Can dogs eat stuffing? Can dogs eat turkey breast? What Thanksgiving foods can dogs safely eat?

The quick answer is that there are certain foods that are unsafe or unhealthy for your dog to consume, and it’s best to keep them out of reach of your dog. After all, the last thing anyone wants to do on Thanksgiving is to make an emergency trip to the vet!

However, it’s good to be aware of what your dog can eat and what they can’t, as well as dog-friendly alternatives they can consume so they’re not totally left out of the festivities.

15 Toxic or Dangerous Thanksgiving Foods Dogs CANNOT Eat

As a general rule of thumb, avoid feeding your dog fatty, salty, and spicy foods. You also don’t want to introduce them to new foods cold turkey (pun intended), as it can irritate sensitive stomachs. Also, dogs’ bodies process food and drink differently than humans, so you want to avoid these items:

1. Turkey or ham bones (ANY cooked bones should be avoided)
2. Gravy
3. Onion and garlic
4. Chives, scallions, and leeks
5. Mushrooms
6. Stuffing, especially if it contains mushrooms, onion, garlic, raisins, etc.
7. Sage and nutmeg in large amounts
8. Xylitol-containing foods, often found in sweetened foods
9. Pies of any kind
10. Pits of peaches, cherries, plums, and apricots
11. Grapes and raisins
12. Chocolate
13. Coffee and caffeinated beverages
14. Alcoholic beverages
15. Yeast dough or raw bread

10 Safe Thanksgiving Foods Dogs CAN Eat

After seeing that list, you may be wondering, what can dogs eat on Thanksgiving? While the following items are generally safe for dogs to eat, it’s always best to offer them in moderation. Just like humans, dogs can get sick from eating too much of anything they are not used to having, so remember to keep that in mind when offering them these tasty snacks:

1. Cooked turkey meat without bones, skin, or seasonings
2. Cheese
3. Unseasoned potatoes
4. Green beans
5. Unseasoned peas
6. Unseasoned carrots
7. Rice
8. Corn—not on the cob
9. Apples without the core and seeds
10. Cranberries

Now that you know what your dog(s) can eat on Thanksgiving, why not set aside a few of the foods that are safe and healthy for them so they can also enjoy a little feast? Don’t forget to throw away the trash at the end of the day to ensure your dog isn’t tempted to dive into the trash when you’re not looking.

The Best Dog Training Team is Here

If your dog has problems with staying out of the trash, or stealing food directly from the dining table, or excessively begging for food, consider giving Sit Means Sit a call! Our professional dog trainers are experienced in curbing unwanted dog behaviors that could be disrupting your or your dog’s life. Get a free evaluation here!

From all of us at Sit Means Sit, we hope you and yours have a happy Thanksgiving!