7 Human Foods Dogs Can Eat for Thanksgiving

Published:October 19, 2018
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Reviewed by Dr. Sandra Mitchell, September 2022

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NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

Do you want to include your dog in your Thanksgiving celebrations? There are plenty of traditional Thanksgiving foods that are perfect for sharing. If you want to create a dog-safe meal for your special four-legged companion, here are some safe human foods that your pet can enjoy.


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Turkey

No Thanksgiving dinner for dogs is complete without turkey. Turkey is a great source of lean protein, and you can even serve your dog some of the same turkey you’ll put on the table, so long as it is baked and isn’t too spicy.

Turkey for dogsmakes a great alternative to dog treats when served in small quantities, as this mild meat won’t produce any ill effects in most dogs.

If you give your dog a piece of your turkey, make sure that you choose white meat, and remove large pieces of fat and skin. This keeps the fat content low, which can help avoid an upset tummy or a more severe problem, likepancreatitis.

Be sure that your dog doesn’t get ahold of any turkey bones either. Whether raw or cooked, they tend to splinter and can poke holes in the intestines.

If your turkey is too spicy or salty or you have deep-fried it but you still want your pet to get a taste of the holidays, considerMerrick Turducken grain-free canned dog foodor a treat likeAmerican Journey turkey jerky.


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Pumpkin

Pumpkin, when served appropriately, is fantastic for the canine digestive system. Veterinarians often recommendpumpkin for dogsas a way to either easeconstipationor help firm up their stool.

However, pumpkin pie isn’t a good treat for your pet. Simple roasted pumpkin or canned pumpkin are just fine. You can set some pumpkin aside if you’re baking your own pumpkin pie, or you can share a little pure canned pumpkin with your pet. Make sure it’s 100% canned pumpkin, and not pumpkin pie filling.

如果你不打算烤,今年pumpkin-based treat likeGrandma Lucy's organic pumpkin oven-baked dog treatsoffer a great way for your dog to still enjoy some holiday flavor.


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Cranberry

Cranberries are safe for dogs, and they may help support urinary tract health. They also contain lots of healthy antioxidants.

However, raw cranberries may be tough for dogs to digest. Instead, give your dog a small amount of cranberry sauce. Because it can be high in sugar, make sure that you serve only a small amount, and be sure that it doesn’t contain the artificial sweetenerxylitol, which is very dangerous for dogs.

If you want to play it safe,Spot Farms Turkey Meatball Recipe dog treats with cranberriesandCharlee Bear dog treats with turkey liver and cranberriesare other healthy and safe foods for dogs.


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Green Beans

Green beansserved without all the trappings (like salt, seasonings, and butter) are great for dogs. They are a low-calorie snack that is high in iron and several other vitamins and minerals that dogs need. Their high-fiber content also helps fill your pup’s belly and keep them full, which may help aid in weight control.

As a treat, you can simply serve your pup unsalted green beans—canned, frozen, or fresh. If you want toincorporate green beans into your dog's regular diet, look for anutritionally complete and balanced dog foodlikePurina Beyond Turkey and Green Bean Recipe canned dog food.


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Carrots

Carrots是一个伟大的来源的维生素和纤维。事实上, they’re even found as an ingredient in a lot of commercially available dog foods.

The occasional raw baby carrot is a crunchy, healthy treat, but cooked carrots are gentler on your dog’s stomach. You can boil or steam plain, fresh, or frozen carrots. Canned carrots are also fine so long as they aren’t packaged with a lot of salt or sugar.


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Sweet Potatoes

Pups love sweet potatoes! They’re a good source of B vitamins, vitamin A, and fiber. In recent years, this veggie has gained popularity with canines across the country and is frequently included in limited ingredient diets, such asAmerican Journey limited ingredient grain-free turkey and sweet potato dry dog food.

You can also cut up raw sweet potatoes, cook them and serve them in cubes; steam and mash them; or bake or boil them—the possibilities are endless with this versatile veggie. You can even give your dog dried sweet potato as treats.


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Apples

Many dogs love the sweet, tart crunch of apples. They’ve got plenty of fiber and antioxidants to make them a healthy treat when given in moderation. Make sure you cut out the core, as the seeds contain cyanide and are poisonous to dogs in large amounts or in small amounts over time.

Be sure to cut up raw apples into appropriately sized pieces. You can even sprinkle them with a littlecinnamon, which is safe for dogs in moderation.Fruitables pumpkin and apple flavor crunchy dog treatsare another good option forgiving your dog a taste of apple, pumpkin, andcinnamon.


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Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid for Dogs

While you can serve a Thanksgiving dinner for dogs, these are some holiday treats your dog shouldn’t have:

If you’re concerned that your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have, call your veterinarian immediately.


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