Thanksgiving Foods: What’s Safe (and What’s Not) for Dogs
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Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course—delicious food. But while the holiday feast smells irresistible to our furry friends, not every dish on the table is safe for them to enjoy. Here’s a breakdown of Thanksgiving foods that are dog-safe and those you should keep out of your pup’s bowl.
✅ Dog-Safe Thanksgiving Foods
When shared in moderation and prepared simply (no butter, seasoning, sugar, or sauces), these foods are healthy, wholesome options for your dog.
🥩 Turkey (Plain and Cooked)
Lean, skinless turkey breast is packed with protein.
Avoid: Skin, bones, gravy, or seasoned turkey (especially with garlic or onion).
🍠 Sweet Potatoes
High in fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins A and C.
Serve plain, baked, or dehydrated—like our Simply Sloan’s Sweet Potato Treats!
Avoid: Candied yams or dishes with marshmallows or sugar.
🎃 Pumpkin
Great for digestion, low in calories, and rich in nutrients.
Offer plain cooked or pureed pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling).
You can also treat your pup with our Pumpkin Dog Treats, made with real, organic pumpkin!
🥕 Carrots
Crunchy, naturally sweet, and great for dental health.
Can be served raw, steamed, or baked (no butter or seasoning).
🥦 Green Beans
High in fiber and low in calories.
Serve plain and unseasoned—no cream of mushroom or fried onion toppings.
🍞 Plain Bread or Rolls (in Small Amounts)
A little bit is fine if your dog tolerates wheat, but skip anything buttery or with raisins.
🍎 Apples
Full of vitamins and fiber.
Remove: Core and seeds, as they can be toxic.
🍌 Bananas
Naturally sweet and potassium-rich—great as a soft treat or mash-in.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes (Plain)
If prepared without butter, milk, or salt, plain mashed or baked potatoes can be okay in small portions.
🚫 Thanksgiving Foods That Are NOT Safe for Dogs
These traditional holiday dishes may be delicious to humans but can cause serious health issues for pets.
❌ Turkey Skin, Bones, and Gravy
The fat and seasoning in skin and gravy can lead to pancreatitis.
Bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injury.
❌ Stuffing
Often contains onions, garlic, salt, and butter, all toxic or harmful to dogs.
❌ Ham and Sausage
High in sodium and fat, which can upset digestion or strain your dog’s pancreas.
❌ Onions, Garlic, Leeks, and Chives
Extremely toxic to dogs and can damage red blood cells.
❌ Grapes, Raisins, and Currants
Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs.
❌ Chocolate Desserts
Chocolate (especially dark) contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
❌ Pumpkin Pie & Other Sweet Desserts
Contain sugar, spices, and sometimes xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is deadly to dogs.
❌ Alcohol or Eggnog
Even a small sip can cause vomiting, disorientation, and toxicity.
❌ Casseroles & Creamy Dishes
Loaded with butter, cream, and salt—too rich for your pup’s stomach.
❌ Macaroni and Cheese
While tempting, dairy and butter can cause digestive upset and gas.
❌ Cranberry Sauce (Especially Sweetened)
High sugar content and possible added raisins make it unsafe.
🍂 Healthy, Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Alternatives
If you want your pup to enjoy the holiday feast safely, here are some wholesome, dog-safe treats and meal ideas:
Sloan’s Snacks n’ Stuff Pumpkin Dog Treats: Naturally packed with fiber and nutrients for a happy tummy.
DIY Turkey Feast Bowl: Mix plain cooked turkey, mashed pumpkin, and green beans for a festive dog dinner!
Frozen Apple & Pumpkin Bites: Blend pumpkin puree and apples, freeze in silicone molds, and serve as a cool snack.
🐶 Quick Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving
Avoid table scraps – especially those seasoned with butter, salt, or spices.
Keep trash secure – bones, foil, and food wrappers can be dangerous.
Watch for signs of illness – vomiting, drooling, lethargy, or bloating warrant a vet visit.
Stick to your dog’s routine – too many new foods can cause tummy upset.
💛 Celebrate Thanksgiving the Safe (and Delicious) Way
This Thanksgiving, your dog doesn’t have to miss out on the fun feast! With a few mindful choices and the right snacks—like our wholesome Pumpkin Dog Treats —you can share the holiday love in a healthy, tail-wagging way.
Because at Sloan’s Snacks n’ Stuff, we believe every pup deserves a seat at the table—just with their own plate of safe, nutritious goodness. 🐾🦃