Can dogs eat turkey? Yes, dogs can safely eat small amounts of plain, fully cooked turkey without bones, skin, or seasoning. However, traditional Thanksgiving turkey prepared with butter, garlic, onions, gravy, or rich seasonings can be harmful to dogs.
While some Thanksgiving foods, including plain green beans, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin, are safe in moderation, others, such as stuffing, cooked turkey bones, and desserts containing chocolate or xylitol, can be dangerous.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), rich holiday foods, poultry bones, and sweets are among the biggest Thanksgiving risks for pets.
Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast or wondering if your dog can enjoy a few holiday leftovers, here’s everything you need to know about which Thanksgiving foods dogs can eat, which foods to avoid, and how to keep your dog safe throughout the celebrations.
What Thanksgiving Foods Are Safe for Dogs?
Dogs can eat small portions of plain, cooked turkey, green beans, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and potatoes. However, foods containing onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, or xylitol can be toxic to dogs and should always be avoided.
The safest Thanksgiving treats are simple, unseasoned ingredients set aside before butter, salt, sugar, or other seasonings are added.
Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs: Quick Reference
| Thanksgiving Food | Safe for Dogs? | What Dog Owners Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey meat | Yes, in moderation | Must be fully cooked, boneless, skinless, and unseasoned |
| Green beans | Yes | Serve plain, chopped, and without butter or salt |
| Sweet potatoes | Yes, in moderation | Cooked, peeled, and without sugar or butter |
| Cranberries | Yes, in moderation | Plain fresh or cooked cranberries; avoid sugary sauces and raisin mixes |
| Plain potatoes | Yes, in moderation | Fully cooked and without butter, garlic, or seasoning |
| Plain pumpkin | Yes | Cooked or 100% canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling |
| Turkey bones | No | Can cause choking, splintering, or digestive injuries |
| Turkey skin and gravy | No | High fat content can cause digestive upset or pancreatitis |
| Stuffing | No | Often contains toxic onions, garlic, or raisins |
| Ham | Best avoided | High in sodium and fat |
| Mashed potatoes | Best avoided | Often contain butter, cream, garlic, or onion |
| Pies and desserts | No | May contain chocolate, raisins, xylitol, or other harmful ingredients |
| Raw bread dough | No | Can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol |
| Alcohol | No | Toxic to dogs |
What Thanksgiving Foods Can Dogs Eat?
Many traditional Thanksgiving ingredients can be shared with dogs when prepared properly. The key is to keep portions small and avoid added seasonings, fats, and sugar.
As a general guideline, treats and table foods should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Dogs with medical conditions or special diets may need stricter limits.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey?
Yes, dogs can eat plain, fully cooked turkey in small amounts, as long as it is boneless, skinless, and unseasoned.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), turkey itself is not toxic to dogs and is commonly used as an ingredient in commercial dog foods.
However, Thanksgiving turkey is often prepared with butter, oil, salt, garlic, onions, and other seasonings that can cause digestive problems or toxicity.
How to safely feed turkey to your dog:
- Choose plain, fully cooked turkey meat.
- Remove all bones, skin, and excess fat.
- Avoid turkey prepared with garlic, onion, gravy, or heavy seasoning.
- Cut the meat into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Serve only a small amount as an occasional treat.
Never give your dog turkey bones, which can cause choking, intestinal blockages, or internal injuries.
Can Dogs Eat Green Beans?
Yes, dogs can eat plain green beans. They’re a low-calorie, fiber-rich vegetable that can make a healthy Thanksgiving treat.
According to PetMD, dogs can eat fresh, frozen, or canned green beans as long as they’re unsalted and unseasoned.
However, green bean casserole is not a dog-safe alternative. It often contains cream sauces, butter, fried onions, and excessive salt.
Serve green beans plain and cut them into bite-sized pieces, especially for smaller dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked, peeled sweet potatoes in moderation. Sweet potatoes contain fiber and vitamins and can be a nutritious occasional treat.
The safest way to serve sweet potatoes is boiled, baked, or mashed without added ingredients.
Avoid sweet potato casserole, which typically contains butter, brown sugar, marshmallows, and other ingredients that are unsuitable for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cranberries?
Yes, dogs can eat small amounts of plain cranberries. Fresh or cooked cranberries are generally safe, although too many can cause stomach upset.
Cranberry sauce is best avoided because it often contains large amounts of added sugar.
Dog owners should also be especially careful with dried cranberry mixes, which may contain raisins.
Unlike cranberries, grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause serious kidney injury. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine advises treating any grape or raisin ingestion as potentially dangerous.
Can Dogs Eat Mashed Potatoes?
