21 Thanksgiving Foods: What’s Safe for Dogs and What’s Not

Thanksgiving foods are amazing! Rich, cozy, comforting, and creamy—from perfectly roasted turkey to mashed potatoes with lots of gravy—it’s just one of those holidays where you really have to struggle to leave room for dessert. But we’re not the only ones who feel this way—your dogs feel the same!

If I had to pick one holiday where dogs overeat, it would be Thanksgiving, as it’s simply so hard to resist giving them table scraps and letting them indulge. But overeating is not a good idea, especially if you have a small or senior dog. They will most likely end up very thirsty, mess up their digestion, and then refuse to eat kibble for days.

If you’re wondering – what Thanksgiving food can I give my dog, make sure to stay tuned! In this article, we will break down the 21 most popular Thanksgiving dishes, whether you can share them with your dog, and what to watch out for. As you’ll see, there’s a way to enjoy the holidays together without worrying about digestive issues, explosive diarrhea, and other mishaps that can happen. Stay tuned—we’re starting with the star of the show: roasted turkey.

1 Turkey

Roasted turkey is perfectly safe for dogs, especially if you give them lean turkey meat without any stuffing, spices, and only a normal amount of salt. Ideally, you should cook turkey without any salt or seasonings, but since that’s unlikely for Thanksgiving, it’s perfectly fine to give your dog cooked turkey meat.

Don’t give your dog any turkey bones, no matter what you read online about calcium, raw diets, and how natural is better. There’s always a risk of choking, internal injuries, and other complications—it’s simply not worth it. And please don’t ever give your dog cooked bones, as they are the most dangerous!

2 Thanksgiving turkey stuffing

The problem with Thanksgiving stuffing and dogs is that it’s made from ingredients that can upset your dog’s stomach. Many recipes have onion and garlic, which are toxic in large amounts. So while the stuffing won’t be toxic to your dog, it can still irritate them.

Then we have lots of butter, bread cubes, seasonings, and often sausages. While none of these are toxic to dogs, some ingredients like sausages can be hard on your dog’s stomach.

Pay special attention if you make stuffing with nuts and raisins, as raisins are very toxic to dogs and can cause kidney issues.

With stuffing, it’s best to skip it altogether, as it’s full of things that can be hard for dogs to handle. But if your dog eats some by accident, don’t panic—the amounts of onion and garlic aren’t remotely dangerous. Just watch out for raisins.

3 Mashed potatoes

My favorite part—mashed potatoes are my first association with fall, home cooking, and holidays. While cooked and mashed potatoes are safe for dogs, please make sure you don’t give them too much, especially if you add a lot of butter and salt.

Dogs can’t handle carbs combined with lots of fat (butter), so they can end up with an upset stomach. You might see them become lethargic, their tummy hard and bloated, and they may have difficulty going potty. Also, remember, that while pancreatitis is a serious disease that has genetic and other factors, many scientists believe that the combination of fat and carbs can trigger inflammation of the pancreas.

The best way to share mashed potatoes with dogs is to take a small portion before you add salt and butter and serve it with some turkey meat. But if you’re busy hosting, you can relax knowing that a couple of spoons of mashed potatoes are just fine.

4 Sweet potatoes or yams

Dogs can definitely eat sweet potatoes and yams! They are tasty, healthy, a great source of fiber, and one of the easiest things you can make. However, how you prepare them for Thanksgiving is a whole different story.

If you make candied yams or sweet potatoes, then please don’t give them to your dog. Yams are the white ones with rough skin, and sweet potatoes are the orange ones, slightly sweet with thin skin. If you’re from the United States, you are probably thinking about sweet potatoes but calling them yams. Back to candied yams—if you make them with sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, or marshmallows, please don’t share them with your dog! While marshmallows aren’t toxic to dogs, they are pure sugar, and candied yams are just too rich for your dog’s sensitive stomach.

5 Green bean casserole

Green bean casserole is something we look forward to all year, but since it’s so rich and creamy, it’s best not to give it to your dog. If they have a bite, don’t worry—there’s nothing toxic in green bean casserole. But don’t let them indulge.

While green beans are healthy for dogs (full of vitamins and a great source of fiber), the other ingredients like fried onions on top, cream, and butter will make it hard for your dog to digest and could upset their stomach.

If you want to make them feel special, cook some plain green beans with sweet potatoes and turkey, and spoil them with a little gravy. They can enjoy their own mini Thanksgiving feast, but don’t give a whole serving of green bean casserole to your dog!

6 Cranberry sauce

Don’t give your dog cranberry sauce, whether it’s jellied or whole berry. While cranberry sauce isn’t toxic to dogs, it’s full of sugar, and sugar combined with fat and other foods your dog will probably get this Thanksgiving will be super hard on their stomach!

If we had to choose, we’d say it’s best to stick to protein and veggies. Everything else can be very rich, have lots of fat, and cause digestive issues. But with sugar, you have to be extra careful—you’ll get zero benefits and an upset tummy.

