What Foods Are Safe for Dogs on Thanksgiving? (And What They Should Avoid)
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, gathering, and delicious food — and if you’re like most pet parents, you’ve probably felt those sweet puppy eyes staring up at you from under the table. While it’s natural to want to share the joy (and maybe a little turkey), some traditional holiday dishes can be dangerous — even life-threatening — for dogs.
At Bubbles and Beyond Pet Care, we want your whole family (four-legged and two-legged) to enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Below you’ll find a simple guide to which foods are safe to share, which are not, and why consistency and intention matter when feeding your pup during the holidays.
Foods That ARE Safe to Share
(In Moderation)
If you’d like to give your pup a little seasonal treat, stick to these clean, simple, and unseasoned options:
Plain, cooked turkey meat
White or dark meat is okay as long as it’s boneless, skinless, unseasoned, and not cooked in onions or garlic.
No gravy, butter, spices, or drippings — those can trigger digestive upset or pancreatitis.
Steamed or raw vegetables
Green beans
Carrots
Zucchini
Pumpkin (plain organic only)
Great for pups following a more natural or rotational mono-feeding (RMF) approach.
Plain pumpkin
Helps regulate digestion and soothe upset tummies.
Avoid sweetened pumpkin pie filling or spiced blends.
Small amounts of plain mashed sweet potato
Just the sweet potato — no marshmallows, sugar, nutmeg, or butter.
These foods are simple, neutral, and gentle on the digestive system — perfect if you want to include your dog in the celebration without disrupting their routine.
Foods That Are NOT Safe for Dogs
Some Thanksgiving foods can cause immediate toxicity, while others trigger inflammation or serious digestion problems.
Turkey skin, drippings, gravy, & greasy foods
These are the #1 cause of pancreatitis during holidays.
Even small amounts can trigger it.
Cooked bones (ALL cooked bones)
Turkey legs, wings, necks, ham bones — all cooked bones splinter, leading to blockages or perforations.
Never give your dog the raw turkey neck from the inside of the bird unless your dog is already on a raw feeding plan & you’ve made the transition intentionally.
Onions, garlic, leeks, chives
These can cause red blood cell damage and anemia, even in small amounts.
Foods cooked with onions or onion broth
This includes:
Stuffing
Turkey cooked with onions
Broth made from a carcass seasoned with onion
Roasted vegetables cooked with onion
If it touched onions, your dog shouldn’t get ANY of it.
Grapes & raisins
Even one or two can cause kidney failure.
Ham, pork, or fatty meats
High-fat meats can overwhelm the pancreas and cause inflammation.
Desserts
No pies, whipped cream, chocolate, artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol), or baked goods.
A Quick Word About Pancreatitis
(And Why It Spikes During the Holidays)
Pancreatitis is one of the most common (and preventable) holiday emergencies for dogs.
Here’s a gentle, simple explanation for pet parents:
Mechanism of dysfunction:
The pancreas helps digest food. When a dog eats something too fatty or greasy, the pancreas becomes overstimulated and inflamed.
Instead of releasing enzymes into the digestive tract, the pancreas basically starts leaking them internally — causing severe pain, vomiting, and sometimes life-threatening complications.
Mechanism of restoration:
Fasting or light feeding
Stomach rest
Controlled food intake
Sometimes fluids + vet support
This is why greasy foods, pork, turkey skin, and drippings are so dangerous.
It’s also why maintaining consistency is one of the most loving things you can do for your dog.
Consistency Is Kindness: Holiday Feeding & RMF
Dogs thrive on routine, especially with digestion.
If you follow Rotational Mono-Feeding (RMF):
Dogs eat plant matter and fruits separate from raw meat, bone, and organs.
Sudden changes — especially during a high-energy, high-stimulation day like Thanksgiving — can cause stress or stomach upset.
If your dog is not currently eating raw, switching suddenly because you read something online (like giving them the raw turkey neck) can cause:
Digestive distress
Bacterial imbalance
Choking hazards
Bone intolerance
Any dietary shift should be:
Slow
Methodical
Intentional
Done when your schedule is calm — not on a holiday
Our Thanksgiving Pet Safety Promise
You deserve a peaceful holiday.
Your dog deserves a comfortable, happy tummy.
By following a few simple steps and maintaining your pup’s routine, you can enjoy a Thanksgiving filled with love — not emergency vet visits.
At Bubbles and Beyond Pet Care, we are always here to support your family’s wellness journey.
Whether you have questions about safe foods, natural digestive support, or holistic dietary planning, we’re here to help — compassionately and responsibly.
Final Reminder
This blog is for educational purposes only.
Always consult your veterinarian if your dog has digestive issues, chronic pancreatitis, or sensitivities, and before making dietary changes.
Here's to a safe, happy, snuggly Thanksgiving for you and your furry family.