Thanksgiving Food Pets Can and Can’t Eat
- Deniza Marcinkevica
- Nov 6
- 3 min read
By Taquera Woodson, Social Media Intern and Deniza Marcinkevica, Manager Business Development, Skytails.com
Thanksgiving is one of the most joyful times of the year and a day filled with family, friends, gratitude, and food. From the smell of turkey, sight of pumpkin pie, it's a food for the senses. While enjoying these holiday traditions, your pet is right beside you hoping to get a taste of Thanksgiving food. It can hard to resist the urge to share food with your pet, but it’s important to know that some Thanksgiving food is not safe for pets.
Food Pets Can Eat on Thanksgiving
These foods can safely be shared with your dog or cat as long as they are served plain, unseasoned, and free from added fats, sugars, or spices.
Turkey (Plain, Cooked and Boneless)
Lean turkey meat is good protein for dogs and cats. Offer a small piece of plain cooked turkey breast without skin, bond, or gravy. Avoid dark meat and fatty trimming, which can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.
Sweet Potatoes
Plain, boiled, baked sweet potatoes without butter, sugar, or marshmallows are healthy and fiber-rich treat for pets. They are loaded with vitamins A and C and are gentle on the stomach.
Carrots and Green Beans
Steamed or raw, carrots are great low-calorie snacks that pets love. Green beans are packed with fiber and can help your dog feel full without extra calories.
Pumpkin Puree (Plain, Unsweetened)
Pumpkin is a holiday favorite that’s also good for digestion. A spoonful of plain canned pumpkin can support healthy digestion and sooth sensitive stomachs.
Apples (Without Seeds or Core)
Crisp apple slices make a refreshing snack. Just make sure you remove the seeds and core because they contain cyanide. Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants.
Small Amounts of Cheese (Optional)
If your pet tolerates dairy, a small bite of cheese can be a holiday treat. Just make sure it’s plain and given in moderation.
Food Pets Can’t Eat on Thanksgiving
Many traditional Thanksgiving foods contain ingredients that can toxic or harmful to pets. Even a small amount can cause discomfort or worse.
Stuffing & Gravy
Stuffing includes onions, garlic, and butter which are dangerous to dogs and cats. Onions and garlic can cause anemia, while fatty ingredient can lead to vomiting or pancreatitis. Gravy also is high in salt and fat.
Bread Dough or Rolls
While a small piece of baked bread won’t hurt, they cannot have raw dough. It can expand in your pet’s stomach and produce alcohol from fermentation, which can be toxic.
Chocolate and Dessert
Chocolate, sugar, and artificial sweeteners are toxic to pets. Even a few bites of dessert can cause severe illness, seizures, or worse, Keep pies, cookies, and candies well out of reach.
Fatty Foods and Skin
Turkey skin, gravy, buttered dishes and trimmings are too rich for pets and can digestively upset or pancreatitis. Pets process fat differently than humans.
Grapes, Raisins, and Onions
These are the most toxic ingredients for pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure, while onions and garlic can damage red blood cells.
Alcohol or Caffeinated Drinks
Alcohol and caffeine are never safe for pets. Keep cocktails, coffee, and soda out of reach, and make sure guests know not to share.
Tips for a Pet-Safe Thanksgiving
Feed your pet before guests arrive
Keep trash secured
Watch the guests
Create a quiet space
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time to gather, share, and give thanks and our pets are one of the biggest blessings of all. By being mindful of what they eat, you can make sure your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and part of the celebration.
SkyTails Connection
Thanksgiving is about gratitude and what better way to show gratitude for your pet than by keeping them safe, loved, and healthy. With SkyTails you can have a dedicated pet savings account. SkyTails helps you build a secure financial future for your pet so you can enjoy every season, stress-free.
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