What Can My Dog Eat at Thanksgiving?

A Complete Guide to a Safe & Happy Holiday for Your Dog

Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and gratitude—and of course, our dogs are part of the family too. With so many tempting smells coming from the kitchen, it’s natural to wonder what dogs can eat on Thanksgiving and what foods are unsafe for them. Some holiday favorites are perfectly fine in moderation, while others can lead to digestive issues or serious health concerns.

This guide breaks down the safe Thanksgiving foods for dogs, foods to avoid, holiday safety tips, and even a few dog-friendly Thanksgiving recipes.To help brighten your Thanksgiving reading, enjoy some adorable photos of Rocky and Button from Middle TN Pomskies!

Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs

While your dog shouldn’t sample the entire Thanksgiving spread, several classic dishes are safe when prepared simply and offered sparingly.

✔️ Plain Turkey (Boneless & Skinless)

Turkey is the most common question: Can dogs eat turkey on Thanksgiving?Yes—as long as it’s plain, fully cooked, unseasoned, and free of bones or skin. Turkey skin and bones can cause dangerous blockages or digestive issues.

✔️ Plain Mashed Potatoes

Dogs can enjoy a small scoop of unseasoned mashed potatoes. Avoid butter, milk, garlic, onions, or gravy.

✔️ Sweet Potatoes

Cooked, plain sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients and gentle on the stomach.

✔️ Green Beans

Fresh or lightly steamed green beans are a safe, low-calorie treat. Avoid butter or seasonings.

✔️ Carrots

Crunchy and nutritious—dogs can eat carrots raw or cooked.

✔️ Fresh Cranberries

Safe in small amounts. Skip the sugary cranberry sauce.

✔️ Pumpkin Purée

Plain pumpkin (NOT pie filling) supports healthy digestion.

Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Should Avoid

Not everything on your holiday table is dog-friendly. Some foods can cause stomach issues, while others are outright toxic.

❌ Bones (Turkey, Chicken, Pork, Beef)

Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal damage.

❌ Onions & Garlic

Toxic to dogs—even in small amounts. Common in stuffing and casseroles.

❌ Rich or Fatty Foods

Turkey skin, gravy, buttery dishes, and creamy casseroles can cause pancreatitis.

❌ Stuffing

Filled with unsafe ingredients like onions, garlic, butter, and seasonings.

❌ Chocolate & Desserts

Chocolate is toxic, and many desserts contain sugars or artificial sweeteners dangerous for dogs.

❌ Alcohol (Including Alcohol-Baked Dishes)

Even tiny amounts can cause poisoning.

❌ Nuts (Especially Macadamia & Walnuts)

Can cause vomiting, weakness, tremors, and more.

❌ Grapes & Raisins

Extremely dangerous—can trigger acute kidney failure.

❌ Dairy-Heavy Foods

Butter, cream, and milk often cause digestive upset.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Dogs

Keeping your dog safe on Thanksgiving goes beyond food. The busy atmosphere can add extra risks.

🗑️ Secure the Trash

Dogs love digging for leftovers, and the trash is full of dangerous items like bones and greasy scraps.

🏡 Create a Quiet Space

The holiday commotion may overwhelm some dogs. Offer a calm retreat with their bed or crate.

🕯️ Watch Decorations

Candles, centerpieces, and small décor can be hazards if chewed or knocked over.

🙋‍♂️ Communicate With Guests

Not everyone knows what dogs can eat. Remind guests not to feed table scraps.

🏷️ Check ID Tags & Microchips

With doors opening frequently, dogs can easily slip out unnoticed.

🐕 Brush Up on Good Manners

With lots of guests and food around, basic obedience helps keep your dog safe and polite.

Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes

Want your dog to enjoy the holiday without the risk? Try these simple, vet-approved, Thanksgiving dog treats.

🍗 Turkey Medallions

Ingredients:

• 6 oz cooked white turkey

• ½ cup chopped carrots

• ½ cup oatmeal

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Blend ingredients until smooth.

3. Roll into small balls and bake for 15 minutes.

🥕 Turkey & Veggie Loaf

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked turkey, chopped

• 1 cup oats

• 1 cup mixed veggies (peas, carrots, green beans)

• 1 beaten egg

• Enough broth to moisten

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

3. Shape into a loaf and place in a greased pan.

4. Bake for 30 minutes or until firm.

🎃 Pup-kin Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups flour

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup canned pumpkin

• 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix ingredients into a dough.

3. Roll out on a floured surface and cut into fun shapes.

4. Bake 15–20 minutes for soft cookies or 30 minutes for crunchy ones.

A Safe, Happy Thanksgiving for Your Dog

By knowing which Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs and which to avoid, you can enjoy the holiday without stress or emergency vet visits. With a little planning—and maybe a batch of homemade treats—your pup can enjoy Thanksgiving right alongside the rest of the family.

For more adorable pups like Rocky and Button, check out Middle TN Pomskies!