Thanksgiving Foods You Should Keep Away From Your Dog

As the aroma of roasted turkey, sweet cranberries, and pumpkin spice fills the air this Thanksgiving, it’s natural to want to share with your dog. However, while bustling around the kitchen, ensure you give them only safe nibbles of food. Read on for the Thanksgiving foods you should keep away from your dog. And remember that not all holiday staples are safe for our canine companions. 

Creating a memorable and safe Thanksgiving means being mindful of your dog’s dietary restrictions and understanding which traditional dishes should stay off their plate.

Read on to uncover the forbidden foods and the reasons they’re harmful. We’ll also reveal some delicious and safe alternatives for your pup. After all, our dogs deserve to partake in the Thanksgiving festivities in a safe manner, enjoying specially prepared treats that won’t compromise their health. The only bellyache anyone should suffer from is your Uncle’s infamous “eating for two” portion sizes, not from a pet emergency! 

Here’s a List of 10 Thanksgiving Foods You Should Keep Away From Your Dog

Thanksgiving Foods You Should Keep Away From Your Dog: Holiday Bird: Turkey and Cooked Turkey Bones

Turkey

Although turkey itself is not a dangerous food for dogs and is often used in commercial dog foods, the way we prepare and serve turkey can pose risks to a dog’s health. Holiday birds are typically seasoned with ingredients such as garlic, onions, salt, and leeks, which are toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation or more serious conditions like hemolytic anemia. If you decide to give your dog turkey, it’s best to offer a small amount of plain, unseasoned, cooked turkey meat without any bones or skin.

Cooked Turkey Bones

Cooked turkey bones are definitely on the list of Thanksgiving foods you should keep away from your dog. Never give your dog cooked bones. Turkey bones can easily splinter and pose a severe threat if ingested by your pup. The splintering of the bones can cause damage to the intestines and stomach.

It can also cause issues for other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to unexpected – and costly – veterinary emergencies. Turkey bones can also cause cuts and/or scrapes in your dog’s mouth, and even create a choking hazard. Rather than taking a risk, keep turkey bones well out of reach and dispose of them safely.

And be mindful of any bone hazards on the kitchen counter, table, or trash. You don’t want to turn your back only to find your dog transformed into a professional counter-surfer, riding a wave of household chaos, all for the crunchy prize of forbidden snacks!

Thanksgiving Foods You Should Keep Away From Your Dog: Stuffing and Gravy

Stuffing

Stuffing is a popular holiday side dish that typically includes ingredients you should keep away from your dog. Everyone tends to prepare this dish a little differently, but the staples of stuffing usually include onions, garlic, and mushrooms. While not typically toxic, the bread used in stuffing can be potentially unhealthy for dogs, contributing to weight gain and other related health issues.

Gravy

A little gravy can turn your holiday dinner from dreary to cheery, but it’s best to leave this one off your pup’s food. It’s often prepared with garlic, onions, and other various spices that are not safe for dogs. 

Thanksgiving Foods You Should Keep Away From Your Dog: Green Bean Casserole and Corn on the Cob

Green Bean Casserole

Do you treat your dog to plain green beans as a healthy snack? Indeed, these veggies are a fantastic, low-calorie option for our furry friends keen on munching – particularly for overweight dogs. However, holiday green bean casseroles tell a different tale. Laden with butter, creamy sauces, mushroom soup, and the notorious onions, this festive dish is a minefield of ingredients that pooches should dodge.

Corn on the Cob

This favorite side dish is another Thanksgiving food you should keep away from your dog. Corn kernels are a harmless treat for our four-legged pals. However, corn on the cob is where the line is drawn for these furry family members. Imagine your dog chomping on a cob and accidentally gulping it down. It’s a choking hazard waiting to happen, not to mention a severe threat of intestinal obstruction. Dogs that eat corn on the cob and suffer blockage will potentially endure painful and expensive surgeries. 

Thanksgiving Foods You Should Keep Away From Your Dog: Nutmeg and Alcohol

Nutmeg

This seemingly innocent spice in many Thanksgiving classics (like pumpkin pie) can become a nightmare for your pet. Nutmeg contains myristicin, a compound toxic to dogs that can induce seizures, stomach pain, and central nervous system problems. Avoid any risk by keeping dishes containing nutmeg securely away from your pet.

Alcohol

Any food or drink containing alcohol is a strict no-go for your canine companion. Alcohol has the same effect on a dog’s liver and brain that it has on humans. However, it takes far less to do damage. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased coordination. It can also impact the central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, and even death. Ensure you keep your bubbly bottles far away from your canine companion. 

Thanksgiving Dishes to Avoid Feeding Your Dog: Chocolate and Xylitol

Chocolate

While a known hazard, chocolate might be more accessible to curious noses during the holidays. Theobromine, an ingredient found in chocolate, is highly toxic to dogs and can cause severe health issues such as internal bleeding, heart attacks, and seizures. Always store chocolate treats in a safe, unreachable place. In fact, keep all sugary treats out of reach of your pup – even the pumpkin and apple pies. While they may look like an innocent treat, they are no longer safe once they’ve been loaded up with sugar and other baking ingredients. If you’re looking for dog-mom-approved treats that your pup will love, consider making them as part of your Thanksgiving preparations. This will ensure your furry friend also enjoys the festive indulgence.

Xylitol

Speaking of sugar, avoid artificial sweeteners completely. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener often found in gum, baked goods, and sugar-free candies, and is extremely dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can cause hypoglycemia (a sudden drop in blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, or death. Carefully read labels on store-bought goods and keep xylitol-containing products securely stored.