Thanksgiving Foods: Can Your Pet Eat That?

With Thanksgiving almost here, our tables will soon overflow with delicious food. While your pet’s cute face will certainly tempt you into sharing, it’s crucial to remember that many popular human dishes are not safe or healthy for them. Knowing what they can and can’t eat—like whether dogs can eat stuffing or if cats can have pumpkin—will help you resist the urge.

To ensure a safe celebration for everyone this holiday, and to avoid a trip to the emergency room, we’ve compiled a clear list of Thanksgiving foods to skip and the healthy options you can safely share with your pet.

Thanksgiving Foods To Avoid

The items below are Thanksgiving foods that will cause more harm than good for your cats and dogs. To keep them healthy, ensure these dishes are inaccessible. And remember: You aren’t the only one feeding your pet! Please inform your family and dinner guests about these dangerous or toxic foods to prevent well-meaning but risky table scraps.

Turkey Bones

Never share leftover bones. Bones can easily cause choking or splinter and puncture the intestines, necessitating emergency veterinary care.

Fatty Foods

Fatty foods such as turkey skin, ham, bacon, dark meat, rich sauces and mashed potatoes must be avoided. They are too rich and can trigger painful digestive issues like pancreatitis in your pet.

Onions, Garlic, Shallots, Leeks & Chives

Onions, garlic, shallots, leeks and chives are highly toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingestion can cause immediate damage to your pet’s red blood cells. While small amounts might not show immediate symptoms, large doses or chronic exposure can lead to severe, life-threatening anemia.

Unbaked Yeast Dough

Keep all raw dough completely out of reach. If ingested, it creates a dual emergency: The dough can expand dramatically inside your pet’s stomach, causing a dangerous blockage and severe bloating. Simultaneously, the active yeast ferments and produces alcohol, leading to the rapid onset of alcohol poisoning.

Grapes/Raisins

Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to pets, especially dogs. Even a very small amount can trigger potentially fatal and irreversible kidney failure. Always keep fruit salads and baked goods containing these ingredients strictly out of reach.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause painful symptoms, including weakness, tremors, vomiting, and overheating.

Chocolate

Chocolate is an absolute no-go for pets, even during the holidays. It contains the stimulant theobromine, which is poisonous to both dogs and cats. Be aware that the danger level directly relates to the color: darker chocolate (baker’s or dark cocoa) contains higher concentrations of theobromine and is therefore much more dangerous than milk chocolate.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an ingredient that is extremely toxic and potentially fatal to dogs, and it is hidden in an increasing number of household items. Since even small amounts can cause a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure, you must always check the ingredient label on anything your pet might chew or consume.

To complicate safety, manufacturers often use other names for Xylitol on product labels. Be vigilant and watch out for these aliases:

• Birch sugar
• Birch bark extract
• Birch sap
• Sugar alcohol

Thanksgiving Foods To Share…In Moderation

While the “danger list” is long, the good news is that your pet doesn’t have to miss out entirely! In fact, there are still several foods your dog or cat can enjoy this Thanksgiving (in moderation). Here are some examples:

Turkey Meat

Plain, cooked turkey meat is safe for both cats and dogs. Just ensure you only offer a small piece of white meat that is completely unseasoned and free of all fat.

Pure Canned Pumpkin

While the pie filling is unhealthy, plain, canned pumpkin is actually great for pets. A little spoonful of pure pumpkin makes a safe, delicious dessert treat for your dog or cat. Crucial: Ensure it is 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling.

 Plain Sweet Potatoes or Plain Potatoes

Plain, fully cooked potatoes and sweet potatoes are perfectly safe to share with your cat or dog in small amounts this Thanksgiving. Just ensure they are free of butter, cream, seasoning, or garlic/onions!

Plain Green Beans

Plain, cooked green beans are great, healthy treats you can safely share with your dog or cat. However, you must avoid the green bean casserole. Set aside a small serving of cooked, unseasoned green beans before you start assembling the casserole.

Plain Carrots

Just like sweet potatoes, carrots are a powerful, healthy snack for your pet! They are loaded with beta-carotene, vitamins, fiber, and are an excellent source of antioxidants. You can serve them raw for a satisfying crunch, or offer them cooked—just make sure they are completely unseasoned.

What to Do If Your Pet Eats a Toxin

If you suspect your dog or cat has consumed something toxic this Thanksgiving, contact your veterinarian immediately—do not wait! Calling your vet or a pet poison control hotline immediately allows professionals to determine the correct treatment. Some toxins require induced vomiting; others need specific emergency care. The outcome often depends on how fast you act, so do not delay.

We’re Here For You

Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center provides year-round comprehensive care to protect your pet’s health and safety, no matter the season. Contact us today.