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Writer's pictureVictoria Cherpes

A Guide to a Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Meal



Thanksgiving is a special occasion for families to come together for fun, making memories and delicious food. While you plan on spending the day with your loved ones, your furry friend, Fido, is just as excited to be included in your feast. As tempting as it may be to share your meal with your dog, some Thanksgiving foods can be harmful to them. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through some safe and nutritious foods that your dog can have on their plate this Thanksgiving.


Before we dive into the list of safe Thanksgiving foods for dogs, it’s essential to note some hazardous foods that you should avoid giving them. These include

  • onions

  • grapes

  • raisins

  • garlic

  • nutmeg

  • and anything with xylitol (such as sugar-free gum and candy)

  • uncooked meat

  • fatty gravy

  • turkey bones.


Now, let’s move on to the list of Thanksgiving foods that are safe for your dog to eat.

  • Unseasoned cooked turkey (without bones) is safe for dogs to enjoy but remove the skin and ensure that it's well-cooked. Turkey is an excellent source of protein and essential amino acids for your dog.

  • Sweet potatoes are another flavor-packed treat for your dog that's low in fat, high in fiber, and an excellent source of vitamin A and potassium.

  • White potatoes are also safe for your dog when cooked and mashed, but avoid giving them any potato dishes that contain butter, cheese, or gravy

  • green beans

  • corn (off the cob)

  • peas

  • carrots

  • Cranberries are also safe for dogs in small quantities, but avoid giving them cranberry sauce, which contains high amounts of sugar and other additives.

  • Apples and pumpkin are excellent sources of healthy fiber, vitamins, and minerals and can satisfy your dog's sweet cravings.


For more comprehensive lists of dog safe foods and those ingredients to avoid click here, here or here. As always your best reference is your veterinarian.


If you are a fan of making homemade dog treats, here are a few fun recipes that are sure to please. Homemade Thanksgiving Dog Treats, Thanksgiving Dog Biscuits, Honest Kitchen Thanksgiving Turkey Treats


In conclusion, Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy with your family, including your furry family members. However, it's important to keep in mind that not all human foods are safe for dogs. A dog-friendly Thanksgiving meal must be prepared with care, avoiding all the harmful ingredients and sticking to safe options like unseasoned cooked turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, peas, carrots, cranberries, apples, and pumpkin. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that Fido enjoys the holiday in a healthy and safe way. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your furry friend!


End Note : If you believe your pet has been poisoned or has eaten something they shouldn't have, immediately call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic. You also can call the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661); note that a fee may apply.

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2 Comments


Betsy Woudenberg
Betsy Woudenberg
Nov 16, 2023

Thank you so much, Victoria! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and pups!

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Victoria Cherpes
Victoria Cherpes
Nov 16, 2023
Replying to

Thank you Betsy - wishing you both and the pups a bountiful Thanksgiving!!!

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