Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Can and Can't Eat (2026 Guide)

Thanksgiving is all about sharing, and those puppy eyes under the table make it hard to say no. The good news: a few Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs in small, plain portions. The bad news: many holiday dishes contain ingredients that can make dogs seriously sick.

Here's a simple guide to which Thanksgiving foods dogs can eat, which ones to keep off their plate, and what to do if your dog sneaks something they shouldn't.

Quick Answer: Can Dogs Eat Thanksgiving Food?

Dogs can have small amounts of plain, unseasoned foods like boneless turkey meat, sweet potato, pumpkin, and green beans. They should not eat turkey bones or skin, stuffing, gravy, anything with onion or garlic, grapes or raisins, chocolate, or desserts.

The key word is plain. Most Thanksgiving dishes are cooked with butter, salt, onions, garlic, herbs, and sugar, which turns a safe food into a risky one.

Thanksgiving Foods Dogs CAN Eat (Plain, in Small Amounts)

Turkey meat (boneless, skinless)

A few small pieces of plain white or dark meat are fine for most dogs. Remove all bones, skin, and seasoning first.

Sweet potatoes

Plain cooked sweet potato is a dog-friendly treat. Skip the candied version with butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows.

Pumpkin

Plain cooked pumpkin or canned 100% pumpkin puree is safe in small amounts. Pumpkin pie filling is not the same thing. It contains sugar and spices.

Green beans

Plain steamed or boiled green beans are a crunchy, low-calorie snack. Green bean casserole is off-limits because it usually contains onions and creamy sauce.

Carrots

Raw or plain cooked carrots are safe. Cut them into bite-size pieces for small dogs.

Plain potatoes

A little plain, cooked potato is okay. Mashed potatoes made with butter, cream, cheese, or garlic are not.

Apples

Apple slices make a good treat. Remove the core and seeds first.

Plain cranberries

A few plain cranberries are generally fine. Cranberry sauce is usually high in sugar, and some recipes include grapes or raisins, so skip it.

Plain peas and rice

Plain cooked peas and plain rice are easy additions to your dog's bowl.

Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Should NOT Eat

Turkey bones

Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, mouth injuries, or blockages in the stomach and intestines. Never give your dog a turkey bone, including the wishbone.

Turkey skin, fat, and drippings

Fatty foods can upset a dog's stomach and may trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious condition.

Stuffing

Stuffing usually contains onions, garlic, leeks, or chives, all of which are toxic to dogs. It may also contain raisins, nuts, or sausage.

Gravy

Gravy is high in fat and salt and is often made with onion or garlic.

Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives

These can damage a dog's red blood cells, whether raw, cooked, or powdered. They hide in many holiday dishes.

Grapes, raisins, and currants

Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in some dogs. Watch for them in stuffing, salads, and baked goods.

Chocolate

Chocolate is toxic to dogs. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.

Desserts and baked goods

Pies, cookies, and cakes are high in sugar and fat. Some sugar-free baked goods contain xylitol, a sweetener that is extremely dangerous for dogs. Nutmeg, common in pumpkin pie, can also cause problems.

Raw bread or roll dough

Uncooked yeast dough can expand in a dog's stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments.

Corn on the cob

Plain corn kernels are fine, but the cob can cause a dangerous intestinal blockage.

Ham

Ham is very salty and fatty, which can upset your dog's stomach.

Alcohol

Keep drinks, and unattended glasses, well out of reach.

Nuts

Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, and other nuts are high in fat and a choking risk.

Don't Forget the Non-Food Dangers

• Turkey string and netting smell like meat and can be swallowed.
• Foil, plastic wrap, and oven bags can cause blockages.
• The trash can is full of tempting leftovers and bones. Use a lidded bin or take trash out right away.

Easy Ways to Include Your Dog Safely

• Make a dog plate. Set aside a few bites of plain turkey, green beans, and sweet potato before you season anything.
• Keep portions small. Treats and extras should be a small part of your dog's daily food, not a full meal.
• Tell your guests. Ask everyone, especially kids, not to feed the dog from the table.
• Give them a job. A puzzle toy or long-lasting chew keeps your dog busy during dinner.
• Create a quiet space. If your dog gets stressed with visitors, a calm room with water and a bed helps.
• Watch the door. Guests coming and going make it easy for dogs to slip out. Make sure your dog is wearing ID.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Dangerous

1. Stay calm and remove any remaining food.
2. Figure out what and how much your dog ate, and when.
3. Call your vet or an emergency vet right away. Don't wait for symptoms, especially with chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or bones.
4. Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.

You can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.

Signs your dog may need help include vomiting, diarrhea, low energy, belly pain, trouble breathing, or refusing food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat turkey on Thanksgiving?

Yes, a few small pieces of plain, boneless, skinless turkey meat are fine for most dogs. Avoid seasoned meat, skin, and all bones.

Can dogs eat mashed potatoes?

Plain cooked potato is okay in small amounts, but most mashed potatoes contain butter, cream, and sometimes garlic, which dogs should avoid.

Can dogs eat pumpkin pie?

No. Pumpkin pie contains sugar, spices like nutmeg, and sometimes xylitol. Plain pumpkin puree is the safe alternative.

Can dogs eat cranberry sauce?

It's best to skip it. Most cranberry sauce is high in sugar, and some recipes contain grapes or raisins.

Can dogs eat stuffing?

No. Stuffing usually contains onions, garlic, or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

A Happy, Safe Thanksgiving

A small plate of plain turkey and veggies lets your dog join the celebration without the risk. Keep the rich dishes and desserts for the humans, secure the trash, and enjoy a relaxed holiday together.

This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. If your dog has health conditions or a sensitive stomach, check with your vet before sharing any people food.