Dogs can eat small amounts of plain, fully cooked potatoes, but traditional Thanksgiving mashed potatoes are best avoided.
Holiday mashed potatoes are commonly prepared with butter, cream, salt, garlic, or onion powder.
If you want to share potatoes with your dog, set aside a small portion of plain boiled potato before adding other ingredients.
Avoid raw or green potatoes, which may contain harmful levels of solanine.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
Yes, dogs can eat plain cooked pumpkin or 100% canned pumpkin in moderation. Pumpkin contains fiber and is commonly included in dog diets.
However, pumpkin pie and pumpkin pie filling are not suitable for dogs because they may contain sugar, spices, and other potentially harmful ingredients.
For more seasonal food safety tips, check out our guide to what dogs can and can’t eat on Halloween.
What Thanksgiving Foods Are Dangerous for Dogs?
While some Thanksgiving ingredients are safe, many popular holiday dishes contain ingredients that can cause digestive problems, poisoning, or serious medical emergencies.
Turkey Bones
Dogs should not eat turkey bones, whether cooked or raw.
Cooked turkey bones are especially dangerous because they can become brittle and splinter, potentially causing choking, intestinal blockages, or injuries to the digestive tract.
Raw bones also carry risks, including bacterial contamination, choking, and obstruction.
The AVMA recommends keeping poultry bones and carcasses away from pets.
To prevent accidents, dispose of turkey bones in a secure trash can immediately after carving.
Turkey Skin, Fat, and Gravy
Turkey skin, fat drippings, and gravy are best avoided because they contain high amounts of fat.
Rich, fatty foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea and may trigger pancreatitis, a potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas.
Gravy can also contain garlic, onions, and other seasonings that are harmful to dogs.
Stuffing, Onions, and Garlic
Dogs should not eat Thanksgiving stuffing. Most stuffing recipes contain onions, garlic, butter, and seasonings, and some also include raisins.
Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives belong to the allium family and can damage a dog’s red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia.
According to the ASPCA, these ingredients can be harmful in raw, cooked, or powdered form.
If your dog eats stuffing containing onions, garlic, or raisins, contact your veterinarian promptly rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.
Can Dogs Eat Ham?
Ham is not inherently toxic to dogs, but it is not a recommended Thanksgiving treat.
Most holiday ham is cured with large amounts of salt and contains significant fat. Glazed ham may also contain added sugar and other ingredients.
The AKC recommends avoiding ham as a regular treat because of its high sodium and fat content.
If you want to share meat with your dog, plain cooked turkey is a safer choice.
Thanksgiving Pies and Desserts
Many Thanksgiving desserts contain ingredients that are unsafe for dogs.
Common risks include:
- Chocolate: Contains compounds that are toxic to dogs.
- Raisins: Can cause serious kidney injury.
- Xylitol: An artificial sweetener that can cause dangerously low blood sugar and liver failure.
- Nutmeg: Can be harmful in sufficiently large amounts.
- High-fat ingredients: Can cause digestive upset and potentially pancreatitis.
The FDA warns that xylitol can cause severe poisoning in dogs and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Raw Bread Dough and Alcohol
Raw yeast dough is particularly dangerous because it can expand inside a dog’s stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments.
Alcoholic drinks are also toxic to dogs and should always be kept out of reach.
Corn on the Cob and Turkey String
While plain corn kernels are generally safe for most dogs, corn cobs can cause serious intestinal blockages.
Turkey string or cooking twine can also be dangerous if swallowed.
Always dispose of corn cobs, turkey string, and food scraps in a covered trash can.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving can be an exciting but overwhelming holiday for dogs. Between unfamiliar visitors, tempting food, and a constantly opening front door, there are several risks pet parents should prepare for.
Here are five ways to keep your dog safe this Thanksgiving:
- Keep dangerous foods out of reach. Store leftovers, turkey bones, and desserts away from counter edges and curious noses.
- Ask guests not to feed your dog table scraps. Even a small amount of a toxic ingredient can be dangerous.
- Secure the trash. Use a trash can with a tightly fitting lid to prevent dogs from accessing bones, wrappers, and food scraps.
- Provide dog-safe treats and enrichment. Give your dog something appropriate to enjoy while everyone else eats.
- Create a quiet space. If your dog becomes anxious around visitors, provide a comfortable area away from the celebrations.
Thanksgiving Pet Safety Goes Beyond the Dinner Table
Food isn’t the only Thanksgiving safety concern.
With guests arriving and leaving throughout the day, front doors are frequently opening and closing. Unfamiliar noises, large gatherings, and changes in routine can also make some dogs anxious or more likely to slip outside.
