Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and great food… if your dogs are a big part of your family, like ours, then they should be part of the celebration.
Whether you plan on sharing a special Thanksgiving dinner with your dog, dressing them up in a special Thanksgiving outfit, or tossing a few extra special treats their way, we’ve got you covered!
With a little planning, you can keep your dog safe and even share some dog-friendly Thanksgiving goodies.
Here’s a guide to navigating Thanksgiving with your dog, from foods to avoid to safe ways they can join in the celebration!
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Safe Thanksgiving foods for dogs (in moderation)
If you want to include your dog in the festivities, here are a few foods they can safely enjoy in small amounts:
- Apples: Plain apple slices without seeds or core are a great, dog-friendly option.
- Carrots: Cooked or raw, carrots are a safe and crunchy snack for dogs.
- Cranberries: Plain cooked or raw with no sugar.
- Green Beans: Plain, raw or cooked green beans are full of vitamins and fiber, making them a nutritious choice.
- Pumpkin: Pure, canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is a healthy choice for dogs and is often great for digestion. Learn why pumpkin is a superfood.
- Sweet Potatoes: These are great if served plain and cooked, without any butter, sugar, or spices. Check out our homemade sweet potato dog treat recipe!
- Turkey: Plain, cooked turkey (no skin, bones, or seasoning) is a great protien for your dog to enjoy.
- Turkey Heart and Liver: These are high in nutrients. You can feed them RAW to your dog. If that grosses you out, then you can cook them.
Remember, even safe foods should be offered in moderation. New foods can upset your dog’s stomach, especially when they’re rich or different from their usual diet.
Unsafe Thanksgiving foods for dogs
Some Thanksgiving foods can be harmful or even toxic to dogs. Here’s a quick list of items to avoid, and why they can be dangerous:
- Turkey Bones and Skin: Cooked bones can splinter, causing choking or internal injuries. Turkey skin is high in fat and spices, which can cause upset stomachs or even pancreatitis.
- Onions: These ingredients contain compounds toxic to dogs, potentially leading to anemia.
- Stuffing: Traditional stuffing often contains onions, spices, or even raisins—all harmful to dogs.
- Gravy: Gravy is usually high in fat, which is hard on a dog’s digestive system and can lead to pancreatitis.
- Butter, Cream, and Rich Foods: High-fat foods can upset your dog’s stomach and, in severe cases, trigger pancreatitis.
- Raisins and Grapes: Both can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.
- Chocolate and Desserts: Chocolate is toxic to dogs, while sugar and artificial sweeteners like xylitol are also harmful.
Even small amounts of these foods can have serious effects on your dog, so it’s best to avoid them completely.
The best Thanksgiving dinner for dogs
Want to give your dog their own Thanksgiving feast? Here are a few meal ideas using safe, dog-friendly ingredients from your Thanksgiving table. Remember to serve these in moderation and keep portions appropriate for your dog’s size.
Option 1: Raw Feast
- Raw turkey neck or wing from your local butcher or raw pet store (ensuring it’s suitable for raw feeding).
- A handful of raw green beans.
- Few unsweetened cranberries for a touch of tart flavor.
Raw bones can be a healthy choice for some dogs, but avoid cooked bones as they can splinter. Always supervise your dog if this is their first time trying a raw bone.
Option 2: Classic Turkey Plate
- A small portion of cooked, plain turkey meat (white meat is usually best).
- Plain, steamed green beans.
- Couple of spoonfuls of mashed sweet potatoes (no butter or spices).
This simple, classic option is perfect for dogs used to cooked food and provides a taste of Thanksgiving without any risk of upset stomach.
Option 3: Pumpkin Delight
- A small portion of cooked, plain turkey meat.
- Scoop of plain, canned pumpkin for easy digestion and extra fiber.
- A few baby carrots (raw or steamed).
- Sprinkle of chopped apple pieces for a little crunch.
This light, veggie-focused option is great if you want to avoid meat while still giving your dog a taste of the holiday spirit.
