Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and—let’s be honest—incredible food. As you sit down to your feast, your loyal companion will inevitably be giving you the puppy-dog eyes, hoping for a bite of the delicious spread. It’s natural to want to share the holiday joy, but not all Thanksgiving treats are safe for your dog.
Here at Caudle Vet Clinic, your Nashville veterinarian, we want to help you celebrate safely. Here is your safe feeding guide for sharing Thanksgiving dinner with your furry friend, and a look at which foods should stay on the human plates.
The Dos: Safe & Simple Thanksgiving Treats
When feeding your dog any human food, remember the rule: moderation and plain preparation are key. A small, unsalted, unseasoned bite is best.
- Plain, Cooked Turkey: The star of the show! A small piece of white, skinless, boneless turkey is generally safe and a wonderful source of protein. Crucially, remove all fat, skin, and seasonings (like onion powder or garlic), as these can cause digestive upset or even toxicity.
- Plain Mashed Potatoes (Small Amount): A tiny spoonful of mashed potatoes is okay if they are prepared without butter, milk, salt, or garlic. However, most mashed potatoes are loaded with dairy and fat, making them best avoided.
- Plain Green Beans, Carrots, and Pumpkin: These are excellent additions! Boiled or steamed plain vegetables—without the creamy casseroles, onion, or butter—make healthy, low-calorie snacks. A small dollop of plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling!) is also great for their digestion.
The Don’ts: Foods to Keep Off Limits
Many traditional Thanksgiving sides contain ingredients that are toxic, overly fatty, or a choking hazard for dogs. Keep these foods securely out of reach.
- Turkey Bones & Carcass: Bones can splinter and cause blockages or tears in your dog’s digestive tract. They are a serious hazard.
- Stuffing: Stuffing often contains toxic ingredients like onions, garlic, and chives, as well as high amounts of fat.
- Gravy: Gravy is high in fat and often contains seasonings like onion and garlic powder, which can lead to painful pancreatitis.
- Desserts & Baked Goods: These often contain xylitol (a deadly artificial sweetener), chocolate, or high amounts of sugar and fat. Keep all pies and cookies out of reach.
- Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious health issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and severe central nervous system depression.
If you are concerned about your dog’s long-term pet nutrition, we are always here to help.
When to Contact Caudle Vet Clinic
While a small piece of plain turkey is fine, emergencies happen quickly around the holidays. If your dog gets into a forbidden food, like the turkey carcass, a tray of stuffing, or a dessert containing Xylitol, do not wait. Contact us immediately.
Symptoms of an upset stomach or toxicity can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Straining to defecate
- Abdominal pain
When you bring your pet in for their regular Wellness Exams and Dental Services, our expert team can discuss any dietary concerns, but for acute illness, emergency care is essential.
A Happy, Healthy Holiday
The best way to show gratitude for your dog this Thanksgiving is to keep them safe and healthy. Stick to dog-friendly foods, keep tempting toxins out of reach, and make sure their usual diet remains the foundation of their Thanksgiving day.
If you have questions about your pet’s health or need to schedule your pet’s visit for any of our comprehensive Services, please use the information on our Contact Us page.
From all of us at Caudle Vet Clinic, have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!
Book Your Pet’s Pre-Holiday Check-up
Is your pet due for a check-up before the busy holiday season? Schedule an appointment with our compassionate team at Caudle Vet Clinic today. Give us a call at (615) 227-6230 or visit our Contact Us page to book your pet’s next visit!