What Thanksgiving foods can dogs eat?

Dogs can have a small portion of plain, boneless, skinless turkey, which the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) calls generally safe for pets. Stuffing, gravy, turkey skin and pumpkin pie are better kept off your dog's plate, because rich foods can cause pancreatitis and some holiday ingredients are toxic to dogs.¹

Here is what is fine to share, what to skip and what to do if your dog helps itself on Thanksgiving.

Can dogs eat turkey?

Yes, in small portions, as long as it is plain, boneless and skinless. The AVMA puts it this way: "Plain, boneless, and skinless turkey is generally safe for pets in small portions."¹

The skin, fat, gravy and sauces are a different story. The AVMA says these are hard for pets to digest and that "sometimes even a small amount can cause pancreatitis."¹ The FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine describes pancreatitis as "a potentially life-threatening and painful disease" that rich foods can cause.²

Are turkey bones safe for dogs?

No. "Poultry bones can damage your pet's digestive tract," according to the AVMA, and bones can also cause choking or a blockage.¹

The FDA notes that dogs are "notorious for helping themselves to the turkey carcass," and that bones can get stuck in a dog's esophagus, stomach or windpipe.³ If a bone lodges in the stomach or intestines, signs such as vomiting or not wanting to eat can take hours to days to show up.³ After dinner, put the carcass and bones in a tightly secured trash bag, inside a closed bin or behind a closed door.¹

Can dogs eat stuffing?

It is best to skip it. The AVMA lists dressing (another name for stuffing) alongside gravy, fat and skin as foods that are hard for pets to digest.¹

If the recipe includes onion or garlic, that adds a separate risk. Dogs have been affected after eating raw, cooked, dehydrated or granulated onions and garlic, and compounds in these plants damage red blood cells.⁵ The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that poisoning is most commonly linked to concentrated forms such as dehydrated flakes, powders and dry onion soup mixes, and that signs can take several days to appear.⁵ Raisins carry their own risk, covered below.

Can dogs eat pumpkin pie?

No. Plain pumpkin and pumpkin pie are 2 different things. The AVMA says small pieces of pumpkin "can be a healthy snack for pets," but "pumpkin pie can contain ingredients that are toxic to animals," so keep the pie for people.¹

Sugar-free desserts need extra care. Xylitol, a sweetener used in some sugar-free baked goods and gum, "can be deadly if consumed by dogs or cats," according to the AVMA.¹ The FDA advises checking the package label for xylitol and calling your veterinarian immediately if your dog ate a product that contains it.³ Chocolate desserts are off the table as well: the FDA says unsweetened or baking chocolate is especially dangerous to pets.³

Which other Thanksgiving foods are risky for dogs?

Grapes, raisins, raw yeast dough and alcohol are all risky for dogs, and each causes a different problem.

Grapes and raisins have been linked to kidney failure in some dogs, and the effects of eating them can vary.⁷ Raw yeast dough keeps rising in the warm stomach, and the yeast produces alcohol as it grows.^4,6 The AVMA warns that uncooked yeast dough can cause "painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating."¹ Alcohol itself can cause serious problems for pets, and the FDA says severe cases can lead to coma and death.³

What can you give your dog instead?

A few bites of plain, boneless, skinless turkey or a small piece of plain pumpkin are the simple options.¹ If you want your dog to have a holiday treat of its own, the AVMA's advice is to "make or buy a treat made just for them."¹

Guests can be part of the plan, too. Let everyone know which foods are off limits for your dog, and keep plates and trash out of reach. The AVMA also suggests a quiet room or crate with a favorite toy if visitors upset your dog.¹

What should you do if your dog eats something it shouldn't?

Call your veterinarian or a local veterinary emergency clinic right away.¹ The FDA advises calling for advice "instead of waiting for serious symptoms to develop."²

The AVMA also lists 2 poison hotlines and notes that a fee may apply:¹

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

Signs to watch for include sudden behavior changes, depression, discomfort or pain, vomiting and diarrhea.¹ Keep the package or recipe handy so you can say exactly what your dog ate.

Looking for more everyday dog care guides? Browse more Learn guides, including our explainer on prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics for dogs.

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