Option 4: Turkey & Veggie Mash
- Small serving of plain, cooked turkey (cut into bite-sized pieces).
- Few spoonfuls of steamed green beans.
- A little bit of plain mashed potato (hold the butter and salt).
This comforting, mashed option can be ideal for older dogs who need softer foods, and it combines safe, nutritious ingredients that are easy on the stomach.
These options allow your dog to enjoy their own holiday dinner alongside the family. Whether you’re feeding raw or cooked, these safe ingredients provide a tasty Thanksgiving treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious!
Special dog Thanksgiving treats
If you want to make homemade treats, I have a pumpkin/apple frozen dog treat recipe you can easily make today.
You can also pick up a can of organic pumpkin puree at the grocery store. Or better yet, order organic air-dried pumpkin by Native Pet. We are having fun making up new recipes for the dogs and they are loving it!
- Pumpkin/apple frozen dog treat recipe
- Special Thanksgiving can dog food
- Organic air-dried pumpkin by Native Pet
What to do if your dog eats unsafe foods
Accidents happen! If your dog consumes any unsafe foods, stay calm and take the following steps:
- Contact Your Veterinarian – Call your vet and explain what your dog ate and how much.
- Call a Pet Poison Control Hotline – Services like the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) are available 24/7 and can offer advice based on your dog’s weight, age, and the type of food ingested.
- Monitor for Symptoms – Watch for signs of distress, including vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, or lethargy, and seek immediate medical help if they occur.
Having a plan can help prevent an emergency from escalating and keep your dog safe.
Thanksgiving Day tips for dog parents
In addition to managing food safety, here are some tips to help your dog enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving:
- Supervise Your Dog Around Guests: If you have children or guests unfamiliar with dogs, remind them not to share food from their plates or feed the dog table scraps.
- Provide Distractions: Offer your dog a favorite chew or a stuffed Kong toy to keep them entertained while everyone is busy eating. This can also keep them away from any food scraps that may fall to the floor.
- Create a Relaxing Space: If your dog gets overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, create a quiet area where they can retreat. This could be their crate, a spare room, or even a cozy spot in the corner.
Adorable dog Thanksgiving outfits
If you enjoy dressing up your dog in outfits, then these Thanksgiving finds are going to be your sweet spot!
Thanksgiving travel tips
Traveling with your dog can sometimes be a challenge, make sure to be prepared and read 6 Essential Tips when Traveling with Your Dog.
And if you need to leave your dog with a sitter, make sure to download our Dog-Sitter Important Info Form and Checklist, so you can relax and enjoy Thanksgiving, knowing that your dog is in good care back home.
If you are taking your dog with, some items to consider bringing along are:
- Crate for a safe place for your dog to sleep or just get away from the commotion
- Leash so you can take them outside as needed or just keep them near you since a dog in a new place can easily get into mischief
- Dog food, and any special treats
- Dog bowls for food and water
- Favorite toys or bones to keep them occupied
- Buy a new fun turkey stuffed toy
Keep Thanksgiving dog-friendly and fun!
It’s possible to enjoy the holiday together while keeping your dog’s health a priority. Stick to the dog-safe foods above, avoid risky items, and create a comfortable environment for your dog to relax in while you celebrate.
P.S. Want more tips for a healthier, happier dog? Download my free Dog Natural Remedies Reference Guide for safe, natural solutions to common pet health issues.
With these Thanksgiving safety tips in mind, you and your dog can enjoy a wonderful holiday together. Have a safe, happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
This is a great post! Will help a lot of people to understand better their dog’s health and diet. Thanksgiving Travel Tips for Dogs are priceless.
Great post! I write often about safety tips, and we can ever emphasize this enough! I love that you chose to lead off with with what dogs *can* eat for those who are not sure!
Thank you Dorothy. It’s funny because my husband asks me all the time, can the dogs eat X? He wants so much to share with them, but knows that not everything is good for them.