Safe Thanksgiving Food for Dogs: 10 to Enjoy & 10 to Avoid

Olivia Bornemeier, MBA

Olivia Bornemeier, MBA

Content Marketing Specialist
Safe Thanksgiving Food for Dogs: 10 to Enjoy & 10 to Avoid

Ahead of the holiday festivities, you may wonder which treats are safe for your dog. With so many tasty treats at the Thanksgiving feast, it’s important to know what’s okay to sneak under the table and what’s best kept out of your pet's reach.

Certain foods found at your Thanksgiving meal can cause serious issues for dogs — and even foods typically fine for dogs become less ideal when loaded with salt and sugar. Knowing what Thanksgiving food for dogs is safe will help you keep your pet's tail wagging and stomach happy this holiday season.

10 Thanksgiving foods your dog can eat safely

Before you start filling your dog’s bowl with treats, remember that even safe foods should be served in moderation. Here are 10 Thanksgiving foods your dog can eat.

1. Apples

apples

Looking for a sweet treat for your dog? Apples are a great option — but be sure to remove any apple seeds before feeding.

2. Canned pumpkin

pumpkin

Canned, 100% pumpkin purée is a great treat for your furry friend to enjoy during your Thanksgiving dinner because pumpkin is gentle on your dog's digestive system. Be careful to never give your dog spiced pumpkin pie mixes.

3. Carrots

carrots

Carrots are a common ingredient in Thanksgiving foods and will likely be a part of your holiday food prep. If you want to treat your dog with carrots, cut them into small pieces — do not add any additional seasonings or toppings.

4. Cheese

cheese

While cheese and other fatty foods should not be fed to dogs in large quantities, occasional treating is safe. Only give your dog a few small pieces of cheese at a time.

5. Corn

corn

Corn is a popular ingredient in dog food and is safe for your pup to eat, as long as they don't have a corn allergy. Only feed your dog corn in kernel form without added salt or butter. Corn on the cob can cause choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed.

6. Green beans

green beans

Plain green beans (without added salt or butter) are a safe Thanksgiving snack for your furry friend. Green beans are also a healthy source of dietary fiber and Vitamin C. Avoid canned green beans or beans cooked with oils or spices. Cut the green beans into small bites when feeding.

7. Peas

peas

Peas are a safe snack for your pup to enjoy. Cook peas before sharing them with your dog, as raw peas can be tough for them to digest. Try steaming the peas until soft and mashing them into their food or on a lick mat.

8. Rice

rice

Dogs can eat rice in moderation. Rice is a non-toxic, healthy treat and can help settle an upset stomach.

9. Sweet potatoes

sweet potatoes

Skinless sweet potatoes without flavoring, salt, or butter are a safe, occasional treat for dogs. Do not feed your dog sweet potatoes with brown sugar or marshmallow toppings. Baked, roasted, or mashed potatoes without salt or butter are also safe for dogs.

10. Turkey meat

turkey

Cooked turkey is one of the traditional Thanksgiving foods dogs can eat. White meat is best, as it contains more protein and fewer calories. Pet parents should not feed dogs turkey skin and ensure the meat is free of bones.

10 foods to avoid on Thanksgiving

While the Thanksgiving foods above are safe for dogs, there are some you should avoid feeding your furry friend. Keeping these 10 Thanksgiving foods off your dog’s plate will ensure they stay safe and healthy this holiday season.

1. Alcohol

Alcohol is extremely dangerous for dogs. While you gather with friends and family for your Thanksgiving feast, be sure alcoholic drinks are out of reach of pets. Alcohol toxicity can be fatal for dogs and can lead to conditions like kidney failure and liver failure.

2. Cranberry sauce

The high sugar content of this Thanksgiving treat makes it an unsafe food for dogs. Even when made with a sugar substitute, this popular side dish should not be fed to your canine sidekick.

3. Gravy

Gravy is unsafe for dogs because it contains:

  • High levels of salt
  • Unhealthy fat
  • Toxic seasonings like garlic and onion powder

If you want to give your dog gravy, make sure it's made without added salt or spices.

4. Grapes

Although grapes and raisins are a healthy snack for humans, they are extremely dangerous for dogs. Instead, feed your dog frozen plain yogurt or other fruits safe for dogs.

5. Ham

Ham is high in sodium, fat, sugar, and salt which make it a delicious human food, but an unsafe treat for your pup. When eaten in sufficient quantities, ham can cause:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive thirst and urination
  • Lethargy
  • Abnormal fluid accumulation

6. Onions and garlic

Onions and garlic are highly toxic to dogs. While cooking and prepping for your holiday meal, be sure no cloves of garlic or slices of onion are within your pup's reach.

7. Pie

Pie and other baked goods are often found at the Thanksgiving table, but this treat is a big no-no for your dog. Pie is filled with artificial sweeteners, sugar, added butter, and other harmful ingredients.

This Thanksgiving, avoid feeding your dog:

  • Apple pie
  • Pumpkin pie filling
  • Cherry pie
  • Chocolate pie
  • Any other pies at your family table!

8. Raw bread dough

Plain, baked bread is safe for dogs, but raw yeast dough is dangerous. Unbaked bread dough can expand in a dog’s stomach, leading to painful bloating and even death. Plus, yeast fermentation in their digestive system can produce ethanol, putting them at risk for alcohol poisoning.

9. Stuffing

While stuffing is a delicious dish for humans, it contains unhealthy ingredients that could make your dog's stomach upset. Instead, opt to sneak plain potatoes or white turkey meat under the table for Fido.

10. Turkey bones

Turkey bones can splinter and cause tears and blockages in your dog's digestive tract, especially when cooked. Frozen, uncooked bones are a better choice to keep your dog safe and occupied during your holiday celebrations.