Thanksgiving is a time of celebration with your favorite people, including your furry family members. While we know you love to feed them like family, are you sure your menu items are pup-safe? You’d be surprised to learn how many Thanksgiving foods are actually completely safe for your dog, and which ones you need to avoid.
Before we get into the specifics, here are some important rules to keep in mind:
- Make sure the amount of human food and treats you share make up 10% or less of your dog’s total daily caloric intake
- If the food is cooked, stick with baked, boiled, steamed, or microwaved options
- Always check the temperature before giving human food to your dog to avoid burning their mouth
- Prepare your dog’s food separately to ensure there are no added oils, salt, or spices. Even seemingly bland foods may contain additives that aren't optimal for dogs
Safe Thanksgiving foods for dogs
Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with potassium and vitamins that are good for your dog’s bones and heart. It’s safe for dogs to eat raw or cooked as long as no seasonings or oils have been added!
Carrots
This vegetable is a crunchy source of beta carotene, which helps support your pup’s vision (even night vision!). Served cooked (steamed, boiled, or baked) or raw, this vegetable is a great addition to your dog’s Thanksgiving spread.
Cranberries
Cranberries are an easy way to support your dog’s bladder health. While safe for dogs, it’s best served in moderation. No cranberry sauce, though. This holiday classic is high in sugar, and some recipes include grapes or raisins, which are toxic to dogs.
Green Beans
This vegetable is a tasty way to add iron to your pup’s meal. Green beans are also full of protein, calcium, and vitamins B6, A, C, and K.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is great for your dog’s digestion, but the same can’t be said for pumpkin pie! While pure pumpkin is a superfood for dogs and a natural stomach soother, pumpkin pie contains ingredients that are toxic to your dog, like nutmeg. Rule of thumb: only go for canned, pure pumpkin with no additives, or fresh steamed pumpkin.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are full of fiber and packed with important antioxidants. They are also rich in vitamins B6, C, and A, calcium, potassium, and iron.
Turkey
The star of your Thanksgiving dinner is also a great source of protein for your pup! Just make sure you’re only feeding them turkey meat (plain turkey is best) and no skin or bones, please. The salt, pepper, and even mild seasonings we enjoy may be unappetizing or harmful to your dog.
For a full list, check out our article on what not to feed your dog this holiday season here.
While these foods are safe for dogs to enjoy, we always suggest checking with your veterinarian before adding anything new to your pup’s diet.
