What Can Your Dog Eat On Thanksgiving?

Your canine companion is a beloved part of your family who joins you on adventures. Of course, you’re excited about including Max in your Thanksgiving celebration, but you’re concerned about what holiday dishes are safe. Can you slip him a piece of turkey? Is stuffing OK for dogs? Or do you need to prepare a separate dog Thanksgiving dinner?

This guide will teach you what your dog can eat on Thanksgiving, what ingredients to avoid and how to ensure Max enjoys the festivities as much as the rest of the family.

Can Dogs Have Dark Turkey Meat?

Dogs can eat turkey, including the dark meat — but in smaller portions. Turkey is a common ingredient in many dog foods, including kibble and wet food. It can be a healthy treat if it’s fully cooked, boneless, skinless and without added seasonings or preservatives.

While dark turkey meat is safe for dogs in small amounts, it’s higher in fat and calories than white meat. Excess fat can lead to digestive issues like upset stomach, diarrhea or even pancreatitis, particularly if your pet is not accustomed to rich foods. Therefore, it is best to limit dark meat portions and opt for leaner white meat.

Cut the cooked turkey into small, bite-sized pieces or grate a little over their kibble to give your furbaby a taste of Turkey Day. After carving the turkey for your meal, ensure they can’t reach the leftover parts.

Can Dogs Eat Brown Gravy?

Dogs should not eat brown gravy made for humans. While it may seem like a tasty treat, human gravy typically contains ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, including high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats and other toxic seasonings. Salt can lead to dehydration and, in severe cases, kidney damage.

A small amount of human gravy might not harm your furry friend immediately, but it’s best to avoid it altogether to prevent potential health risks. If you want to add a gravy-like flavor to Max’s food on Thanksgiving, consider these safer options:

1. Commercially available dog gravy: Look for dog-specific gravies low in salt and fat and free from harmful ingredients. Always check the label for safety.
2. Homemade dog gravy: Use safe ingredients to make your own dog-friendly gravy. Simmer low-sodium chicken or beef broth with vegetables like carrots or peas and thicken it with cornstarch.
3. Bone broth: This nutritious option is easy to digest. You can make it by simmering bones in water for an extended period. It provides flavor and nutrients without harmful additives.

What Stuffing Is Safe for Dogs on Thanksgiving?

No Thanksgiving stuffing is safe for dogs to eat. Traditional stuffing recipes often contain harmful ingredients that can lead to serious health issues for your furry friend.

• Onions and garlic: Both are toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal upset and damage to red blood cells.
• Sodium: Stuffing is typically high in salt, which can lead to dehydration and other health problems if ingested by dogs.
• Raisins and grapes: These ingredients harm dogs and can cause kidney failure.

Stuffing may also contain small turkey bones that can splinter and cause blockages, leading to constipation or more severe digestive issues. Many stuffing recipes also include other ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as leeks and chives.

You can make a dog-safe version of stuffing for your pet during Thanksgiving that captures the essence of traditional stuffing by using the following ingredients:

• Plain, whole-wheat bread
• Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
• Finely chopped carrots
• Finely chopped celery
• Cooked, shredded turkey

Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Can Eat

There are several Thanksgiving foods that you can safely share with your dog. Here’s a list of dishes and ingredients that Max may love:

• Plain mashed potatoes: Dogs can have plain mashed potatoes without added butter, cream or seasoning, but serve in moderation.
• Plain cranberries: Fresh cranberries are safe for dogs, but avoid cranberry sauce with added sugars.
• Pumpkin: Plain pumpkin is high in fiber and beneficial for your pet’s digestion. Limit to a couple of tablespoons based on your dog’s size. Keep the pumpkin pie filling for the humans.
• Green beans: Plain, cooked green beans are low in calories and provide dietary fiber. Serve them without any added seasonings or butter.
• Apples: Sliced apples without seeds or cores make a healthy snack with fiber and vitamins A and C.
• Plain peas: Cooked green peas are safe and can be a tasty treat, but avoid any creamy preparations.
• Squash: Plain, cooked butternut or acorn squash can be a nutritious option rich in vitamins and fiber.
• Corn: Cooked corn off the cob in small portions is a source of fiber and protein. Ensure it’s plain and unseasoned.

Foods to Avoid

Here’s a summary of other dishes and ingredients to avoid to keep your furry friend safe during the holiday:

• Turkey bones: Cooked bones are brittle and can splinter. They pose a choking hazard, and shark edges have the potential to cause internal injuries.
• Pumpkin pie and desserts: Pumpkin pie typically contains sugar, spices and dairy, which are unsuitable for dogs. Other desserts like chocolate, cookies and anything with xylitol — a sugar substitute — are also dangerous.
• Alcohol: All forms of alcohol are toxic to dogs and can lead to severe health issues, including seizures.
• Rich foods: Any food high in fat, such as butter and creamy casseroles, can cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis.
• Nutmeg and sage: Nutmeg can be toxic and cause hallucinations, while sage may not suit all dogs.
• Mushrooms: Some mushrooms are toxic, and it’s best to avoid them altogether.
• Yeast dough: Raw dough can expand in a dog’s stomach, cause severe pain and potentially lead to bloating.
• Uncooked potatoes: Raw potatoes contain high levels of solanine, which is harmful to dogs.

Additional Tips for Safe Celebrations

Including your best friend in Thanksgiving celebrations can be a wonderful experience, but it also requires careful planning and monitoring to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some additional tips about including Max in your Thanksgiving dinner plans:

• Offer dog-safe alternatives: Prepare a special dog-friendly dish or treat that your dog can enjoy while everyone else is eating. This gives them something to look forward to and keeps them satisfied. Ensure it’s free from any seasonings, butter or oils.
• Pre-meal planning: Determine how much food you will give your dog. Sticking to small portions is best, especially if it’s a new food or treat.
• Cook the meat: Avoid raw meats or anything that can pose a risk of foodborne illness or bacteria. Stick to plain, cooked meats.
• Moderate new foods: While a piece of food may be safe, your dog’s digestive system may need time to get accustomed to it. Introduce any new items over a few days in moderation.
• Watch for signs of discomfort: Keep an eye on your pup after eating for any signs of digestive distress, such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea or lethargy. If you notice any concerning symptoms, consult with your veterinarian.
• Stick to your routine: Stick to your normal routine with your pet. If they usually go for a walk or have playtime, do so, but keep it light and gentle to help them digest their food comfortably.
• Reinforce training commands: Use meals as an opportunity to reinforce good behavior. If your dog is calm and well-behaved, reward it with praise or a small, safe treat.

Foster a Joyful Environment With Sit Means Sit Austin

With the right precautions, you and your furry friend can enjoy the holiday without any health risks. Consult your veterinarian if you have any other questions about what your pet may eat during the festivities, especially if it has food sensitivities.

During Thanksgiving gatherings, many dogs may be tempted to grab food from guests or the table. Dog training can help teach and reinforce commands like “leave it” or “stay,” preventing dogs from scavenging and getting into unsafe foods. Training can also help dogs feel more comfortable and behave appropriately around guests, reduce their anxiety and encourage positive interactions.

You can trust us at Sit Means Sit Austin to solve your dog training challenges. We will help create peace of mind when you train with us. Browse our dog training programs to find the one that will suit you and your canine friend.