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November 24, 2025
Common Thanksgiving foods can send your pet to the vet: What’s safe, what to avoid
Eating just about anything comes with the territory on Thanksgiving, but you should use more discretion when it comes to your dog or cat.
Thanksgiving is a time for feasting and family, but while you're indulging in a delicious spread, remember that some common Thanksgiving foods can be dangerous for your furry friends. Before you share your holiday bounty with your dog or cat, it’s vital to know what’s safe and what to avoid to prevent a potential trip to the veterinarian.
Many seemingly harmless Thanksgiving staples can cause serious health problems for pets. For instance, while turkey is the centerpiece of the meal, the skin and bones are definite no-nos. Turkey skin is often cooked with butter, oils, and spices that can upset your pet’s stomach, leading to vomiting or diarrhea. Cooked bones, especially small ones, are incredibly dangerous as they can splinter and cause choking, punctures in the digestive tract, or intestinal blockages.
Stuffing, a Thanksgiving favorite, often contains onions, garlic, and herbs, all of which can be toxic to dogs and cats. Onions and garlic, in particular, can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts can be harmful, especially to smaller breeds.
Then there's the sweet temptation of desserts. Chocolate, a well-known toxin for pets, is often present in pies and other Thanksgiving treats. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free desserts, is extremely poisonous to dogs and can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure. Raisins and grapes, common ingredients in fruitcakes and other desserts, are also toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
So, what Thanksgiving foods *can* you safely share with your pet? Small portions of plain, cooked turkey meat (without skin, bones, or seasoning) are generally safe. Plain, cooked sweet potatoes or pumpkin (without added sugar or spices) can also be a healthy treat. Green beans, cooked or raw, are another safe and nutritious option.
The key to safely sharing Thanksgiving with your pet is moderation and awareness. Keep a close eye on your pet during the festivities to prevent them from sneaking food off the table or counter. Provide them with their own pet-friendly treats to enjoy while you're eating. If you're unsure about the safety of a particular food, it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving it to your pet. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, and keep your furry friends
Many seemingly harmless Thanksgiving staples can cause serious health problems for pets. For instance, while turkey is the centerpiece of the meal, the skin and bones are definite no-nos. Turkey skin is often cooked with butter, oils, and spices that can upset your pet’s stomach, leading to vomiting or diarrhea. Cooked bones, especially small ones, are incredibly dangerous as they can splinter and cause choking, punctures in the digestive tract, or intestinal blockages.
Stuffing, a Thanksgiving favorite, often contains onions, garlic, and herbs, all of which can be toxic to dogs and cats. Onions and garlic, in particular, can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts can be harmful, especially to smaller breeds.
Then there's the sweet temptation of desserts. Chocolate, a well-known toxin for pets, is often present in pies and other Thanksgiving treats. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free desserts, is extremely poisonous to dogs and can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure. Raisins and grapes, common ingredients in fruitcakes and other desserts, are also toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
So, what Thanksgiving foods *can* you safely share with your pet? Small portions of plain, cooked turkey meat (without skin, bones, or seasoning) are generally safe. Plain, cooked sweet potatoes or pumpkin (without added sugar or spices) can also be a healthy treat. Green beans, cooked or raw, are another safe and nutritious option.
The key to safely sharing Thanksgiving with your pet is moderation and awareness. Keep a close eye on your pet during the festivities to prevent them from sneaking food off the table or counter. Provide them with their own pet-friendly treats to enjoy while you're eating. If you're unsure about the safety of a particular food, it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving it to your pet. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, and keep your furry friends
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