It’s a special time of year and many pet parents will want to include their furry family members in the Thanksgiving celebrations. We often do this by sharing a meal together.

Besides the typical Thanksgiving meal, there's also a variety of fall foods that pet's can or can't enjoy with us.

But what Thanksgiving foods are safe for pets, and what should be avoided?

Thanksgiving Foods Safe for Pets

When it comes to sharing human foods with pets, it must be done in moderation. The only safe options for pets are usually lean meats, fresh vegetables, fruits, rice, and starches like potatoes or bread.

Here are common Thanksgiving foods that pets can have:

✔️ Turkey Breast

Yes, pets can eat plain turkey breast. Turkey breast without any salt or other seasonings is safe for your pet to eat, contains a high amount of protein, and can be a delicious treat.

However, the following turkey parts should be avoided:

  • Turkey skin should be avoided because it is high in fat which can lead to pancreatitis.
  • Turkey bones are also not safe, as they can cause intestinal obstruction or break into sharp pieces and puncture the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

✔️ Potatoes and Yams

Yes, pets can eat plain boiled or baked potatoes and yams (sweet potatoes). Potatoes that aren't covered in butter and cream make a great treat for pets.

✔️ Fresh Vegetables

Yes, plain vegetables are safe for your pet to eat, and make excellent healthy treats. Be sure to cut them into small pieces to avoid the risk of choking.

Keep reading: Can Dogs Eat Peas? A Vet Weighs In

It is best to avoid sauces and seasonings, some of which may contain toxic ingredients.

✔️ Fresh Fruit

Yes, most fresh fruits are safe for your pet to eat. However, fruit should be cut into small pieces and pits removed to avoid choking hazards. 

  • Some exceptions are grapes, raisins, and currants, which can lead to fatal kidney failure even if consumed in very small amounts.
  • Cherry pits and apple seeds also contain a small amount of amygdalin, which is converted to cyanide and can be toxic if large amounts are consumed.

✔️ Bread

Yes, plain baked bread is a safe option for your pet. This bread should not contain any seasonings, spices, salt, or chocolate.

Examples of bread you can give your pet on Thanksgiving are rolls and biscuits.

However, it is important that they never consume raw bread dough containing yeast. This can expand in their stomach, potentially leading to a dangerous condition known as bloat.

Safe or Unsafe? Fall Foods for Dogs Quiz

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Safe or Unsafe? Fall Foods for Dogs Quiz
Choose the human food below that is generally considered SAFE for dogs when given in moderation.
Choose the human food below that is generally considered SAFE for dogs when given in moderation.
Choose the human food below that is generally considered SAFE for dogs when given in moderation.
Choose the human food below that is generally considered SAFE for dogs when given in moderation.
Choose the human food below that is generally considered SAFE for dogs when given in moderation.
Choose the human food below that is generally considered SAFE for dogs when given in moderation.
Choose the human food below that is generally considered SAFE for dogs when given in moderation.
Choose the human food below that is generally considered SAFE for dogs when given in moderation.
Choose the human food below that is generally considered SAFE for dogs when given in moderation.
Choose the human food below that is generally considered SAFE for dogs when given in moderation.

Safe or Unsafe? Fall Foods for Dogs Quiz

Safe Foods

Pumpkin
Pumpkin
Unsweetened pumpkin is packed with benefits for your dog. High in fiber and full of essential vitamins, they can be an excellent addition to their diet. Pumpkin seeds, when toasted and unseasoned, can be an occasional crunchy treat.
Sweet Potato
Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are a good choice for dogs and can be found as an ingredient in many high-quality dog foods. They are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins (like A, B6, and C), and minerals like iron, calcium, and selenium, and beta-carotene, which is beneficial for your dog's vision, growth, and muscle strength.
Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter
Dogs love peanut butter as a treat. In moderation, it can be a good source of protein, but ensure it's free from xylitol, a toxic sugar substitute. Always choose unsweetened, unsalted versions for safety.
Sliced Apples
Sliced Apples
Apple slices are a tasty treat for dogs. The skin is rich in antioxidants and fiber, while the flesh provides vitamins A and C. Always core and remove seeds before giving them to your pup.
Lean Turkey
Lean Turkey
Lean turkey, cooked without seasonings, is a great protein source for dogs, and contains essential amino acids.
Pears
Pears
Pears are a great treat for dogs when given in moderation. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folic acid and dietary fiber. Remember to remove the seeds and core before offering them to your dog.
Blueberries
Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and phytochemicals, making them an excellent treat for dogs.
Carrots
Carrots
Crunchy, healthy, and low in calories, carrots are packed with vitamin A, beneficial for your dog's vision. They can be fed raw or cooked, though it's often advised to give them in small sizes to prevent choking.
Green Beans
Green Beans
Green beans are a safe and nutritious treat for dogs. Low in calories and high in fiber, they provide essential vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to a dog's diet when given in moderation.
Cranberries
Cranberries
A fall favorite, cranberries are safe for dogs in moderation. These tart berries are packed with antioxidants and can provide a vitamin boost. Choose unsweetened varieties as added sugars aren’t healthy for dogs.

