Thanksgiving Food Safety for Dogs: What’s Safe and What’s Not

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. As we gather to share a meal, it’s tempting to include our furry family members in the feast. However, it’s important to know which foods are safe for dogs and which could pose serious health risks. While we want to show our pets love during the holidays, some traditional Thanksgiving dishes can be dangerous to them. Here’s a guide to keeping your pup happy and healthy while enjoying the holiday together.

Foods to Avoid for Dogs

While many of the ingredients in your Thanksgiving spread seem harmless to us, some can be toxic or cause digestive upset in dogs. Here’s a list of foods that are unsafe for dogs:

1. Turkey Bones: Though turkey itself can be okay for dogs, turkey bones are a big no. They can splinter, causing choking or damage to your dog’s digestive tract.
2. Stuffing: Traditional stuffing often contains onions, garlic, and various herbs, all of which are toxic to dogs. Even a small amount of these ingredients can harm your dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.
3. Gravy: High in fat, gravy can cause pancreatitis in dogs, which is a painful and serious condition.
4. Mashed Potatoes with Butter or Cream: While plain potatoes are fine, adding butter, cream, or seasonings makes them too rich for your dog’s stomach and can cause digestive problems.
5. Chocolate and Sweets: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can lead to chocolate poisoning, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and even heart failure in severe cases.
6. Onions & Garlic: Whether raw, cooked, or powdered, onions and garlic are extremely toxic to dogs, damaging their red blood cells and leading to potential anemia.
7. Alcohol: Alcohol in any form—beer, wine, or liquor—can be extremely dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, difficulty breathing, and even death.
8. Cranberry Sauce with Sugar or Artificial Sweeteners: Although plain cranberries can be safe, cranberry sauces with added sugar or artificial sweeteners like xylitol can be harmful to dogs.

Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods

Now that we know what to avoid, here’s a list of foods your dog can safely enjoy during Thanksgiving:

1. Plain Turkey (No Bones or Skin): Turkey is a great source of lean protein for dogs, but make sure it’s plain, without any seasoning, skin, or bones.
2. Pumpkin (Plain, Not Spiced): Canned or cooked pumpkin is fantastic for dogs as it aids digestion and provides a healthy dose of fiber. Avoid giving your dog pumpkin pie filling, which may contain sugar or spices.
3. Carrots: Whether raw or cooked, carrots are a healthy and crunchy treat for dogs that are rich in vitamins.
4. Apples (No Seeds or Core): Apples are a sweet and crunchy snack for dogs, but be sure to remove the seeds and core, as they can be harmful.
5. Green Beans (Plain and Cooked): These are a healthy, low-calorie option for dogs, packed with vitamins and safe when served without butter or seasoning.
6. Sweet Potatoes (Plain): Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber and vitamins, but only serve them plain. Avoid sweet potato casseroles or dishes that include sugar, marshmallows, or butter.
7. Peanut Butter (Unsalted and Xylitol-Free): A small amount of natural peanut butter can be a tasty treat for dogs, but make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to them.
8. Cooked Peas: Peas are a good source of protein and fiber for dogs, making them a healthy addition to your dog’s meal.

Tips for Keeping Your Dog Safe During Thanksgiving

• Stick to Dog-Safe Foods: No matter how tempted your dog may look, resist the urge to feed them from the table unless it’s something you know is safe for them.
• Watch for Sneaky Beggars: Dogs can be sneaky, especially when there’s food around! Keep dangerous foods out of reach, and remind guests not to slip your dog anything under the table.
• Create a Dog-Friendly Plate: If you want to make your dog feel included, prepare a small plate of plain turkey and dog-safe veggies for them to enjoy while you eat.

The Gift of Love: Help a Pit Bull Find a Forever Home This Thanksgiving

As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, it’s important to remember the dogs who are still waiting for a family of their own. At Kennel to Couch, we work tirelessly to advocate for at-risk Pit Bulls, sponsoring them and supporting their adoption into loving homes. Many of these dogs have never experienced the joy of a holiday meal, the warmth of a family, or the love they so deeply deserve.

Your donation to Kennel to Couch this Thanksgiving can make a world of difference for a Pit Bull in need. Whether it’s providing food, medical care, or helping us raise awareness, every dollar helps save lives. Better yet, consider opening your heart and home to a Pit Bull who’s waiting for a second chance.

How You Can Help:

1. Adopt: Give a dog in need the ultimate gift—a forever home.
2. Donate: Even if you can’t adopt, your donation can help cover the cost of food, medical care, and shelter for Pit Bulls in need.
3. Sponsor a Pit Bull: Help a dog by sponsoring their stay in a shelter until they find their forever home.
4. Spread the Word: Share our message on social media to raise awareness and encourage others to support the cause.

This Thanksgiving, let’s give thanks for the love we have—and let’s pay it forward to the Pit Bulls who need us. Visit KenneltoCouch.org/furever-fund to learn more about how you can help and make a difference in the lives of these deserving dogs.

Together, we can make this Thanksgiving one to remember—for both you and a dog in need. ❤️