Thanksgiving Leftovers You Can (and Can’t) Share With Your Dog

Thanksgiving dinner is one of the best meals of the year — and if you’re like most pet parents, you probably have those big, begging puppy eyes staring at you while you eat! 🦃 Before you slip your dog a little something from your plate, it’s important to know which Thanksgiving leftovers are safe to share and which could be harmful.

Here’s your go-to guide to keeping your dog happy and healthy after the holiday feast.

🦴 Thanksgiving Leftovers You Can Share With Your Dog

(Always serve plain, fully cooked, and unseasoned foods.)

1. Turkey (White Meat Only)

A few small bites of plain, cooked turkey breast make a tasty and protein-rich treat. Just remove the skin, fat, and all bones — these can be dangerous for dogs.

Avoid: Dark meat, turkey skin, and any pieces with seasoning or gravy.

2. Sweet Potatoes or Pumpkin

Both are packed with vitamins and fiber that support your dog’s digestion. Serve plain mashed or baked sweet potatoes — no butter, sugar, or marshmallows.

Canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) is another healthy option your dog will love.

3. Green Beans, Carrots, or Peas

Simple, crunchy, and nutritious — these veggies are a great snack for dogs. Offer them plain, without cream sauces, onions, or butter.

4. Plain Mashed Potatoes

A spoonful or two of plain mashed potatoes is fine in moderation. Just skip the added butter, garlic, salt, or cream that can upset your dog’s stomach.

5. Cranberries (Unsweetened)

A few plain cranberries are safe and full of antioxidants. Avoid cranberry sauces or mixes that contain sugar, alcohol, or artificial sweeteners.

🚫 Thanksgiving Foods You Should Never Share With Your Dog

1. Turkey Bones or Skin

Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. The fatty skin is also hard for dogs to digest and can lead to pancreatitis.

2. Stuffing & Gravy

Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, salt, and herbs that are toxic to dogs. Gravy is usually high in fat and sodium — not a safe choice either.

3. Onions, Garlic, Leeks, and Chives

Even a small amount of these ingredients can damage your dog’s red blood cells and cause serious health issues.

4. Desserts and Chocolate

Chocolate, xylitol (a sugar substitute), raisins, and nutmeg are all toxic to dogs. Keep pies, cookies, and other desserts far away from curious noses.

5. Alcohol or Caffeine

Never share drinks that contain alcohol or coffee. Even small sips can cause vomiting, weakness, or worse.

6. Bread Dough or Raw Batter

Unbaked dough can rise inside your dog’s stomach, leading to painful bloating and potential medical emergencies. Always keep raw dough out of reach.

🐶 A “Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Dinner” Idea

If you want your pup to join in on the celebration, make a special dog-safe Thanksgiving plate!

Get an adorable festive mat for the perfect Thanksgiving plate here!

Here’s what to include:

• A few small bites of plain turkey

• A spoonful of mashed sweet potato or pumpkin

• A few green beans or carrot slices

Mix it all together for a simple, healthy, dog-approved holiday meal. Your pup will feel included and you'll know they are safe.