Thanksgiving Leftovers for Dogs: What’s Safe for Your Dog? [2024]

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, good food, and sharing traditions with loved ones. But before you offer your dog a plate of leftovers, hold that turkey leg! Some holiday staples are safe for dogs, but others could turn your post-dinner bliss into an emergency trip to the vet. Knowing which Thanksgiving foods are dog-friendly and which are downright dangerous is essential to keeping your pup happy and healthy.

Here’s your guide to safely sharing Thanksgiving leftovers for dogs—without a side of digestive distress or toxic ingredients.

Key Takeaways

• Stick to plain, unseasoned foods like cooked turkey breast, sweet potatoes, green beans, and plain pumpkin.
• Avoid toxic or harmful ingredients such as onions, garlic, butter, cream, raisins, and chocolate.
• Moderation is key—even dog-safe leftovers should only make up a small portion of your dog’s diet.
• Watch for signs of digestive upset or toxicity, and contact your vet if needed.

Safe Thanksgiving Leftovers for Dogs

Your dog can absolutely join the feast—but only with the right foods. Keep it simple, nutritious, and unseasoned.

Turkey (Plain, Cooked)

• Why It’s Safe: Lean protein that supports muscle health and energy.
• How to Serve: Slice small pieces of plain, cooked turkey breast (no skin or bones!) and mix them into your dog’s regular food. It’s like their version of Thanksgiving dinner—without the gravy, of course.

Sweet Potatoes (Plain)

• Why It’s Safe: High in fiber and packed with vitamins like beta-carotene.
• How to Serve: Mash or dice plain, cooked sweet potatoes. Avoid marshmallow-laden casseroles or sugary toppings.

Green Beans (Unseasoned)

• Why It’s Safe: Low in calories but rich in vitamins and fiber.
• How to Serve: Steam or boil green beans and serve plain. They’re an excellent crunchy snack or meal topper.

Pumpkin (Plain)

• Why It’s Safe: Supports digestion and is full of nutrients.
• How to Serve: Use plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) or roast fresh pumpkin. Add a spoonful to their food or freeze it in silicone molds for later.

Thanksgiving Leftovers to Avoid

Not everything on your plate is safe for your dog. Some Thanksgiving staples are toxic or too rich for their digestive systems.

Turkey Skin, Bones, and Gravy

• Why It’s Harmful: Skin and gravy are loaded with fat, leading to potential pancreatitis. Bones can splinter, causing choking or internal injuries.

Stuffing

• Why It’s Harmful: Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, and herbs, all toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of onion can lead to anemia.

Mashed Potatoes with Butter, Cream, or Garlic

• Why It’s Harmful: Dairy-heavy recipes can cause stomach upset, and garlic is toxic to dogs.

Cranberry Sauce

• Why It’s Harmful: The sugar content alone is bad news, and some sauces include raisins or grapes, which can cause kidney failure.

Desserts (Especially Chocolate)

• Why It’s Harmful: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Pies and cakes often have high levels of sugar (or a deadly substitute called xylitol) and nutmeg, another dangerous ingredient.

How to Safely Share Leftovers with Your Dog

Even dog-safe foods need a little planning before they hit your dog’s bowl.

Moderation is Key

Keep portions small. A few bites of plain turkey or sweet potatoes are plenty. Overfeeding can lead to upset stomachs or weight gain.

Keep It Simple

Skip the seasoning, butter, and extras. Your dog doesn’t care about fancy spices—they just want the turkey!

Mix with Regular Dog Food

Instead of an entirely new meal, mix small amounts of leftovers into your dog’s usual food. This maintains balance and reduces the chance of digestive issues.

DIY Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Treat Ideas

Turn leftovers into healthy treats that your dog will love—and you’ll feel good about serving.

Turkey and Sweet Potato Bites

• How to Make: Mix shredded turkey with mashed sweet potatoes, roll into small balls, and bake until firm.
• Why Your Dog Will Love It: A protein-packed snack with a Thanksgiving twist.

Pumpkin and Oat Cookies

• How to Make: Combine plain pumpkin puree with oats, roll into balls, and bake.
• Why Your Dog Will Love It: Great for digestion and full of flavor.

Carrot and Apple Treats

• How to Make: Grate carrots and apples, mix with whole wheat flour, and bake into crunchy treats.
• Why Your Dog Will Love It: Naturally sweet and packed with vitamins.

Signs of Digestive Upset or Toxicity in Dogs

Even with your best intentions, accidents happen. Watch for these signs if your dog sneaks something off the table:

• Vomiting or Diarrhea: A sign of digestive upset or something more serious.
• Lethargy or Weakness: Could indicate ingestion of toxic foods like onions or chocolate.
• Excessive Drooling or Pacing: A possible reaction to fatty or toxic foods.

When in doubt, call your vet. Quick action can prevent more serious issues.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving leftovers are a wonderful way to include your dog in the holiday festivities—as long as you stick to dog-safe options. Plain turkey, sweet potatoes, and green beans are great choices, while fatty foods, onions, and chocolate should stay off the menu. By keeping portions small and ingredients simple, you can share the holiday spirit without sacrificing your dog’s health.

For more tips on creating a dog-friendly holiday season, sign up for our newsletter. Together, we’ll keep your dog happy, healthy, and part of every celebration!