Thanksgiving is a holiday built around comfort, celebration, and of course, food. As families gather around the table, it’s almost guaranteed that one family member in particular will be waiting eagerly at your feet: your dog. With all the irresistible smells of turkey, gravy, stuffing, and pie drifting through the house, it’s no surprise our pups want in on the action. But not all Thanksgiving favorites are safe for dogs, and knowing the difference can make the holiday both joyful and safe for your furry friend.

At All Dogs Indoor Dog Park, we love celebrating the season alongside our pups—and we want to help you avoid an unexpected trip to the vet. That’s why we put together a simple guide to understanding which Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs and which should stay on the human table only.

Why Holiday Foods Can Be Risky

Many classic Thanksgiving dishes contain ingredients that seem harmless to us but can be dangerous—even toxic—to dogs. Butter, cream, onions, garlic, spices, sugars, and rich fats are common in holiday cooking, and all of them can cause issues ranging from mild stomach upset to serious medical emergencies. Bones, especially turkey bones, can splinter inside a dog’s digestive system, and ingredients like grapes and raisins are known to be potentially lethal.

During the chaos and fun of Thanksgiving Day, it’s easy to lose track of what ends up dropping on the floor or being slipped under the table by a well-meaning relative. Being aware of what’s safe and what’s not helps you protect your dog while still letting them enjoy the day.

The Good News: There Are Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods

Even though many dishes are off-limits, your pup doesn’t have to miss out on the holiday entirely. Plenty of simple, wholesome options are perfectly dog-friendly—as long as they’re served plain. Think of these foods as a canine version of a Thanksgiving sampler: small portions, simple preparations, and no extra seasoning.

A few plain veggies like carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes make a great treat. A scoop of plain canned or cooked pumpkin is not only festive but great for digestion. And yes—your dog can enjoy some turkey, too! Just make sure it’s boneless, skinless, unseasoned white meat.

What to Keep Out of the Bowl

While sharing is part of the joy of Thanksgiving, there are some foods your dog should never have. Stuffing may be a staple on your plate, but it often contains onions or garlic—two ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Mashed potatoes are another sneaky one; while potatoes themselves are safe, the butter, salt, and cream that make them delicious for us are too rich for pups. Gravy is another no-go, thanks to high fat content and seasonings.

Some foods, like grapes, raisins, chocolate, and alcohol, are extremely dangerous for dogs and should be kept far from curious noses. Turkey bones may feel like a classic treat, but cooked bones splinter easily and can cause choking or internal injury. Keeping these items out of reach is one of the simplest ways to keep your dog safe during the festivities.

Extra Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

Create a safe space: With guests coming and going, your dog might feel overwhelmed. Set up a quiet area with their bed and toys where they can relax.
Watch the trash: Dogs are notorious for raiding garbage cans. Secure your trash to prevent access to bones, wrappers, and other harmful scraps.
Communicate with guests: Let friends and family know which foods are off-limits for your pup. A quick reminder can prevent accidental sharing.
Have an emergency plan: Keep your vet’s phone number and the nearest emergency clinic handy—just in case.

Keeping Thanksgiving Happy for Everyone

Including your dog in Thanksgiving doesn’t require giving them unsafe table scraps. Instead, it’s about offering simple, dog-friendly bites in moderation and being mindful of what goes into each dish. A few plain pieces of turkey or a spoonful of pumpkin can make your dog feel like part of the celebration without putting their health at risk.

Whether you’re hosting family, visiting loved ones, or spending a cozy day at home, Thanksgiving can be just as fun for your pup with a little care and attention. After all, they’re part of the family too—and keeping them safe is something we can all be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving from All Dogs!

All Dogs wishes everyone a safe and joyful Thanksgiving! We’re thankful for our amazing community of pet lovers and the care you show for your furry family members. From our team to yours, have a wonderful holiday filled with love, gratitude, and wagging tails.

What Thanksgiving Food Can Your Dog Have?