Thanksgiving Table Scraps: Dos and Don’ts of What to Share with Your Dog

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, and give thanks—including for our beloved dogs, who are often right by our side, hoping for a taste of the feast. But before you slip your pup a little something from the Thanksgiving table, it’s important to know what’s safe for them to eat and what should stay far away from their bowl.

Let’s break down the dos and don’ts of Thanksgiving table scraps so you can share the holiday joy with your furry family member without risking their health.

DO: Share These Dog-Safe Thanksgiving Foods

Here are some items from the Thanksgiving spread that your dog can safely enjoy—when prepared appropriately.

1. Turkey (Plain, Skinless, and Boneless)
   🐾 Lean turkey meat is a great source of protein for your dog. Just make sure it’s cooked plain (no seasoning, butter, or gravy) and free of bones, which can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.

2. Sweet Potatoes (Unseasoned)
   🥔 Rich in fiber and vitamins like A and C, plain cooked sweet potatoes are a great option for dogs. Avoid sweet potato casseroles, as they often contain sugar, butter, and marshmallows, which aren’t dog-friendly.

3. Green Beans (Steamed or Plain)
   🌱 Green beans are a healthy, low-calorie treat for dogs. Serve them plain—skip the butter, salt, and any casserole toppings.

4. Pumpkin (Plain, Cooked, or Canned)
   🎃 Pumpkin is a great digestive aid and a nutritious treat for dogs. Ensure it’s plain (not pumpkin pie filling) and free of added sugar or spices.

5. Apples (Without Seeds or Core)
   🍎 Apples are a crunchy, vitamin-rich snack. Just make sure to remove the seeds and core, as apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.

6. Carrots
   🥕 Raw or cooked carrots are packed with fiber and vitamins, making them a healthy, crunchy treat for your pup.

DON’T: Share These Unsafe Thanksgiving Foods

While some Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs, others can be harmful—or even deadly. Avoid these common holiday dishes:

1. Turkey Skin and Bones
   🦴 The skin is often seasoned with spices, garlic, and onions, which can be toxic to dogs. Bones can splinter and cause choking or severe internal damage.

2. Stuffing
   🥖 Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, herbs, and seasonings that are toxic to dogs.

3. Mashed Potatoes
   🥔 While potatoes themselves are safe, mashed potatoes are typically loaded with butter, cream, salt, and garlic, making them unsuitable for dogs.

4. Gravy and Sauces
   🍗 Gravy is usually high in fat and often contains onions, garlic, and other ingredients that can upset your dog’s stomach—or worse.

5. Cranberry Sauce
   🫙 Many cranberry sauces are loaded with sugar or sweetened with artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.

6. Desserts (Pies, Cakes, Cookies)
   🍰 Pumpkin and pecan pies, as well as other desserts, often contain sugar, spices, chocolate, or nuts—all of which are dangerous for dogs.

7. Alcohol
   🍷 Even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious harm to your dog. Keep drinks and food containing alcohol far out of reach.

Helpful Tips for Thanksgiving with Dogs

1. Stick to Their Regular Diet
   While it’s tempting to let your dog indulge in the Thanksgiving feast, sudden changes to their diet can cause stomach upset. Keep treats small and occasional.

2. Watch for Signs of Trouble
   If your dog accidentally gets into something they shouldn’t, watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect your dog has ingested something harmful, contact your vet or an emergency pet poison hotline immediately.

3. Create a Dog-Safe Plate
   To avoid confusion, make a special plate of safe, plain foods (like turkey, sweet potatoes, and green beans) for your dog. This way, you can enjoy the holiday without worrying about accidentally giving them something dangerous.

4. Remind Guests of the Rules
   Let your guests know which foods are off-limits for your dog and ask them not to sneak table scraps without checking with you first.

5. Have Treats Ready
   Keep some dog-friendly treats on hand to distract your pup from begging at the table. It’s a great way to make them feel included without risking their health.

Thanksgiving Treat Recipe: Turkey & Pumpkin Bites

If you want to include your dog in the Thanksgiving fun, try this simple, dog-safe recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked turkey (plain, finely chopped)
• ½ cup plain canned pumpkin
• 1 egg
• 1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
3. Roll the mixture into small balls or flatten into cookie shapes.
4. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until firm.
5. Let cool completely before serving to your pup!

Enjoy a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving with Your Pup!

Thanksgiving is all about sharing love and gratitude—and that includes our four-legged family members! By sticking to safe foods and avoiding harmful ones, you can make sure your dog stays healthy and happy through the holiday festivities.

What’s your dog’s favorite holiday tradition? Share your Thanksgiving moments with us in the comments or tag us in your festive photos! 🐾🍂  @thebigdamndogco