Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs: What’s Safe and What to Avoid
A wholesome homemade Thanksgiving turkey and veggie bowl made with safe ingredients to keep your dog healthy and happy during the holidays.
Thanksgiving is a joyful time to share with family — and sometimes, our dogs want to join the feast. But not all holiday foods are safe for our canine companions. Knowing which foods to avoid and what wholesome options to offer is key to keeping your dog healthy and happy this season.
Denise Bozenski, founder of Revive & Thrive Canine Wellness, explains, “Thanksgiving treats can be tempting, but many traditional dishes contain ingredients that are toxic or harmful to dogs. I always encourage pet parents to be mindful about what their dogs eat during the holidays.”
Learn more about Denise HERE!
Unsafe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs
Some common holiday foods can cause serious harm, even in small amounts:
- Onions and shallots: These can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
- Grapes and raisins: Toxic to dogs, causing kidney failure.
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs.
- Macadamia nuts: Can cause weakness, tremors, and vomiting.
- Alcohol: Even small amounts can be dangerous.
- Rich, fatty foods: May lead to pancreatitis or digestive upset.
Denise warns, “Avoid sharing these foods at all costs — they can quickly turn a happy holiday into a veterinary emergency.”
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Your Dog
There are plenty of wholesome, dog-friendly options to include your pup safely:
- Plain cooked turkey (no skin, no bones)
- Pumpkin puree (plain, unsweetened)
- Sweet potatoes (cooked, no added sugar or spices)
- Green beans (steamed or plain cooked)
- Carrots (raw or cooked)
- Apples (sliced, no seeds or core)
- Blueberries (in moderation)
- Cranberries (fresh or dried without added sugar)
- Plain cooked squash (butternut, acorn, etc.)
- Plain yogurt (unsweetened, no artificial sweeteners)
Denise recommends, “Offering these healthy foods allows your dog to enjoy the season without risking their health.”
Learn more about the benefits of a fresh food diet in our blog, The Benefits of a Fresh Food Diet for Dogs: Raw & Home-Cooked.
Simple Holiday Treat Recipes for Dogs
Pumpkin & Apple Dog Bites
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (plain, unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1 small apple, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 egg
Mix all ingredients into a dough, form small bite-sized balls, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until firm. Cool completely before serving.
Denise shares, “These treats combine gentle fall flavors that support digestion and add a festive touch.”
Sweet Potato Chews
- 1 large sweet potato
Slice the sweet potato into thin rounds or strips. Lay flat on a baking sheet and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through until chewy but dry.
“These natural chews are a healthy alternative to processed snacks,” Denise notes, “perfect for keeping pups occupied during holiday hustle.”
Thanksgiving Turkey & Veggie Bowl for Dogs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain cooked turkey (no skin, no bones), shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked sweet potatoes, mashed
- 1/2 cup steamed green beans, chopped
- 1/4 cup plain pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature before serving.
- Serve as a special holiday meal portion sized appropriately for your dog’s weight and dietary needs.
Denise Bozenski says, “This meal is nutritious and packed with seasonal flavors your dog will love — all while being gentle on their digestion.”
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Final Thoughts
Keeping your dog safe during Thanksgiving is about thoughtful preparation and awareness. “By knowing what’s safe and what’s not, you can share the holiday joy with your dog while protecting their well-being,” Denise concludes.
Celebrate safely this Thanksgiving with mindful choices for your dog. Need personalized advice? Contact Revive & Thrive Canine Wellness for expert guidance. Get started HERE!
FAQs
Can my dog eat turkey skin or bones?
No. Turkey skin is high in fat and can cause pancreatitis, and bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
Is it okay to give my dog pumpkin?
Yes, plain pumpkin is great for digestion and makes a nutritious treat.
What should I do if my dog eats something toxic?
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control center immediately.
