Thanksgiving Food for Dogs: Have a Pet-Safe Feast!

No Bones About It

Although it may be tempting to throw your dog a bone leftover from the turkey, they can be dangerous and land you and your pup at the emergency vet. Instead, opt for pet-safe chew bones! If you want to make it feel extra special, wait to give your dog their chew bone until everyone sits down at the table for dinner.

Avoid Mid-Meal Begging

If your dog loves begging for scraps during mealtime on a normal day, Thanksgiving will have them pulling out all the stops, including the puppy eyes! (Can’t say we blame them with all those drool-worthy smells in the air.) Keep them happy and away from the dinner table with puzzle toys that can be stuffed with yummy treats, or try adding a freeze-dried topper to their regular food.

Practice Makes Perfect

It may feel silly at first but carrying around a baby doll or taking your dog on walks with the stroller can also help them acclimate to the idea of having a new human around. Dogs can also be highly sensitive to sounds, so playing soft recordings of baby cries followed by positive reinforcement can be a great way to lessen their anxiety when the baby comes.

Is Turkey on Your Dog’s Menu?

If you do decide to slice up some turkey or plate up some other favorites for your pup, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Serve them turkey without the skin, as it can have fats and seasonings that we find delicious but can easily upset your dog’s stomach.
• Feed them only small amounts of turkey, and make sure that it is fully cooked.
• Say no to stuffing that may be full of ingredients like onions and garlic that are harmful to dogs.
• Your pup should pass on the green bean casserole with all the fixings, but you can save some plain, fiber-filled green beans for their dish.
• Skip the pie, but you can safely opt for plain, canned pumpkin (just not pumpkin pie filling).

On the (Dinner Table) Defensive

If you and your guests are distracted by parades, football or playful pups and kittens on the TV, make sure leftovers, including turkey bones, are out of reach of your dog’s chompers. A curious pup climbing onto the counters or table can quickly lead to a tummy ache – not to mention sad guests who were hoping for seconds – if leftovers aren’t stashed away!


We hope you and your dog have a happy Thanksgiving! If you have any questions about your pet’s diet or health, we recommend reaching out to your veterinarian.