Thanksgiving is a day full of delicious smells, clumsy relatives dropping food, and dogs staring at the table like it's their life's mission. But before your pup sneaks a bite, here are the 7 classic holiday foods they should avoid — and safer swaps they can enjoy.
1 Turkey Skin & Seasoned Meat
Turkey skin is loaded with butter, spices, and fat — a recipe for stomach issues and even pancreatitis.
✔️ What They Can Have Instead: Plain, unseasoned turkey breast (in small amounts).
2 Stuffing
Most stuffing includes onions, garlic, and herbs that are toxic to dogs.
✔️ What They Can Have Instead: Small bites of plain, cooked vegetables like carrots or green beans.
3 Gravy
Gravy = salt + fat + spices. Great for humans, terrible for dogs.
✔️ What They Can Have Instead: A spoonful of low-sodium, plain broth.
4 Ham
Holiday ham is extremely salty and fatty, which can cause digestive trouble.
✔️ What They Can Have Instead: Tiny pieces of plain, lean meat like cooked chicken.
5 Mashed Potatoes
Thanksgiving potatoes are full of butter, cream, salt, and garlic — none great for dogs.
✔️ What They Can Have Instead: A small scoop of plain, cooked sweet potato.
6 Pumpkin Pie
Nutmeg is toxic to dogs, and the sugar + dairy combo doesn't help.
✔️ What They Can Have Instead: Plain pumpkin purée (just pumpkin — no pie mix).
7 Turkey Bones
Cooked bones splinter and can cause choking or internal damage.
✔️ What They Can Have Instead: A safe chew designed for dogs — digestible and long-lasting.
Want to Treat Them Safely This Thanksgiving?
Skip the table scraps and celebrate with a chew that's healthy, natural, and made just for dogs.
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