Thanksgiving Foods That Are and Aren’t Safe for Pets

As Thanksgiving approaches, our homes fill with the comforting smells of roasted turkey, savory sides, and freshly baked pies. It is a time to gather with loved ones, including our furry family members. While it is tempting to let your pet join in the feast, many traditional holiday dishes contain hidden dangers.

At Countryside Animal Hospital, we know that pets are part of the family, and we want everyone, two- and four-legged alike, to enjoy a safe, healthy Thanksgiving. Below, we have put together a guide to help you know which foods are safe to share with your pets and which should stay on the human table.

 

Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Pets (in Moderation)

Not all Thanksgiving favorites are off limits. A few plain, unseasoned foods can make tasty, safe treats for your dog or cat. Just remember that these should be offered sparingly alongside their regular diet.

Plain Cooked Turkey

Turkey can be a great source of lean protein for pets as long as it is plain, fully cooked, and served without skin, bones, or seasoning. The skin and drippings are high in fat, which can upset your pet’s stomach or even cause pancreatitis. Turkey bones can also splinter and pose a choking or internal injury risk.

Sweet Potatoes

Plain, baked, or boiled sweet potatoes are full of fiber and vitamins. Skip the butter, marshmallows, or brown sugar, and give just a small bite or two. Sweet potatoes can even support digestive health when served plain and in moderation.

Plain Pumpkin

A spoonful of plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, can help regulate your pet’s digestion and adds a bit of festive flavor. Pumpkin pie filling often contains sugar, spices, or xylitol, all of which are unsafe for pets.

Green Beans and Carrots

Steamed or boiled green beans and carrots make excellent low-calorie snacks for pets. They are safe as long as they are soft, unseasoned, and free of butter, garlic, or onions.

Plain Mashed Potatoes

If you make mashed potatoes for the family, you can offer your pet a small, plain portion before adding the butter, milk, salt, or gravy. Once seasoned, mashed potatoes are too rich and salty for your furry friend’s stomach.

 

Thanksgiving Foods Pets Should Avoid

Unfortunately, many of our holiday staples contain ingredients that can be harmful or even toxic to pets. Here are the most important foods to keep off their plates this Thanksgiving.

Stuffing and Casseroles

Stuffing, green bean casserole, and similar dishes often contain onions, garlic, leeks, or chives, all of which can damage red blood cells in dogs and cats, leading to serious anemia. Even small amounts can cause trouble.

Bones

Cooked turkey, ham, or chicken bones can easily splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Always dispose of bones in a secure, covered trash can so curious pets cannot go scavenging.

Gravy, Fatty Meats, and Skins

Fatty trimmings, turkey skin, and gravy may smell irresistible, but they are loaded with fat and salt. High-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and dangerous condition that often requires emergency care.

Chocolate and Sweets

Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats, and the darker it is, the more dangerous it becomes. Keep desserts, candy, and baked goods out of reach, especially those made with xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts.

Grapes, Raisins, and Macadamia Nuts

These are all common ingredients in holiday salads, stuffings, and desserts, but even a few grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Macadamia nuts can cause tremors, vomiting, and weakness.

Alcohol and Raw Dough

Alcohol, even in small sips, can be toxic to pets, leading to vomiting, disorientation, or worse. Raw yeast dough can expand in a pet’s stomach and release alcohol as it ferments, causing severe bloating and poisoning.

 

How to Keep Pets Safe During Thanksgiving

The best way to show love this Thanksgiving is to keep your pets healthy and comfortable. Here are some practical ways to protect your furry family members while still letting them feel included.

1. Stick to Their Regular Feeding Schedule

Avoid feeding large portions of people food or making sudden diet changes. A few small, plain bites of turkey or vegetables are fine, but keep their main meals consistent.

2. Keep Temptations Out of Reach

Place food, trash, and leftovers where pets cannot reach them. Be mindful of dropped scraps, unattended plates, and low-lying serving tables during gatherings.

3. Offer Pet-Friendly Treats Instead

If you want your pet to have a special holiday snack, make or buy a Thanksgiving-themed treat designed for dogs or cats. You can even fill a food puzzle or toy with their favorite kibble to keep them busy during dinner.

4. Educate Guests

Let visitors know which foods are off limits for your pets. Many people mean well but may not realize that feeding table scraps can lead to serious health issues.

 

A Safe and Happy Thanksgiving for All

Thanksgiving is a time to share love, gratitude, and togetherness, and that includes your pets. With a few simple precautions, your furry family members can safely enjoy the holiday right by your side.

Remember, pets thrive on routine and moderation. When in doubt, stick with plain, pet-safe foods, or better yet, offer a treat made just for them. A few extra cuddles, a walk after dinner, and a cozy spot near the family are the best Thanksgiving gifts of all.

From all of us at Countryside Animal Hospital, we wish you and your pets a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving.