Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and of course—delicious food! While it’s tempting to share some of that festive feast with your furry friend, not everything on the table is safe for dogs. Before slipping your pup a treat under the table, here’s what you should know to keep them happy and healthy this holiday season. 🦃🐾
Some Thanksgiving staples can actually be healthy for dogs—in moderation! Just make sure everything is plain and free of added butter, sugar, or seasoning.
✅ Pumpkin: Plain, cooked pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling!) is great for digestion and packed with fiber.
✅ Sweet Potatoes: Another fiber-rich favorite—just skip the brown sugar and marshmallows.
✅ Carrots: Crunchy, low-calorie, and full of vitamins.
✅ Apples (no seeds or core): Sweet and refreshing—just remove the seeds and core first.
✅ Cranberries: A tangy, antioxidant-rich snack.
✅ Plain Peanut Butter (xylitol-free): A classic dog favorite that’s perfect for a small holiday treat.
✅ Bone Broth: A warm, nutritious topper for their regular food.
Foods to Avoid
Some holiday favorites can be dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. Keep these off their plate completely:
🚫 Chocolate: Toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, tremors, and even seizures.
🚫 Grapes & Raisins: Can lead to kidney failure—even one raisin can be harmful.
🚫 Raw Bread Dough: Expands in the stomach and can cause bloating or alcohol poisoning from yeast.
🚫 Onions, Garlic, and Stuffing: Can damage red blood cells and cause serious illness.
🚫 Pumpkin Pie & Pumpkin Spice Mix: Often contain nutmeg and cloves, which are toxic to dogs.
🚫 Halloween Candy: Contains sugar, chocolate, and sometimes xylitol—all unsafe for pets.
🚫 Apple Seeds/Core: Seeds contain cyanide and should always be removed before serving.
Holiday Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving
- Keep your dog out of the kitchen while cooking to avoid dropped scraps.
- Create a special dog-safe “plate” with plain turkey, carrots, and sweet potato.
- Remind guests not to feed your dog from the table (no matter how cute those puppy eyes are!).
- Have a few dog treats or frozen pumpkin snacks ready so they can celebrate too!
This Thanksgiving, you can still include your dog in the festivities—just stick to foods that are safe and simple. A few healthy bites will make them feel part of the celebration without the risk of a post-dinner trip to the vet.
