Curious about safe Thanksgiving foods for pets? Interested in giving your best pal a special treat? It can be tough to know which foods are pet-safe and which aren’t, even if they are natural and come from the earth. When in doubt, stick to your pet’s normal diet to avoid upset stomachs or allergic reactions.
If your pet is resilient and used to eating a variety of foods, keep reading for some safe Thanksgiving favorites! We also have several great Thanksgiving options especially for pets:
Thanksgiving Day Dinner Dog Can
Leftover Turkey Sandwich Dog Treats
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs
- Turkey Meat – Cooked turkey that has been cooled and removed from the bone is a perfect holiday item for your dog. Keep it plain, unseasoned, properly cooked, and given in small amounts. White meat is best, as it contains less fat, fewer calories, and more protein.
- Sweet Potatoes – Mashed, baked, or boiled, sweet potatoes are safe for dogs when fed in moderation. They must be cooked, peeled, and plain.
- Pumpkin – Plain, canned/ pureed pumpkin is great for the digestive system and can be given as a holiday treat. Stay away from pumpkin spice and pumpkin pie though.
- Apples – Sliced with seeds removed and cut into small pieces is ideal. The seeds and core can be toxic when consumed in large amounts, so toss the innards and give them a safe fiber boost with just the “meat” and skin of the apple.
- Peas – Peas have several vitamins, and minerals, and are rich in protein and high in fiber. You can feed your dog fresh or frozen peas but avoid canned peas with added sodium.
- Carrots – We know carrots are supposed to be good for human vision, right? They’re also great for dogs! In addition to vitamins and minerals, carrots can actually aid in dental health when your pup sinks their teeth into them. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Cranberries – Small amounts of fresh or dried and stem-free cranberries can be given to your dog during their special holiday meal. Perfect for the urinary tract in dogs (and humans) cranberries pack a tart taste in a tiny little berry, so just a few will do the trick!
- Dog-specific treats – Tons of options available at Benson’s Pet Center.
Items to Make Cleanup a Bit Easier:
Dangerous Foods for Dogs
- Turkey/Meat Bones – Unless prepared specifically for chewing, do not give your dog bones from your Thanksgiving meal. Splintering can pose a choking hazard and even cause internal injury if swallowed.
- Sweets – The sugar, butter, dairy, and other ingredients in baked goods are just too rich for animals.
- Alcohol – Alcohol of any kind is a strict NO. Not only is it disorienting to your pet, but they may also develop alcohol toxicity from even a small amount.
- Garlic, Leeks, and Onions – These are all in the Allium family and are considered extremely toxic to animals when not cooked. If even a small amount is ingested by your pet, it could result in a serious reaction.
- Grapes and Raisins – Grapes and their dehydrated cousins are highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause kidney failure.
- Caffeine – Aside from the obvious reason (no one wants a dog with even more energy), caffeine can impact a dog’s cardiovascular, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems. Can lead to increased heart rate, seizures, and even death in very serious cases.
- Ham/Pork – High in animal fat, sodium, sugar, and other preservatives, like nitrates, all of which can be harmful or even toxic to dogs.
What is safe for Cats?
- Plain, cooked turkey breast – This is a lean, high-protein option for cats as long as it is completely unseasoned and served without skin or bones.
- Plain green beans – Cats can safely enjoy a small amount of cooked or steamed green beans as long as there is no added butter, oil, or seasoning.
- Unsweetened pumpkin – A spoonful of plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) can be a gentle, cat-friendly treat that also supports digestion.
- Cat-specific treats – Tons of options available at Benson’s Pet Center.
Avoid Giving These Foods to Your Cats
- Turkey bones – Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injury.
- Turkey skin, drippings, or fatty scraps – Greasy foods can upset their stomach or cause pancreatitis.
- Stuffing & gravy – Often contains onions, garlic, butter, salt, and herbs – all unsafe for cats.
- Foods seasoned with onion, garlic, leeks, or chives – These ingredients can damage red blood cells and are highly toxic.
- Mashed potatoes with butter, milk, or seasonings – Dairy + additives = digestive trouble.
- Cranberry sauce or sweet dishes – Too much sugar; some versions contain raisins (very dangerous).
- Desserts of any kind – Chocolate, nutmeg, artificial sweeteners, and pie fillings are all unsafe.
Helpful Links:
Should I Induce My Dog to Vomit?
The holidays are a time of gathering and making memories with those we love. We hope you take the opportunity to reflect on the special people and pets that have impacted your life since last year, and we hope these safe Thanksgiving foods for dogs provide an opportunity to create wonderful experiences with your furry friend. We wish you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday celebration.