Thanksgiving is one of the most delicious holidays of the year, and it’s no secret that our dogs can smell the celebration from miles away. Between the roasted turkey, buttery mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, your pup is bound to give you the look.
While it’s tempting to share your plate, not every Thanksgiving dish is safe for dogs. Some foods can make for a healthy seasonal treat, but others may cause stomach upset or even toxicity.
To help you celebrate safely, we’ve created a complete guide to Thanksgiving food for dogs, including what’s safe, what to avoid, and how to make your pup feel like part of the family.
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs (In Moderation)
Not all table scraps are created equal! Below are a few Thanksgiving classics your pup can enjoy, as long as they’re prepared simply and served in moderation.
Turkey (without skin or seasoning)
Turkey is the star of Thanksgiving and the good news is, it can be a healthy, protein-packed treat for your dog too.
Turkey meat is rich in amino acids and low in fat when served without the skin. It supports muscle maintenance, immune health, and overall energy levels.
How to serve it:
- Offer plain, cooked turkey breast or thigh, shredded into small pieces.
- Remove all bones, skin, and fat before feeding.
- Skip the gravy, salt, and seasonings, which often contain garlic and onions.
Avoid:
- Turkey skin (high in fat and seasoning)
- Bones (can splinter and cause internal injury)
- Stuffed or buttered turkey
Serving tip: Think of it as a protein topper, a few bites mixed into your dog’s usual meal is more than enough!
If your pup loves turkey, our Fresh Turkey Casserole With Broccoli Recipe gives them all the benefits of real turkey, slow-cooked with veggies and nutrients for a balanced, wholesome meal, no table scraps needed.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the best Thanksgiving vegetables for dogs. They’re high in fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants that support eye health and digestion.
These vibrant orange tubers are gentle on the stomach and naturally sweet, a big hit for pups with sensitive tummies.
How to serve it:
- Steam, boil, or roast plain sweet potato (no oil, butter, or salt).
- Mash it up and let it cool before serving.
- Offer 1–2 spoonfuls depending on your dog’s size.
Avoid:
- Candied sweet potatoes
- Marshmallows, brown sugar, or butter
Fun idea: Try freezing mashed sweet potatoes into silicone molds for bite-sized holiday treats!
Want to serve something inspired by this seasonal favorite? Our Air-Dried Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe features sweet potatoes as one of the key ingredients, providing natural fiber and flavor in a gently air-dried, nutrient-rich format that dogs love.
Pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
Pumpkin is a Thanksgiving staple and one of the healthiest foods you can give your dog year-round. It’s packed with fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins C and E, which help support digestion and immunity.
How to serve it:
- Use plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling).
- You can also roast fresh pumpkin and mash it once soft.
- Mix a spoonful into your dog’s food for a seasonal twist.
Avoid:
- Pumpkin pie, which contains sugar, cream, and nutmeg (toxic for dogs).
Vet tip: Plain pumpkin can also help regulate your dog’s digestion, whether they’re a bit constipated or have mild diarrhea after sneaking a few crumbs.
If your dog enjoys the taste of pumpkin and fall veggies, the Fresh Pork Stew With Butternut Squash Recipe is a perfect way to give them a comforting, seasonal flavor made just for dogs.
Green Beans
Green beans are a crunchy, low-calorie snack packed with fiber and vitamins. They make a great dog-safe veggie that can help your pup feel full without extra calories.
How to serve it:
- Steam or boil plain green beans without salt or oil.
- Serve whole or chopped into small pieces.
Avoid:
- Green bean casseroles often include cream, butter, onions, and fried toppings.
Why it’s good: Green beans are a great source of plant-based fiber and natural hydration, supporting a healthy gut and metabolism.
Carrots
Carrots are a Thanksgiving classic that double as a tasty chew for dogs. They’re rich in vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, and they can even promote dental health by gently scrubbing your dog’s teeth as they chew.
How to serve it:
- Serve raw baby carrots for a crunchy snack.
- Boil or steam them if your dog prefers softer textures.
- Offer a few pieces as a healthy alternative to table scraps.
Avoid:
- Butter-glazed carrots or dishes seasoned with sugar or honey.
Bonus: Carrots make an excellent low-fat reward while you’re cooking the big meal!
Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid for Dogs
Unfortunately, many of our favorite Thanksgiving dishes are unsafe for dogs. Here’s what you’ll want to keep off their plate (and far from their reach!)
Stuffing and Gravy
Stuffing may smell amazing, but it’s often loaded with onions, garlic, butter, and herbs that are toxic to dogs. Gravy usually contains similar ingredients, plus high levels of salt and fat that can trigger pancreatitis.
Even small amounts can upset your dog’s stomach, so it’s best to skip both altogether.
Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes themselves are fine in moderation, but mashed potatoes usually come loaded with butter, cream, salt, and sometimes garlic, all of which make them a poor choice for dogs.
If you really want to share: serve a small spoonful of plain boiled potato (no butter, no milk).
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberries alone are safe, but cranberry sauce often includes sugar, raisins, or xylitol, a sugar substitute that’s highly toxic to dogs.
Avoid store-bought or homemade sauces unless you’re 100% sure of the ingredients.
Turkey Bones
Cooked bones are a choking hazard and can splinter, causing severe internal injuries or blockages. Keep bones, carcasses, and scraps well out of reach.
If you want to keep your pup busy while you eat, try a vet-safe chew or frozen lick mat instead!
Desserts (especially chocolate and pies)
Most Thanksgiving desserts are a no-go. Chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts, and xylitol are among the top food toxins for dogs.
Even “plain” desserts like pumpkin pie or apple pie often contain spices (like nutmeg) that can be harmful.
How to Include Your Dog in Thanksgiving Safely
You don’t have to leave your pup out of the fun! With a few adjustments, you can create a dog-safe Thanksgiving plate they’ll love:
Start with protein: a few bites of plain turkey.
Add a veggie: green beans, carrots, or sweet potatoes.
Top it off: a spoonful of plain pumpkin.
Serve it in their usual bowl so they know it’s made just for them!
If you enjoy preparing fresh, homemade meals for your dog year-round, check out our guide on how to make homemade dog food for vet-approved tips and simple recipes you can try at home.
Extra tips:
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Keep portions small to prevent upset stomachs.
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Remind guests not to sneak treats under the table.
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Stick to your dog’s normal feeding schedule.
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If you suspect your dog ate something unsafe, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.
Celebrate Safely with The Pets Table
At The Pets Table, we believe every dog deserves a meal that’s just as special as the season. Our recipes are made with human-grade ingredients, gently cooked to lock in nutrients and flavor, so you can skip the scraps and serve real food made for dogs.
From Fresh to Air-Dried recipes, we make it easy to give your pup a balanced, delicious meal year-round (and yes, even on Thanksgiving!).
Explore our plans today and find the perfect recipe for your dog’s needs, because healthy food is something to be thankful for.