather, give thanks, and enjoy a meal with friends and family, both the two-legged and four-legged ones!

The holiday is packed with delicious dishes and cozy moments, but some foods that are safe for people can actually be dangerous for your furry friend. All the sights, sounds, and extra guests can add to your dog’s stress, too. That’s why we put this guide together: to help keep your pup happy, safe, and calm all holiday long.

We’ll go over what Thanksgiving foods dogs can eat, which ones to avoid, and simple steps to make sure your dog is totally comfortable on Turkey Day.

Table of Contents

• What Can Dogs Eat on Thanksgiving
• What Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Can't Eat
• Protect Your Dog from Leftovers and Trash
• Warning Signs Your Dog Ate Something Bad
• Tips to Keep Your Pup Happy & Safe This Thanksgiving
• The Perfect Thanksgiving Retreat for Your Pup

What Can Dogs Eat on Thanksgiving

Let's be honest, your dog wants a seat at the table! The good news? Many traditional Thanksgiving foods are safe to share with your pup if you keep them plain and simple, without seasonings or additives.

Before you sneak your dog a treat, check out what's safe:

• Turkey (Plain, Boneless, Skinless): Plain, well-cooked turkey is a great source of lean protein for dogs. Stick to white meat, which is lower in fat than dark meat, and remove all bones and skin. Bones can splinter and cause choking, while turkey skin is too fatty and can upset their stomach.
• Sweet Potatoes (Plain, Unseasoned): Plain baked or boiled sweet potatoes are packed with fiber and vitamins, making them a healthy treat for your pup. Skip the butter, sugar, marshmallows, and casserole versions, as these can upset their stomach.
• Potatoes (Plain, No Dairy): Plain boiled or baked potatoes are safe in small amounts. Avoid mashed potatoes with butter, cream, or seasonings like garlic powder, which can be harmful to your dog's digestive system.
• Green Beans (Steamed, Boiled, or Plain): Green beans are crunchy, filling, and full of fiber and vitamins. Make sure to skip green bean casserole and anything with salt, butter, or onions. Plain cooked or raw green beans are your best bet.
• Pumpkin (Plain, Unsweetened): Plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is packed with fiber and great for your dog’s digestion. It can even help soothe an upset stomach. Just avoid sweetened or spiced versions, which can cause digestive problems.
• Carrots (Plain, Fresh or Cooked): Carrots are low in calories, high in fiber, and fantastic for your dog's dental health. Serve them plain and chopped; no dips, butter, or added sugar.
• Apples (Sliced, Seeds and Core Removed): Apples make a crisp, refreshing snack and are full of vitamins. Always remove the seeds and core first, as they can be harmful to your dog. Skip any baked apple desserts with sugar or spices.
• Peas (Plain): Peas are packed with vitamins, protein, and fiber. Avoid giving your dog peas in cream sauce or seasoned with garlic or onions; plain is best.
• Corn (NOT Corn on the Cob): Plain cooked corn kernels are safe for dogs. Never give your dog corn on the cob, as it's not digestible and can cause serious blockages.
• Rice (Plain, White or Brown): A little plain rice is easy on the stomach and safe for most dogs. Just avoid sharing rice with salt, sauces, or spices.
• Broccoli (Raw or Cooked, in Moderation): Broccoli is full of vitamins, fiber, and potassium. Serve plain, raw, or lightly steamed, and keep portions small; too much can cause your dog to have gas or stomach upset.
• Cranberries (Fresh, In Moderation): Fresh or lightly cooked cranberries are safe for dogs, though they're tart. Skip cranberry sauce, which is usually loaded with sugar and sometimes contains raisins or grapes; both are toxic to dogs.
• Squash (Plain, Cooked): Plain cooked butternut or acorn squash is a safe and nutritious treat for dogs, offering vitamins and fiber. Just avoid squash dishes prepared with butter or seasonings.
• Cheese (Small Amounts): Cheese can be a tasty source of protein and calcium. Start with a tiny piece to see how your dog handles it, since some pups are lactose-intolerant. Keep it plain; no spicy, flavored, or heavily processed cheese.
• Bread (Plain, Very Small Amounts): A small bite of plain bread is okay once in a while. Avoid bread with raisins, nuts, seeds, chocolate, or anything that could be harmful. Never give your dog raw or uncooked dough; the yeast can expand in their stomach and cause serious blockages.

Remember, even safe Thanksgiving foods for dogs are best given in small amounts to avoid stomach upset.

What Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Can't Eat

Here are some Thanksgiving foods you’ll want to keep away from your dog; they could cause serious problems, even in small amounts:

