Thanksgiving Foods Pets Can Eat

Celebrate safely with your pets 

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share gratitude, and enjoy comforting meals together. For many families, pets are an important part of the celebration; after all, they’re family, too! While the holiday is meant for joy, it can also bring hidden risks for cats and dogs at the dinner table. Some festive favorites can be safely shared in moderation, while others can cause serious harm if eaten. Looking for safe Thanksgiving food for dogs and cats? This guide will help you prepare your pet’s holiday feast with peace of mind.

Safe thanksgiving foods (in moderation) 

Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to leave pets staring longingly from the sidelines. A few holiday staples can be safely shared in moderation when prepared plainly.

Unseasoned, cooked turkey:

Cooked lean turkey meat without butter, seasoning, skin or bones is a great source of protein for dogs and cats who don’t have a poultry sensitivity. In fact, it’s one of the most common ingredients in both dog food and cat food.

Vegetables:

Cooked vegetables such as plain carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes are fiber-rich, low-calorie snacks that support digestion. It just takes a little planning ahead to set aside a portion without any seasoning or butter. This can be done with other types of cooked potatoes, too, before all the standard toppings have been added. If you are making cranberry sauce from scratch, you can offer your pet one or two fresh berries without sugar. You might find out that they’re too tart for Toby, but it won’t hurt to see if he likes them! Bonus: the pet portions of the carrots and green beans don’t have to be cooked at all. 

Plain pumpkin:

Plain, unsweetened pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie mix) is another holiday star, often considered a superfood thanks to its beta-carotene and natural digestive benefits. Even seedless apple slices can be offered as a crunchy treat.

For some pets, avoiding human food altogether is the best option. If you’re unsure about your dog or cat, ask your vet. And don’t forget that Petco offers a variety of tasty treats in unique flavors such as turkey and pumpkin to help all dogs and cats celebrate the holiday season. Remember to keep any treats or toppers to 10% or less of your pet’s total calorie intake to avoid an unbalanced diet.

Pet-safe Thanksgiving advice 

Keep food out of reach 

Keep food out of reach and trash cans secure so pets can’t sneak scraps. Keep decor out of reach, too. While flowers and dried corn husks aren’t for eating, your curious pet might not know that—or care! 

Encourage playtime and toys

Giving enrichment toys like puzzle feeders or chews can help keep pets busy while everyone enjoys dinner. 

Check in with your guests

Make sure all guests understand that offering your pet table scraps is a no-no, both for their health and to discourage begging at the table. If you know certain people enjoy giving your pet a treat, keep a small dish of treats or safe snacks like apple slices (seeds removed) or baby carrots handy so they can share something healthy instead of the turkey skin. 

Thanksgiving foods to avoid 

While there’s a cornucopia of safe foods for pets, some must be avoided altogether. The results from even a little can range from vomiting or diarrhea to a trip to the ER. And no one, including your pet, wants that to be part of Thanksgiving or any other day. If visitors can’t play by the house rules during the holidays, it will be in your pet’s best interest to be secured in a quiet room away from festivities while food is out. This is when you can be thankful that you stocked up on enrichment toys and long-lasting chews.

• Turkey skin, bones and fatty trimmings:
  Can splinter, cause choking and trigger pancreatitis.

• Stuffing and foods with onions or garlic:
  Toxic to red blood cells, leading to weakness or anemia.

• Chocolate and sweets (including xylitol):
  Even small amounts may cause tremors, seizures or liver failure.

• Alcohol and caffeinated drinks:
  Highly toxic; can lead to rapid, life-threatening reactions.

• Grapes and raisins:  Can cause kidney injury. 

• Bread dough and raw batter:
  Dough expands in the stomach; batter risks salmonella.

• Gravy and rich sauces: 
  Too fatty and salty, often causing digestive upset. 

Emergency actions if your pet eats something harmful 

If your pet does eat something harmful, act fast. Watch closely for warning signs like vomiting, diarrhea, tremors or unusual lethargy. Contact your veterinarian right away or call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for guidance. If your regular clinic is closed, go directly to the nearest emergency hospital; it’s always a good idea to have them programmed into your phone. Bring along any packaging or ingredient lists so the veterinary team knows exactly what your pet ingested. Quick action is critical—early treatment makes a huge difference and can save your pet’s life.

Keep Thanksgiving joyful for your pets 

Stick to safe, simple treats and avoid common hazards to help keep your pets healthy this holiday. Celebrate the season by including them safely in family traditions, and share these tips from Petco with other pet parents to help ensure a happier, healthier holiday for all. Now that’s something to be thankful for!

FAQs

Thanksgiving foods and pet digestion 

Here’s an at-a-glance review of key points and what cats and dogs can eat on Thanksgiving.

Can dogs or cats eat turkey leftovers? 

Yes, plain cooked turkey meat without skin, bones, butter or seasoning is safe in moderation. Opt for breast meat for less fat and always keep any toppers or treats within 10% of your pet's total calorie intake.

What Thanksgiving side dishes are safe for dogs? 

Plain vegetables like carrots or green beans are safe in moderation for dogs and cats alike. Save some cooked potato or sweet potato before completing your recipe; avoid butter, salt and spices.

Can pumpkin help with digestion? 

Yes, plain pumpkin is a gentle, natural aid for digestion. Make sure you use canned pumpkin with no additives, not pumpkin pie mix.

What should I do if my pet eats stuffing or gravy? 

Call your vet or an emergency pet hotline immediately. The onions are toxic, and the richness from butter or other fats can cause pancreatitis.