As you cook your Thanksgiving meal, salivating at just the idea of the feast, your four-legged family members may be salivating too. But, according to a recent study, 64 percent of U.S. pet parents say that their dog has chewed on or eaten something they shouldn’t have during a holiday celebration. As the Thanksgiving feast approaches, it’s essential to be mindful of what your furry friend can and cannot indulge in. While we savor the delectable dishes on our tables, it’s crucial to ensure our canine companions have a safe and enjoyable holiday too. In this guide, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of Thanksgiving foods for dogs, covering popular queries like “Can dogs eat turkey?”
Let’s make this holiday season a joyous and pet-friendly celebration!
Table of Contents
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs
These thanksgiving foods are safe for your dogs in moderation, and when prepared with your pup in mind without a few traditional ingredients.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey?
For many, Thanksgiving without turkey is almost unimaginable. Fortunately, dogs can enjoy this holiday staple too. Turkey is safe for dogs, but you should pay attention to what was used in preparing the turkey. Avoid giving your dog the skin, which is usually prepared with extra fat and butter. If your turkey was prepared with stuffing inside, make sure it does not have onions, as onions can be toxic to dogs.
Opt for skinless, boneless turkey for pets to avoid potential hazards. While turkey bones can splinter and pose a risk, boneless cuts make for a safe and protein-packed treat for your pup.
Bonus: After the holiday, you can turn your turkey carcass into a healthy bone broth for your pups!
Can Dogs Have Mashed Potatoes?
Mashed potatoes are safe for dogs, but too much butter, sour cream, milk, and cheese may cause an upset tummy. While you are cooking, a tummy-safe option is to take some plain potatoes, before you add in the rest of the yummy ingredients, and mash them up for your dog so that they can enjoy the potatoes without all of the extras. Gravy should be avoided for your pup entirely.
Can Dogs Have Green Beans?
Green beans are an excellent food for dogs. Green beans are a great source of plant fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K. Loaded with vitamins, green beans make a healthy and low-calorie snack for dogs.
Unfortunately, most green bean casseroles are cooked with heavy cream and onions, making green bean casserole unsafe for dogs. While you are cooking, set aside some warm green beans (minus the salt, butter, and onions) for your pup’s plate and they can enjoy the benefits without the dangers of the casserole. Frozen green beans also make a great crunchy treat for your pup.
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are an excellent addition to any dog’s diet – even when it is not a holiday. Sweet potatoes area great source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, which altogether promote overall health. The trouble comes from the extra sugar in candied yams or marshmallows on sweet potato casserole, which can cause an upset tummy. A safer option is to boil or broil plain sweet potatoes to give to your pup.
Can Dogs Have Corn?
Corn is perfectly safe for dogs in moderation. But, just like other casseroles, try to give your dog only the cooked corn and not corn casserole or corn pudding. Corn casserole often contains high amounts of butter, cream, salt, and occasionally onions – all of which can be harmful or cause upset tummy.
Can Dogs Have Cranberry Sauce?
Cranberry sauce is okay in moderation but pay attention to how much sugar you are giving your pup on the holiday. However, your dog cannot eat cranberry sauce containing grapes, raisins, or currants because they are toxic to dogs. For a healthier treat, offer them some plain cranberries instead!
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
Pumpkin isn’t just reserved for pies; it’s a fantastic addition to your pup’s diet. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, plain canned pumpkin can be a soothing treat for your dog’s digestive system. Just remember to choose plain pumpkin without added sugars or spices to keep it safe and healthy for your furry friend.
Can Dogs Have Deviled Eggs?
Eggs are a healthy addition to every dog’s diet and contribute to a healthy coat. To keep your pup healthy and to avoid the extra salt, pepper, and mayonnaise in traditional deviled eggs, set aside a boiled egg to include on your pup’s holiday plate.