• Turkey Skin: High in fat and salt, turkey skin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis. Stick to lean, skinless turkey meat.
• Bones: Bones can splinter and injure your dog's mouth, throat, or digestive system. Never give bones to your dog, not even as a treat.
• Stuffing (A Major No-No): Traditional stuffing often contains onions, garlic, chives, or leeks, which can damage your dog's red blood cells and make them very sick. Even a small bite could mean a vet visit.
• Ham (Other Pork-Based Products): Fatty pork is hard on your dog's digestive system and can trigger pancreatitis. Skip ham this Thanksgiving and stick with plain turkey instead.
• Gravy: Rich gravy is high in fat and salt, and often contains onions or garlic. It can upset the stomach or cause serious digestive problems.
• Mashed Potatoes (With Dairy or Seasoning): Mashed potatoes usually contain butter, cream, garlic powder, or onion powder, which can make your dog sick. If you want to share potatoes, give a tiny piece of plain boiled potato instead.
• Sweet Potato Casserole or Pie: These are loaded with butter, sugar, marshmallows, and sometimes nuts or spices; all are unsafe for dogs. Stick to plain cooked sweet potatoes.
• Pumpkin Pie (And All Pie): Pumpkin pie is packed with sugar, spices (especially nutmeg, which is toxic), and often dairy that can upset your dog's stomach. Plain pumpkin puree is a safe option instead.
• Pecan Pie (And All Pie): Pecans can be toxic to dogs if eaten in large amounts. Add in the sugar and other harmful ingredients in pecan pie, and it's best to keep this dessert completely away from your dog.
• Chocolate: Chocolate is one of the most dangerous foods for dogs. Even a small bite can cause vomiting, rapid heartbeat, or seizures. Keep all chocolate desserts away from your pup.
• Onions, Garlic, Chives, Scallions, and Leeks: Whether raw, cooked, powdered, or hidden in sauces, these can damage your dog's red blood cells and cause serious problems. Avoid sharing any food with these ingredients.
• Grapes or Raisins: Grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, even in tiny amounts. This includes anything with raisins or grape juice, like cookies or cranberry sauces.
• Cranberry Sauce: High in sugar and often made with raisins, cranberry sauce is not safe for your dog. Offer only a few fresh, plain cranberries if you want to share.
• Alcohol: Even a sip can harm your dog's nervous system, slow their heart rate, and cause serious illness. Keep all drinks and foods with alcohol away from your pup.
• Candy, Gum, or Desserts: Not only is sugar bad, but the sweetener “xylitol”, often found in sugar-free gum and desserts, is deadly for dogs even in tiny doses. Sweets should stay people-only treats; keep them out of paw’s reach.​
• Macadamia Nuts: It only takes a few to cause vomiting, tremors, or muscle weakness in dogs. Never let your dog have cookies, cakes, or stuffing that might contain these nuts.
• Raw Dough: Uncooked dough can expand in your dog’s stomach as it rises, causing pain or serious blockage. Never let your dog lick or eat raw dough, no matter how much they beg.​
• Seasoned or Flavored Dinner Rolls: Dinner rolls made with garlic, butter, herbs, cheese, raisins, nuts, or seeds can be harmful to dogs. Stick to plain rolls only, and even then, offer just a small piece as a treat.

Protect Your Dog from Leftovers and Trash

Thanksgiving leftovers and trash can be just as tempting as the dinner table itself for your curious pup.

To keep your dog safe:

• Keep trash cans tightly covered or stored in cabinets to prevent sneaky snacking.
• Get rid of turkey bones, gravy bowls, stuffing, and other risky food immediately after meals.
• Store all leftovers in the fridge or up high where dogs can’t reach. (Not on counters or tables.)
• Clean up spills and crumbs right away; they’ll sniff out any dropped treats in seconds!

Warning Signs Your Dog Ate Something Bad

Even when you try your best, accidents can happen. Knowing the early signs of food-related trouble can save your dog’s life.

Watch for:

Digestive Issues

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort

Behavioral Changes

• Lethargy, weakness, or unusual behavior
• Loss of appetite
• Lack of coordination

Respiratory or Heart Issues

• Trouble breathing or heavy panting

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately. Time is crucial when your pup has eaten something toxic.

And if you're unsure your dog ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. They are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can help you determine your next steps.

Tips to Keep Your Pup Happy & Safe This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is fun, but it can also be a bit overwhelming for your dog with all the guests, noise, and changes in routine. Some dogs love being around guests, while others prefer peace and quiet.

Here’s how to help your furry friend enjoy Thanksgiving day safe and stress-free:

• Give your dog some extra exercise before guests arrive. A long walk or playtime helps burn off nervous energy so your pup feels more relaxed and less likely to beg or get restless.
• Create a quiet, comfy spot where your dog can retreat. Set up their bed, favorite toys, and fresh water in a calm room.
• Use baby gates to block off busy kitchens or dining areas. This creates a safe boundary so your dog can relax and avoid food hazards and holiday commotion.
• Ask guests not to feed your dog table scraps. Even small bites of human food can upset their stomach or lead to bigger health problems.
• Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior. If they seem anxious, overwhelmed, or restless, gently check in with them or encourage a break in their quiet and cozy space.
• Make sure your dog has an up-to-date collar with ID tags. With guests coming and going, it can create a lot of opportunities for escapes, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
• For dogs who get very nervous around crowds or noise, consider talking to your vet. Sometimes medication or a trusted dog daycare and boarding option like Camp Bow Wow can make a big difference.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Retreat for Your Pup

Your dog doesn’t need fancy table food to feel loved. What truly makes them happiest is feeling included, safe, and cared for. By sticking to dog-friendly Thanksgiving food, keeping dangerous ones out of reach, and giving them a little extra attention, you’re already making the holiday special for your pup.

If the holiday chaos feels like too much for your pup or for you, consider treating them to a relaxing getaway at your local Camp Bow Wow. Our dog daycare and overnight dog boarding provide attentive, loving care, fun socialization, and a cozy space where your dog can unwind in comfort under the watch of our Certified Camp Counselors.

While you enjoy your Thanksgiving plans, your furry friend can have their own fun, safe, and stress-free holiday at Camp Bow Wow!