Unsafe Foods

Onions
Onions
Large amounts of onions can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to potentially dangerous anemia. Onions can also cause stomach upset, too. Even though it would take quite a lot of onions to cause issues, they should be avoided.
Raw Potatoes
Raw Potatoes
Potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs in large amounts. Raw potatoes contain higher amounts of solanine than cooked potatoes and should never be fed to your dog.
Chocolate
Chocolate
One of the most well-known toxic foods for dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting to seizures and can be lethal in high amounts.
Whole Apples
Whole Apples
While the apple's flesh is beneficial for dogs, the seeds contain cyanide, which can be harmful in large quantities. The hard core can also pose a choking hazard, especially to smaller breeds. It's always best to provide your dog with seedless, cored apple slices.
Turkey Skin and Bones
Turkey Skin and Bones
Turkey skin, being high in fat, can be tough for pets to digest and can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious condition. Turkey bones can splinter when chewed, posing a real risk of internal injuries. Both should be avoided.
Grapes
Grapes
Grapes are highly toxic to dogs and should be avoided. The exact cause is unknown, but even one grape can lead to acute kidney failure.
Raisins
Raisins
Like grapes, raisins are also highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. They should always be avoided.
Spicy Foods
Spicy Foods
Pets don't have the same tolerance for spicy foods as some humans do. They can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. It's best to avoid giving them anything with chili, hot peppers, or strong spices.
Bread Dough
Bread Dough
Bread dough, common in fall baking, is risky for dogs. Their warm stomach lets the dough rise, releasing ethanol. This can mimic bloat and lead to alcohol toxicosis.
Acorns
Acorns
Falling from oak trees in the fall, acorns are risky for dogs. They contain tannins that can cause vomiting and diarrhea when ingested in large amounts. Whole acorns also present choking risks.
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Thanksgiving Foods Harmful for Pets

It's tempting to want to share your delicious Thanksgiving foods with your pets and include them in festivities. However, most human foods we enjoy on this holiday are actually harmful to pets.

Here's the most common Thanksgiving foods you should avoid giving to pets:

❌ Gravy

No, pets should not eat Thanksgiving gravy because it's generally too high in fat and salt to be a safe option for your pet. It may also contain onion or garlic, which are toxic to dogs and cats. 

❌ Stuffing

No, pets should not eat Thanksgiving stuffing. Stuffing is likely to contain toxic ingredients, such as garlic, onion, raisins, or currants, so it is not a good option for your pet.

❌ Cranberry Sauce

No, pets should not have cranberry sauce. This is generally too high in sugar and not recommended. Most processed foods contain chemicals that are toxic or hard to digest for cats and dogs.

❌ Pumpkin Pie

No, pumpkin pie is not safe for pets to eat. While unseasoned canned or fresh pumpkin can be a tasty high-fiber treat for your pet, pumpkin pie filling is too high in sugar and should be avoided.

❌ Artificial Sweeteners

No, artificial sweeteners should not be given to pets. Desserts are too high in sugar and fat to be healthy for pets. Some may also contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is extremely toxic and can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar. 

❌ Nuts

No, it's not advised to give your pets nuts. While some types of nuts may be safe, others (like the macadamia nut) are actually toxic.

All nuts are high in fat and calorie dense, and due to their size and texture may also cause a risk of choking.

❌ Onions and Garlic

No, pets should not eat garlic, onions, chives, and leeks. These plants, belonging to the allium family, are toxic to both dogs and cats in any form (fresh, dried, powdered, etc.).

Initially, they may cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. More concerning is the damage that they cause to red blood cells leading to anemia. 

❌ Salt

No, dogs are cats should not eat salty foods. Too much salt is unhealthy for anyone, including our furry family members. Ingestion of excessively salty food can cause increased thirst and urination, and in severe cases salt poisoning.

❌ Chocolate

No, chocolate is one of the most toxic foods for pets and should be avoided completely. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs and cats.

On Thanksgiving in particular, higher concentrations of these substances are found in baking chocolate, semisweet chocolate, and dark chocolate. However, consumption of any chocolate should prompt a call to your veterinarian.

Depending on the amount and type of chocolate ingested, signs of toxicity can include gastrointestinal upset, progressing to a racing heart, tremors, and seizures in severe cases.

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What if Your Pet Eats Something They Shouldn’t? 

If you have any concerns that your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have, including the foods listed above, immediately contact a veterinarian.

The pet poison hotline is also available 24/7 at:

Depending on what your pet ate, they may need to see a vet for prompt treatment.

Conclusion

While there are a variety of human foods that pets can eat, the majority of Thanksgiving-specific foods are unsafe for pets. This is due to the high amounts of salt, sugar, chocolate, and onions or garlic in prepared foods.

However, if you do planning on giving your pet some food off the Thanksgiving table, ensure it's plain meats, vegetables, fruits, and bread.