A GPS dog tracker like Fi can provide an added layer of protection during busy holidays.
Fi’s GPS and health trackers help pet parents keep track of their dogs with features including:
- Real-time GPS tracking: Check your dog’s location through the Fi app.
- Safe Zones and escape alerts: Receive notifications when your dog leaves a designated safe area.
- Lost Dog Mode: Access location updates to help find your dog if they escape.
- Health and activity insights: Monitor your dog’s daily activity, sleep, and supported behaviors to better understand changes in their routine.
For families traveling over Thanksgiving or heading to more remote destinations, Fi Ultra also offers T-Satellite with Starlink connectivity, providing additional tracking capabilities in areas with limited traditional cellular coverage.
While GPS tracking doesn’t replace supervision, it can offer valuable peace of mind during the busy holiday season.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Dangerous Thanksgiving Food?
If your dog eats potentially toxic Thanksgiving food, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear if you suspect your dog has eaten onions, garlic, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, or another toxic ingredient.
Follow these steps:
- Identify what your dog ate. Make a note of the food, its ingredients, approximately how much was consumed, and when it happened.
- Contact a veterinary professional. Call your veterinarian, an emergency vet, or an animal poison control service for guidance.
- Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian. Making your dog vomit can be dangerous in certain situations, particularly after swallowing sharp objects or bones.
- Follow veterinary instructions and monitor symptoms. Warning signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, lethargy, restlessness, or changes in behavior.
For urgent poisoning concerns, contact:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
Consultation fees may apply.
If your dog is choking, collapsing, having seizures, or experiencing difficulty breathing, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Thanksgiving Foods and Dogs: Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat Thanksgiving turkey?
Yes. Dogs can eat small portions of plain, fully cooked Thanksgiving turkey as long as it is boneless, skinless, and unseasoned. Avoid turkey prepared with garlic, onions, butter, gravy, or heavy seasoning.
Can dogs eat turkey skin?
No. Turkey skin is high in fat and often contains seasonings. Eating it can cause digestive upset and may contribute to pancreatitis. Plain, skinless turkey meat is a safer alternative.
Can dogs eat turkey with seasoning?
It’s best to avoid seasoned turkey. Many Thanksgiving seasonings contain garlic, onion, or excessive salt. If the turkey contains potentially toxic ingredients, contact your veterinarian for advice about any ingestion.
Can dogs eat turkey gravy?
No. Turkey gravy is typically high in fat and sodium and may contain garlic or onions. These ingredients can cause digestive upset or more serious health problems.
Can dogs eat stuffing?
No. Thanksgiving stuffing frequently contains onions, garlic, butter, and sometimes raisins. These ingredients can be harmful or toxic to dogs. If your dog eats stuffing containing toxic ingredients, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Can dogs eat green bean casserole?
No. While plain green beans are safe for dogs, traditional green bean casserole usually contains cream sauce, fried onions, butter, and salt. Serve plain, unseasoned green beans instead.
Can dogs eat sweet potato casserole?
It’s best to avoid it. Sweet potato casserole commonly contains butter, sugar, marshmallows, and other ingredients that are not suitable for dogs. Plain cooked sweet potato is a better option.
Can dogs eat cranberry sauce?
Cranberry sauce is best avoided because it is usually high in added sugar and may contain other unsuitable ingredients. Plain cranberries are generally safe in small amounts, but cranberry products containing raisins should never be given to dogs.
How much turkey can I give my dog?
The appropriate amount depends on your dog’s size, health, and usual diet. Start with a few small pieces of plain, cooked turkey and keep all treats combined below approximately 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Dogs with medical conditions or dietary restrictions should follow their veterinarian’s advice.
What happens if my dog eats a turkey bone?
Contact your veterinarian immediately. Turkey bones can cause choking, internal injuries, or intestinal blockages. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so.
Can I make my dog a Thanksgiving plate?
Yes, as long as you keep it small and simple. A few bites of plain cooked turkey, green beans, sweet potato, or pumpkin can make a dog-friendly Thanksgiving treat. Avoid bones, gravy, stuffing, seasonings, and fatty leftovers.
Keep Your Dog Safe This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family, and for many of us, that includes our four-legged family members.
While sharing a small amount of plain turkey or dog-safe vegetables can be a fun way to include your pup in the festivities, it’s important to know which holiday foods are safe and which should stay off their plate.
By keeping dangerous foods out of reach, preparing for holiday visitors, and taking a few extra safety precautions, you can help make Thanksgiving enjoyable for everyone.
And because keeping your dog safe goes beyond what’s on their plate, Fi’s GPS and health trackers help you stay connected to your dog throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Explore Fi GPS and Health Trackers