Now, if your dog licks your plate with some cranberry sauce, please don’t worry. Cranberry sauce isn’t toxic to dogs, but if you want to spoil them this Thanksgiving, do it without any sugar.

7 Gravy

While gravy is delicious and an absolute staple for our Thanksgiving feast, you should only share a couple of teaspoons on top of cooked veggies and meat, just to give your dog a taste.

Your dog will probably love gravy, especially if you make it with turkey drippings, lots of cream, and butter, and they’ll adore you if you share it with them.

So, if you want to let them indulge, drizzle some on top of their Thanksgiving plate and enjoy the holiday safely. Don’t leave the gravy bowl on the table where your dog can reach it, as they will eat everything and end up pretty sick from all the fat. Not all gravy is equal, so pay special attention if you make sausage gravy and other types that can be really strong. You can read about gravies for dogs, ranked from worst to best, to see what would be your best options.

8 Dinner rolls or cornbread

While cornbread is safe for dogs to eat, it’s best to give them only a small piece and not make it a regular thing. We want our dogs to eat protein, healthy fats, and fiber, so when it comes to bread and pastry, you really need to be careful. Not because they’re bad, but because they’ll fill them up, and then they won’t eat their food and might gain weight. Eating too many carbs, especially sugary ones with lots of butter and milk, like cornbread, in the long run, is not a good idea.

However, even if your dog eats a whole pan of cornbread, there’s no need to panic—it’s not toxic.

Dinner rolls are also safe, but like cornbread, they can have butter and salt, which in large amounts can make your dog a little sick. Some dogs may tolerate dinner rolls and other types of pastry better, but don’t give them too much. Give them a small piece if you’re feeling generous, but don’t make it a habit.

9 Pumpkin pie

An absolute Thanksgiving favorite and a staple of our festive table, pumpkin pie is the star of Thanksgiving dinner! When it comes to giving it to your dog, the best approach is to avoid sharing any pumpkin pie with them, as there’s a good chance they’ll love it, and then you’ll have a problem.

While pumpkin pie isn’t toxic to dogs, and the spices—cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, and even nutmeg—are okay in small amounts, pumpkin pie is still very rich in sugar and fat. You’ve got condensed milk, flour, butter, and sugar, all ingredients that can be too heavy, so it’s better to skip it!

10 Apple pie

If you ask your dog, apple pie is amazing for them, but if you ask me, it’s still a sugary baked good that’s full of fat, sugar, and carbs, and isn’t good for your dog. Will something bad happen if your dog eats apple pie? No, not at all. All the spices you’ll use are in tiny amounts, and the worst thing that can happen is that your dog steals a whole pie and eats the entire thing.

So, if you must give them a piece, make sure they also eat their dog food, and some protein, and give them plenty of water.

11 Pecan pie

Out of all pies, pecan pie is probably the worst option for your dog. There are several reasons but it’s the nuts, sugar, butter, and other sweeteners. Also, even though pecan pie is bad for dogs, it’s not toxic. This means that nothing serious will happen if they eat a piece or two.

Even if they eat a whole pecan pie, depending on the size of your dog, they’ll likely end up with digestive discomfort, a swollen tummy, and general lethargy.

Now, pecan nuts aren’t good for dogs, and they do contain some toxins that can be harmful in large amounts. But the amount used for pecan pie is fine, so don’t worry about that. Just be careful if you’re decorating with whole pecan nuts, as small dogs may not chew them well, posing a choking hazard.

12 Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are my favorite roasted veggie, but my dog hates them, so I’m all good. While they are absolutely fine and healthy, the problem is how we prepare them. I make mine with lots of garlic powder, and nutritional yeast, and drizzle them with olive oil and salt, which isn’t suitable for dogs!

If you’re making some with just salt and oil, without any garlic or onion powder, you can share them with your dog. But be prepared for some smelly farts—Brussels sprouts can make your dog gassy.

13 Roasted parsnips

Roasted parsnips are good for dogs, although not many dogs like them. With roasted veggies, all you need to pay attention to is the amount of salt, spices, and oil you use. If you’re making your usual veggies for Thanksgiving, you can set aside a corner of the sheet pan and avoid adding any garlic or onion powder, then share that with your dog!

Even if your regular veggies contain spices classified as toxic to dogs, don’t worry—the amount is minimal and won’t harm your dog.

14 Butternut squash and roasted pumpkin

Butternut squash is amazing for dogs! All types of squash and pumpkin are good for dogs. They’re rich in vitamins, and minerals, and contain both insoluble and soluble fiber! This means that for tummy issues like diarrhea, soluble fiber will absorb extra water and help your dog. For constipation, insoluble fiber adds bulk and helps them go potty!

So feel free to share roasted butternut squash or whatever type you’re making this fall! Just don’t overdo it with spices, and your dog will love it.

