Thanksgiving is one of the biggest food holidays of the year — and your dog knows it! With all the amazing smells filling the house, it’s natural for pups to beg for a taste of the festivities. But not everything on the Thanksgiving table is safe for dogs to eat. To help you celebrate safely, we’ve created the ultimate guide to which foods your dog can enjoy and which ones to avoid. When in doubt, stick to simple, human-grade ingredients — or skip table scraps altogether and treat your pup to healthy snacks from Patty’s Pet Foods. Let’s dig in!
🥓 SAFE Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs (In Moderation)
These whole, plain foods are generally safe for most dogs — as long as they’re served without added seasoning, butter, fat, or sauces.
1. Turkey (Boneless, Skinless, Plain)
Plain cooked turkey breast is a great source of lean protein. ✔ Safe as long as it’s:
- White meat
- Boneless
- No skin
- No salt, butter, garlic, or seasoning
Never give cooked bones — they splinter and can be deadly.
2. Sweet Potatoes
High in fiber, vitamins, and easy on the stomach. Serve plain (no brown sugar, cinnamon, or marshmallows).
3. Pumpkin (Pure Pumpkin Only)
Pumpkin is amazing for digestion. ✔ Safe: 100% pumpkin puree ✖ Not safe: Pumpkin pie filling (contains sugar & spices)
4. Green Beans
A healthy, low-calorie snack dogs love. Offer plain, steamed, or unseasoned green beans — not the casserole version.
5. Carrots
Crunchy, nutritious, and safe raw or cooked. Skip glazed or honey-roasted carrots.
6. Apples
Great for fiber and vitamins — but:
- Remove seeds (they contain trace cyanide)
- Skip apple pie and sugary fillings
7. Mashed Potatoes (Plain Only)
Potatoes can be safe… But most Thanksgiving potatoes contain:
- Butter
- Milk
- Cheese
- Salt
- Garlic
If you can pull out a plain scoop before mixing, that’s best.
🚫 UNSAFE Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs
These holiday favorites may look delicious, but they can cause digestive upset, toxicity, or even emergencies.
1. Stuffing
Most recipes contain onions, garlic, and too much sodium — all toxic to dogs.
2. Cooked Bones
Cooked turkey or ham bones splinter easily and can cause choking or internal injuries. Never feed any cooked bone to a dog.
3. Gravy
Gravy usually contains high fat, seasoning, onion, and garlic. This can trigger pancreatitis, especially in small or sensitive pups.
4. Desserts (Especially Pie & Chocolate)
Skip dessert-sharing entirely:
- Pumpkin pie
- Apple pie filling
- Chocolate anything
- Whipped cream
- Sugar-free foods with xylitol (deadly)
5. Casseroles
Green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and baked dishes often include:
- Heavy cream
- Cheese
- Marshmallows
- Onions
- Fried toppings
All unsafe for your dog.
6. Alcohol
Even tiny amounts can cause serious issues, including low blood sugar, vomiting, and seizures.
🐶 How to Treat Your Dog Safely on Thanksgiving
Want your dog to be part of the celebration without risking table scraps? Here are healthy alternatives:
✔ Make a Dog-Friendly “Thanksgiving Plate”
Give small portions of the safe foods listed above.
✔ Choose Human-Grade Dog Treats
Healthy, clean, whole ingredients keep your dog full and happy without upsetting their stomach. Patty’s Pet Foods offers:
- Pooch Perfect Chicken Jerky (100% human-grade chicken)
- Sweet Potato Chews
- Chill-Out Calming Chews (for pups nervous around guests)
This way, your pup can enjoy the holiday right alongside you.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and great food — and for many of us, our dogs are part of that family. By choosing safe foods and avoiding holiday hazards, you can make sure your pup has a joyful (and healthy!) Thanksgiving celebration.
🛒 Treat Your Pup to Something Healthy This Thanksgiving
Skip the scraps and choose wholesome snacks instead! 👉 Shop Patty’s Pet Foods’ Human-Grade Treat Collection for a safe, delicious holiday your dog will love.