What Thanksgiving foods are safe for pets to eat? Here’s a guide for avoiding a trip to the vet

Rosemary Montalvo
·2 min read
It’s tempting to feed your dog table scraps when he gives you his best begging look, but it’s best to avoid doing so.

For many, Thanksgiving is a time to slow down and give thanks while enjoying a great meal with friends and relatives, including our furry family members.

Pet parents might want to give their pets a taste of the Thanksgiving fare, but not all things are safe for cats and dogs to consume.

Here are Thanksgiving foods that are safe for your furry friends to eat and some that are not, as well as tips on how to ensure your pets are comfortable during the celebration.

Safe Thanksgiving food for pets

As tempted as you might be to share some of your Thanksgiving dinner with your furry friend, it is important to know which foods are safe for them. Luckily, many of the common Thanksgiving foods are safe for your pets, but without all of the seasonings.

According to the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, it is important to avoid foods that are seasoned with onions, garlic or spices. Especially avoid foods that have chocolate or artificial sweeteners like xylitol.

These are the Thanksgiving foods your cat or dog can have, according to the HSTPC:

Dogs can have:

  • Unseasoned turkey

  • Cranberries

  • Plain sweet potatoes

  • Green beans

  • Cooked or canned pumpkin

  • Cooked corn without the cob

  • Apples

Cats can have:

  • Unseasoned turkey

  • Unseasoned ham

  • Sage

  • Fresh or dried cranberries

  • Cooked, plain potatoes

  • Plain green beans

  • Cooked or canned pumpkin

  • Cooked corn kernels

  • Whipped cream

These are the Thanksgiving foods your cat or dog can’t have, according to the HSTPC:

Dogs can’t have:

  • Turkey skin

  • Turkey bones

  • Turkey drippings

  • Stuffing

  • Mashed potatoes

  • Sage

  • Garlic

  • Onion

  • Nutmeg

  • Mushrooms

  • Butter

  • Xylitol

Cats can’t have:

  • Turkey skin

  • Turkey bones

  • Turkey drippings

  • Stuffing

  • Garlic

  • Onion

  • Nutmeg

  • Grapes

  • Raisins

  • Mushrooms

  • Butter

  • Xylitol

Tips for keeping pets comfortable

While you’re thinking of ways to make your home comfortable and inviting for your guests, it is important that you don’t forget about creating an enjoyable experience for your pets.

Large gatherings can create a lot of excitement or even anxiety for pets, so it is important to prepare ways to keep them safe and comfortable.

Here are things you can do to ensure your pet is comfortable during the Thanksgiving festivities, according to the HSTPC:

  • Create a safe space that is quiet, cozy and includes their favorite toys and a water bowl

  • Monitor doorways and consider using safety gates to prevent your pets from slipping out the front door as guests enter and leave

  • Keep their routine as regular as possible

  • Supervise interactions with your pets

  • Ask guests not to feed your pets any table scraps

Latest Stories