Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious food. While it may seem like a kind gesture to include your dog in the feast, some traditional Thanksgiving dishes can be harmful—or even toxic—to them. Understanding which foods to avoid can help ensure your dog stays safe and happy during the holiday.
Turkey Bones and Fatty Skin
Turkey is often the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner, but not all parts of the turkey are safe for dogs. Cooked turkey bones can splinter easily, posing a choking hazard or causing damage to your dog’s digestive tract. Similarly, turkey skin, which is often seasoned with spices, butter, or marinades, is too fatty for dogs and can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
Stuffing and Casseroles
Stuffing and casseroles may be delicious for humans, but they’re often loaded with ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Common additions like onions, garlic, leeks, and chives are toxic to dogs and can damage their red blood cells. Herbs such as sage and rosemary, while safe for humans, can upset a dog’s stomach. Even seemingly harmless ingredients like butter or heavy cream can cause digestive issues due to their high fat content.
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Potatoes themselves are safe for dogs if cooked plain, but Thanksgiving mashed potatoes often include butter, milk, cream, and garlic—all of which are problematic for your pup. Gravy, a popular topping for mashed potatoes, is also a no-go due to its high fat and sodium content. Excess salt can lead to dehydration or sodium poisoning, while fatty foods increase the risk of pancreatitis.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce might seem like a festive treat, but it’s usually loaded with sugar, and some recipes even include alcohol or raisins. Raisins are extremely toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. If you want to share cranberries with your dog, stick to plain, unsweetened ones in moderation.
Sweet Potatoes and Yams
Plain, cooked sweet potatoes are safe and even healthy for dogs, but the candied versions served at Thanksgiving are not. Sweet potato casseroles often include marshmallows, brown sugar, and spices that are too sweet or rich for dogs. These sugary additives can upset their stomach or lead to weight gain over time.
Pumpkin Pie and Desserts
Pumpkin in its pure form is beneficial for dogs, but desserts like pumpkin pie or pecan pie are off-limits. These treats contain sugar, spices, and sometimes chocolate, all of which can be harmful. Chocolate is especially dangerous as it contains theobromine, a compound toxic to dogs. Even sugar-free desserts can pose risks if they contain xylitol, a sweetener that is extremely toxic.
Bread and Rolls
Plain, unseasoned bread is safe for dogs in small amounts, but the dinner rolls and breads often served at Thanksgiving may contain garlic, onion, or butter. Raw dough is particularly dangerous as it can expand in a dog’s stomach and cause serious complications.
Alcohol and Caffeinated Beverages
Alcohol and caffeine are both highly toxic to dogs, even in small quantities. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and even seizures. Make sure all alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks like coffee or tea are kept well out of reach.
Green Bean Casserole
Plain green beans are a healthy snack for dogs, but green bean casserole is not. This popular dish often includes ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, and heavy seasonings that can upset a dog’s stomach or cause toxicity.
Leftover Fat and Pan Drippings
It’s common to pour leftover fat or pan drippings over food as a treat, but this is not safe for dogs. These scraps are high in fat and can lead to digestive upset or pancreatitis. Instead, consider giving your dog a small piece of plain, cooked turkey as a safer alternative. Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.
