Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, food. As we gather around the dinner table, many pet owners wonder how they can safely include their dogs in the celebration. The good news is that with a little planning, you can share some of the Thanksgiving feast with your canine companion without compromising their health. Here’s a guide to creating a dog-safe Thanksgiving dinner from a companion animal nutritionist, that allows your pup to enjoy the holiday right alongside you.

1Turkey, the right way▾

Turkey is a staple of most Thanksgiving meals and can be a delicious treat for dogs if prepared correctly.

Serve

Plain, cooked turkey breast with no seasoning or skin. Be sure to remove any bones as they can splinter and pose a choking hazard.

Avoid

Turkey skin, which is fatty and can upset the stomach or lead to pancreatitis. Any turkey seasoned with garlic, onions, or other spices toxic to dogs.

2Mashed potatoes, hold the butter▾

Mashed potatoes can be a dog-friendly side dish, but it’s important to simplify the recipe.

Serve

Plain, boiled, or mashed potatoes without any added ingredients like butter, cream, or salt.

Avoid

No garlic, onions, or heavy dairy. These can cause digestive upset and, in the case of garlic and onions, be toxic.

3Pumpkin, a dog’s favorite▾

Pumpkin is not only a seasonal favorite for humans, but it’s also a fantastic ingredient for dogs. It’s rich in fiber, easy on the stomach, and packed with vitamins.

Serve

Plain, canned pumpkin, making sure it’s not the spiced pie filling, just 100% pumpkin.

Avoid

No pumpkin pie. The added sugar, spices, and dairy in the pie can be harmful to dogs.

4Green beans, simple and healthy▾

Green beans are a healthy, low-calorie snack for dogs.

Serve

Fresh or steamed green beans with no added butter, oils, or seasonings.

Avoid

Casseroles that include creamy sauces or fried onions, which are too rich and often contain ingredients toxic to dogs.

5Sweet potatoes, another canine-friendly option▾

Much like pumpkin, sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense and easy to digest for dogs.

Serve

Plain, baked, or boiled sweet potatoes. Mash them up or serve them in chunks.

Avoid

Stay away from sweet potato dishes that include sugar, marshmallows, or cinnamon.

6Cranberries, in moderation▾

Fresh or dried cranberries are safe for dogs in small amounts and can be a tart, tasty treat.

Serve

A small portion of plain cranberries, whether fresh or dried, without added sugar.

Avoid

Cranberry sauces that are high in sugar or contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.

Avoid harmful foods altogether

While it’s fun to share the holiday spirit with your dog, remember there are certain Thanksgiving foods that should never be shared:

• Onions and garlic: Toxic to dogs and can cause anemia.
• Stuffing: Often contains onions, garlic, and herbs that are unsafe for dogs.
• Gravy: Too fatty and often contains ingredients like onions and garlic.
• Alcohol: Never give your dog alcohol, as even small amounts can be toxic.
• Chocolate: A well-known toxin for dogs, keep all desserts out of their reach.
• Pies and sweets: The sugar and spices in most desserts are not safe for dogs. Watch out for artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is especially dangerous.

Putting it all together: a sample plate

To keep it simple, here’s a dog-safe Thanksgiving plate you can serve your pup:

• A small portion of plain turkey breast
• A spoonful of mashed potatoes with no butter or salt
• A few chunks of plain, cooked sweet potatoes
• A side of steamed green beans
• A dollop of canned pumpkin, pure, not pie filling
• A few plain cranberries for dessert

Remember, even healthy food should be given in moderation. While it’s tempting to load up your dog’s plate, a sudden increase in table food can upset their stomach.