As Thanksgiving approaches, the table fills with delicious seasonal favorites—and it’s only natural to want to share the celebration with our furry companions. But not every holiday dish is safe for pets 🐕💛. To keep your dog healthy and happy this season, here’s your essential Thanksgiving Dog Safety Guide.
Credits to @idahohumanesociety for this important information.
✅ Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods
These foods are safe in moderation and can be a fun treat for your pup:
🥕 Carrots – Crunchy, nutritious, and low-calorie.
🥬 Celery – Great for hydration and fiber.
🌽 Corn (no cob!) – Kernels only; cobs can cause dangerous blockages.
🍠 Sweet Potatoes – Cooked and plain; avoid added sugar or marshmallows.
🟢 Green Beans – Fresh or steamed, no seasoning.
🍎 Apples (no core, no seeds!) – A sweet, fiber-rich snack.
🎃 Pumpkin – Plain, cooked pumpkin supports digestion.
🍚 Rice – Gentle on the stomach.
🍲 Quinoa – A safe, protein-rich grain.
🧀 Cheese – Small amounts only.
🦃 Turkey (white meat, no skin!) – Avoid fatty skin and remove bones.
❌ Foods to Avoid Giving Dogs
These common holiday dishes can lead to upset stomach, poisoning, or serious medical issues:
🥓 Ham – High in fat, salt, and preservatives; can cause gastroenteritis.
🍫 Chocolate – Toxic to dogs in any amount.
🧄 Garlic, Leeks, Onion – Can cause dangerous blood cell damage.
🍇 Grapes & Raisins – Highly toxic and can cause kidney failure.
🥔 Raw Potatoes / Raw Dough – Dangerous and can be toxic.
🥧 Pre-made desserts, pie filling, stuffing – Often contain sugar, spices, onion, butter, or xylitol.
🍒 Canned Cranberry Sauce – Usually contains sugar, additives, and sometimes raisins.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes (loaded) – Plain potatoes are fine, but added butter, cream, or fats increase the risk of pancreatitis.
⚠️ Clarification Corner
Ham
❌ Not recommended due to salt, fat, and heavy preservatives, all of which can cause gastroenteritis.
Mashed Potatoes
✔️ Plain, cooked potatoes are safe.
❌ Mashed potatoes with butter, cream, or heavy fats can lead to pancreatitis.
🐾 Final Thanksgiving Pet Tips
- Keep trash secured—dogs love leftovers, even the dangerous ones.
- Avoid letting guests slip food to your pet.
- Keep emergency vet numbers handy just in case.
- When in doubt: plain, unseasoned, single-ingredient foods only.
📣 Hashtags for Social Reach
#ThanksgivingPets #DogSafety #PetWellness #HolidayFoodsForDogs #DogHealth #Thanksgiving2025 #PetSafetyTips #HealthyPetsHappyHolidays #DogFriendlyFoods #VeterinaryAdvice