Unsafe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs
While celebrating with family and friends, steer clear of sharing certain Thanksgiving delights with your four-legged friend. Some foods that are traditional for us can be unsafe or even toxic for dogs. Let’s explore these potential hazards, ensuring a safe and joyous Thanksgiving celebration for both you and your beloved pet.
No Cooked Bones for Dogs
Cooked bones, often leftovers from the turkey, are another item to steer clear of. While a raw bone might be appropriate for some dogs, cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries or blockages. Play it safe by offering your pup dog-friendly treats and toys instead.
Avoid High-Fat Foods for Dogs
High-fat foods, commonly found in traditional Thanksgiving feasts, can be harmful to dogs. The richness of gravies, fatty meats, and buttery side dishes may lead to pancreatitis or gastrointestinal upset in dogs.
Avoid Stuffing & Dressings for dogs
As tempting as it may be to share that flavorful stuffing or dressing, it’s best to resist the urge. These dishes often contain onions, and sometimes raisins, which are all harmful to dogs. These ingredients are toxic for dogs and can cause anemia, pancreatitis, and kidney failure. If you do want to make a pet-safe stuffing, avoid onions and leeks. Raisins and grapes, even in small quantities, can cause kidney failure in dogs and should never find their way into your pup’s bowl.
Avoid Spices & Seasonings for dogs
Seasonings and spices, although tantalizing to our taste buds, can spell trouble for our pets. Ingredients like onions, often used in savory dishes, contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Even small amounts can lead to adverse effects such as digestive issues or, in severe cases, damage to red blood cells.
Avoid Desserts for Dogs
Desserts, the sweet finale to our meals, can pose a significant threat to our pets. Chocolate, often present in many Thanksgiving desserts, contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Additionally, desserts like pies may contain xylitol, a sugar substitute, which is highly toxic to dogs and can cause rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia. Keep these sweet treats well out of your dog’s reach, and opt for pet-safe alternatives to satisfy their sweet tooth.
Add Functional Mushrooms to Your Dog’s Holiday Routine
Many pet parents also like to support their dog’s wellness during the busy holiday season with functional mushrooms. MycoDog offers dual-extracted mushroom blends that fit easily into your pet’s daily routine.
If your dog’s stomach tends to be sensitive during travel or rich holiday meals, MycoDog Digest is a blend of functional mushroom extracts and adaptogens that help support digestive function and the gut microbiome. Great for dog tummy troubles! For overall immune balance and everyday support, MycoDog Vitality is a popular go-to mushroom extract and adaptogen blend pet parents use year-round.
Adding a dropperful to your dog’s meal can be an easy way to support their gut, immune system, and overall wellbeing during the holidays.
CBD Treats for Dogs this Thanksgiving
Holidays like Thanksgiving can come with lots of excitement and new experiences for pets, and many pet parents like to include mushrooms and CBD in their pet’s wellness routine this time of year.
If you’re looking to treat your furry friend this Thanksgiving, consider adding safe Thanksgiving foods for dogs to their bowl, and for an extra seasonal treat, Blanche’s Edibles are a pet-parent favorite!
Blanche’s Edibles, our CBD dog treats, are a fantastic option for pet parents seeking a safe treat for their pets during the Thanksgiving festivities.
These wholesome heart-shaped dog treats are meticulously crafted with real whole food ingredients, including pumpkin, ginger, and pure coconut oil from the family farm in the Philippines, ensuring a delightful and healthful experience for your pet.
Our vegan CBD edibles are low-calorie, hypoallergenic, and free from grains and gluten. Infused with our proprietary full spectrum hemp extract, sourced from Colorado, with 3mg of FSHE CBD per treat.
For dogs who could use additional support during busy holiday gatherings, our Calm CBD Bundle pairs our Calm CBD Oil with Blanche’s Edibles. It’s a simple way to offer calm-supporting ingredients and a festive, CBD-infused treat in one convenient bundle — a great option for pet parents looking for gentle holiday stress support.
