Top 10 Thanksgiving Foods That Are Dangerous for Your Dog

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious food. Many pet owners want to share the holiday spirit with their dogs by offering them some of the festive treats. While it’s tempting to let your furry friend enjoy the feast, some traditional Thanksgiving foods can be harmful or even toxic to dogs. Knowing which foods to avoid can protect your dog’s health and keep your celebration safe and happy.

Thanksgiving dinner with traditional dishes

1. Turkey Skin and Bones

Turkey is the centerpiece of many Thanksgiving meals, but turkey skin and bones pose serious risks for dogs. The skin is high in fat, which can cause pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Bones, especially cooked ones, can splinter and cause choking, internal injuries, or blockages in the digestive tract.

What to do: Offer your dog plain, cooked turkey meat without skin or bones. Avoid giving any leftovers that contain these parts.

2. Stuffing

Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, herbs, and spices that are toxic to dogs. Onions and garlic can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Additionally, stuffing is usually rich in butter and bread, which can upset your dog’s stomach or cause weight gain.

What to do: Keep stuffing away from your dog. If you want to share a treat, prepare a small portion of plain cooked rice or vegetables instead.

3. Mashed Potatoes with Butter and Milk

Plain potatoes are safe for dogs in moderation, but mashed potatoes made with butter, milk, or cream can cause digestive upset. Dairy products can be hard for many dogs to digest, leading to diarrhea or gas.

What to do: If you want to share potatoes, offer a small amount of plain, boiled potato without any added ingredients.

4. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries themselves are not toxic to dogs and can even be healthy in small amounts. However, cranberry sauce is often loaded with sugar and sometimes contains xylitol, a sweetener extremely toxic to dogs.

What to do: Avoid giving cranberry sauce. If you want to share cranberries, offer fresh or unsweetened dried cranberries in very small quantities.

5. Gravy

Gravy is usually high in salt, fat, and sometimes contains onions or garlic powder. These ingredients can cause salt poisoning, digestive upset, or anemia in dogs.

What to do: Skip the gravy for your dog. Instead, offer a little plain broth made without onions or garlic.

Dog looking at Thanksgiving food on a plate

6. Pumpkin Pie and Other Desserts

Many Thanksgiving desserts contain sugar, nutmeg, and other spices that are harmful to dogs. Nutmeg can cause tremors and seizures, while sugar can lead to obesity and dental problems.

What to do: Avoid giving your dog any pie or dessert. Instead, offer dog-safe treats or small pieces of plain cooked pumpkin.

7. Nuts

Pecans, walnuts, and macadamia nuts are common in Thanksgiving recipes but can be toxic to dogs. Macadamia nuts, in particular, can cause weakness, tremors, and hyperthermia.

What to do: Keep all nuts and nut-containing dishes out of your dog’s reach.

8. Alcohol

Some Thanksgiving celebrations include alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is extremely dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts, causing vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and even coma.

What to do: Never give your dog any alcohol or foods containing alcohol.

9. Chocolate

Chocolate is a well-known toxin for dogs. Some Thanksgiving desserts may contain chocolate chips or cocoa powder, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and seizures.

What to do: Keep all chocolate and chocolate-containing foods away from your dog.

10. Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

Sweet potatoes are safe for dogs, but marshmallows and added sugar are not. Marshmallows contain sugar and sometimes xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

What to do: Offer plain cooked sweet potatoes without any toppings.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to celebrate with your family, including your dog. By avoiding these 10 dangerous foods, you can keep your dog safe and healthy while still sharing the joy of the holiday. If you want to treat your dog, prepare simple, dog-friendly snacks like plain turkey meat, cooked vegetables, or special dog treats. Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has eaten something harmful.