Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and gratitude—and if you’ve got a furry family member, chances are you’ve considered sharing a little of the festive feast with them. But not everything on your holiday table is safe for dogs.
Here’s a simple, ingredient-by-ingredient guide to what’s okay to share and what should stay on your plate. With a little planning and a lot of love, your pup can enjoy a tasty, tail-wagging Thanksgiving—without the upset stomach.
Turkey: IN (with care)
Plain, cooked turkey breast without seasoning, skin, or bones is a safe and protein-rich treat for dogs. Just avoid any pieces that are salty, buttery, or part of the stuffing.
Tip: A few small shreds of plain turkey can be used as a training treat or mixed into your dog’s dinner for a festive flair.
Mashed Potatoes: OUT (usually)
Most mashed potatoes include butter, cream, garlic, or seasoning—none of which are dog-safe. If you’ve set aside a bit of plain boiled potato, a small amount is okay, but otherwise skip it.
Green Beans: IN
Plain steamed or raw green beans are a crunchy, low-calorie snack for pups. Just be sure there’s no butter, onions, or creamy sauces involved.
Stuffing: OUT
Traditional stuffing contains ingredients like onions, garlic, herbs, and butter—many of which can be harmful to dogs. It’s best to keep stuffing off their plate entirely.
Sweet Potatoes: IN
Plain, cooked sweet potato (no marshmallows, brown sugar, or spice) is full of fibre beta-carotene, and natural sweetness dogs love.
Crumps’ Pick: Sweet Potato Chews are a great year-round way to share this nourishing ingredient with your pup.
Apples: IN
Raw apple slices (with the core and seeds removed) are a crisp, refreshing snack full of antioxidants and fibre. Great as a post-dinner treat or diced into your dog’s lick mat for enrichment.
Gravy: OUT
While dogs love the smell and taste, gravy is usually high in salt, fat, and seasoning. It can upset sensitive stomachs—or worse, trigger pancreatitis. Keep it off their menu.
Pumpkin Pie and Desserts: OUT
Skip the sweets. Pumpkin pie (and most desserts) contain sugar, dairy, and possibly xylitol—an artificial sweetener that’s toxic to dogs.
Instead, try a spoonful of plain canned pumpkin for a healthy, dog-safe alternative.
Cranberries: IN (sometimes)
Fresh or unsweetened dried cranberries in small amounts are safe for dogs and may even support urinary health. But skip the cranberry sauce—it’s packed with sugar and often includes raisins, which are toxic to dogs.
Your Dog’s Thanksgiving Cheat Sheet
Safe Leftovers (in small portions):
- Plain cooked turkey
- Sweet potatoes (no sugar or spice)
- Green beans
- Apple slices (no seeds)
- Plain pumpkin purée
- A few plain cranberries
Foods to Avoid:
- Stuffing
- Mashed potatoes with dairy or garlic
- Gravy
- Pies and sweets
- Cranberry sauce
- Anything with onions, garlic, butter, or alcohol
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is a time for sharing—and that includes thoughtful moments with your dog. The best way to treat them? Keep it simple, natural, and safe.
If you’re looking for an easy way to celebrate, try offering one of our limited-ingredient treats made from real, wholesome ingredients. They’re a fuss-free way to include your pup in the holiday cheer—without any guesswork at the dinner table.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Crumps’ Naturals.