15 Mac and cheese

It’s best not to give your dog mac and cheese this Thanksgiving! While mac and cheese isn’t toxic to your dog, it’s really hard on their stomach. A tiny piece or a small portion will probably be fine, but if your dog eats a lot of mac and cheese, they’ll end up with a bloated, hard tummy, digestive discomfort, and will likely be very thirsty.

The main problem with mac and cheese isn’t the macaroni or durum flour, it’s the sodium. Whether homemade or boxed, mac and cheese is very high in sodium, which is really bad for dogs.

If you want to share some, let them lick your plate—it will be fine but don’t make this a habit. As you’ve seen in this article so far, there are far better things you can share with your dog this Thanksgiving.

16 Salad

I’m not too worried about your dog eating some of the Thanksgiving salad, as they’re usually not big fans of mixed greens. Depending on your preferences, you might add feta or goat cheese, along with dried cranberries and nuts like pecans or walnuts.

All of these ingredients are okay, and pecans are only toxic in large amounts. Even vinaigrette or balsamic dressing won’t harm your dog in small quantities and isn’t too acidic for their stomach.

Again, I doubt your dog will eat it, but if they do, don’t worry—Thanksgiving salads are okay for dogs.

17 Corn (creamed or on the cob)

Cooked corn off the cob and cooked or canned corn kernels are safe for dogs! But corn on the cob is absolutely not allowed for dogs. Corn cobs are not digestible, and big dogs may swallow them whole or in pieces, which is a serious problem. Because they’re tough and large, there’s a good chance your dog will need to see the vet. There have been numerous emergencies with dogs eating corn cobs, especially large dogs when they’re playful with food.

But cooked corn is fine for dogs, and most dogs enjoy it, so you can share! When it comes to creamed corn, please don’t give your dog any—it’s incredibly heavy on their stomach and unhealthy since it’s loaded with butter, sugar, and cheese.

18 Glazed carrots

There’s something super fancy about glazed carrots for holidays, and they go great with meat, but they are a horrible choice for dogs. Typically made with butter, brown sugar, and sometimes honey or maple syrup, glazed carrots are heavy on sugar and fat, which can upset your dog’s stomach. While carrots are healthy and safe for dogs, it’s better to stick to plain, roasted carrots without the sugary glaze.

19 Deviled eggs

Eggs are something you can always share with your dog, as they are one of the best sources of choline and iron in the world! The best way to give your dog eggs this Thanksgiving is to offer them a plain hard-boiled egg before you make your deviled egg mix.

However, don’t worry if your dog steals some deviled eggs from the table! Most ingredients are okay for dogs. You have mayo, which is high in fat but not harmful in small amounts; mustard, which isn’t bad for dogs but can upset their tummy in large quantities; and spices like pepper and paprika, all tolerable in small amounts. If you usually add extras like bacon or pickles, there’s a good chance your dog will snatch those, too!

20 Ham (as an alternative to turkey for some families)

Your dog will love ham this Thanksgiving, and although plain meat is always a better option, it’s okay to share some. Depending on how you prepare ham this season, you can give your dog parts without too much glaze and without any spices or herbs that could upset their stomach.

Don’t give your dog table scraps by default, even though they’ll love ham and other tasty treats. Keep in mind that their stomach is delicate, and overeating can cause bowel movement issues (aka you’ll have to watch their butt).

21 Wine or cider

Absolutely no alcohol is allowed for dogs—not as a joke, not from guests, and definitely not to play with champagne corks. Alcohol is toxic to dogs and should never be given to them, even in small amounts. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and even in severe cases. Drinks like wine, cider, beer, and any cocktails are dangerous because dogs metabolize alcohol differently and are much more sensitive to its effects.

Enjoy this Thanksgiving safely, knowing there are plenty of Thanksgiving foods dogs can eat. Be responsible by providing your dog with plenty of fresh water, balancing their meals, and celebrating together!

After all, we have dogs, so we have plenty to be thankful for!

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Here are the most popular questions! I’m sure you’ll have more about this topic, so feel free to leave a comment and I’ll be happy to reply!

What not to feed dogs on Thanksgiving?

Keep pies, sugary treats, alcohol, raisins, and chocolate away from your dog. These are either hard to digest or downright dangerous and can lead to serious health problems.

Why can’t dogs eat mashed potatoes?

They can, but too much butter and salt isn’t good for them. A small amount is fine, but loads of fat and sodium can upset their stomach.

What foods are safe for dogs on Thanksgiving?

Stick with plain turkey meat and some grilled veggies like carrots and green beans—those are great options your dog can enjoy.

Why can’t dogs have ham on Thanksgiving?

Glazed ham is a no-go for dogs. The sugar, honey, and syrup in the glaze aren’t good for them. If you want to share, stick to small, unglazed portions.

What Thanksgiving food is toxic to dogs?

Most Thanksgiving foods are not going to be toxic to dogs unless you make something with artificial sweeteners, chocolate, or lots of raisins! Everything else we eat for Thanksgiving is safe.