5 Ways to Include Your Dog in Thanksgiving Celebrations
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Make the Holiday Extra Special for the Whole Family — Paws Included!
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, good food, and quality time with loved ones — and for most of us, that includes our furry family members too! 🐶 After all, dogs bring so much love, joy, and laughter into our lives every day — why shouldn’t they be part of the celebration?
At Sloan’s Snacks n’ Stuff, we believe holidays are better when they include wagging tails, sloppy kisses, and treat-sharing moments that make everyone smile. So, before you sit down to your big feast, here are five fun, safe, and heartwarming ways to include your dog in your Thanksgiving celebration.
1️⃣ Create a “Pup Plate” of Dog-Safe Thanksgiving Foods
Let’s face it — your dog is going to be watching that turkey come out of the oven with wide, hopeful eyes. Instead of giving in to the temptation to sneak them table scraps, make them their very own Thanksgiving Pup Plate filled with dog-safe, nutritious foods.
Here’s what to include:
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🦃 Plain cooked turkey breast (no skin, no bones, no gravy) – a lean source of protein.
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🍠 Mashed or baked sweet potato – rich in fiber and beta-carotene.
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🎃 Pumpkin puree – great for digestion and packed with vitamins.
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🥦 Steamed green beans or carrots – for a healthy crunch.
You can even top it off with one of our Pumpkin Dog Treats or Pupkin Woofles for dessert!
These wholesome, organic snacks are made with real ingredients, so your pup gets to enjoy a special plate of their own — without the tummy trouble that comes from rich, seasoned human foods.
Pro tip: Skip anything with butter, salt, garlic, onions, raisins, or spices. Your dog’s stomach will thank you later!
2️⃣ Take a Family Walk Before (or After) the Feast
Thanksgiving is known for long meals and post-turkey naps, but your dog can help you balance that out! 🐾
A brisk family walk before or after dinner is a wonderful way to:
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Burn off extra energy (for humans and pups alike!)
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Aid digestion after a big meal
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Enjoy the crisp fall air and changing leaves
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Spend screen-free time together as a family
If you have guests visiting, make it a group activity! Bundle up, leash up, and take your pup around the block or to a local park. Your dog will love the extra attention and exercise, and it’s a great way to create new holiday traditions.
Bring a few Sloan’s Snacks n’ Stuff treats along as pocket-friendly motivation for your dog’s best behavior during the walk — or as a reward for posing nicely in those family photos later.
3️⃣ Plan a Thanksgiving-Themed Photo Shoot 📸
No holiday is complete without a few adorable photos to capture the memories — and your dog deserves the spotlight too!
Set up a mini Thanksgiving photo shoot using simple seasonal props like:
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Pumpkins and fall leaves 🍁
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A cozy plaid blanket
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A “Thankful for My Dog” chalkboard sign
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Matching scarves or bandanas for you and your pup
If you’re feeling extra festive (and smart), you can bring a few Pumpkin Dog Treats to use as incentives during the photo session. Nothing keeps a pup’s focus on the camera quite like the promise of a tasty, healthy treat!
Tip: Natural lighting (morning or late afternoon) makes the best photos — and helps bring out the rich colors of fall.
Post your photos on social media with hashtags like #SloansSnacks #Dogsgiving #ThankfulForMyDog to spread some holiday cheer.
4️⃣ Share the Gratitude — Donate or Give Back Together ❤️
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks — and what better way to honor that spirit than by helping dogs in need?
Many local shelters and rescues could use a little extra support during the holidays. Consider:
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Donating food, toys, or blankets
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Volunteering to walk dogs at your local shelter
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Purchasing an extra bag of Sloan’s Snacks n’ Stuff treats to donate to rescue pups
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Sharing awareness posts about adoptable dogs in your area
You can even make it a family tradition: each Thanksgiving, donate a small gift in your dog’s honor. It’s a wonderful way to teach kids compassion while showing gratitude for the joy your own pup brings.
At Sloan’s Snacks n’ Stuff, giving back is a core part of what we do — from using wholesome, sustainable ingredients to creating treats that truly nourish pets. When you support small pet-loving businesses, you’re helping spread that goodness even further.
5️⃣ End the Day with Snuggles, Snacks, and a Cozy Movie
After a busy day of cooking, company, and cleanup, there’s nothing better than curling up with your dog for a little downtime.
Put on a cozy fall movie (we recommend Homeward Bound or Beethoven for the nostalgic dog lovers 🐾), grab a blanket, and share a peaceful evening together.
While you enjoy your dessert, your pup can savor a treat of their own — like one of our Pumpkin Dog Treats or Pupkin Woofles, that’s perfect for late-night munching.
It’s the perfect way to end Thanksgiving — relaxed, grateful, and surrounded by love (and a little drool).
🧡 A Thanksgiving to Be Thankful For
This Thanksgiving, make sure your furry family member feels just as appreciated as everyone else around the table. With a little creativity, a few safe ingredients, and a lot of love, you can make the holiday fun, delicious, and tail-waggingly joyful for your pup.
At Sloan’s Snacks n’ Stuff, we’re thankful for every pet parent who chooses to treat their dogs the wholesome way — with snacks made from real, organic, and nourishing ingredients.
So from our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
May your day be filled with full bellies, happy hearts, and wagging tails. 🦃🐶💛