Thanksgiving means gratitude, good food, and dogs waiting ever-so-patiently under the table for “just one bite.” 

We know it’s tempting to give them a taste, but before you sneak a sample from your plate, it’s important to know that not every holiday dish is pup-approved. Some classic foods can upset your dog’s stomach — or even be toxic. Luckily, there are still plenty of safe, dog-friendly ways to include your pup in the Thanksgiving feast.

Safe Thanksgiving Foods For Dogs

Here are some classic holiday favorites your pup can safely snack on:

• Sweet Potatoes: Loaded with beta-carotene to support your dog’s vision and immune system, sweet potatoes are a fiber-packed, vitamin-rich favorite. Just skip the butter, sugar, and marshmallows — serve them plain roasted or mashed.

• Pumpkin: Pumpkin for dogs is a superstar for digestive health. A spoonful of plain canned or roasted pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling!) makes a festive, fiber-rich addition to your pup’s bowl. If you know you won't have any pup safe pumpkin available, try these pumpkin and cinnamon treats for a special holiday dog treat.

• Green Beans: Hydrating and low in calories, green beans make a great dog-friendly side. Serve them plain or lightly steamed, without added salt or seasoning.

• Carrots: Sweet, crunchy, and full of beta-carotene, carrots are a hit with most dogs. You can offer them raw for a satisfying crunch or gently cooked for a softer snack.  Chippin’s Chirpy Jerky made sweet potato and carrot makes a tasty, nutrient-rich  “Thanksgiving side dish” for your pup.

• Apples: An apple slice or two makes a naturally sweet, vitamin-rich treat. Just be sure to remove the seeds before sharing.

A quick note: Keep portions small and be sure to avoid seasoning. Even the healthiest foods can cause tummy trouble if your pup overindulges — just like us after a second slice of pie!

Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid for Dogs

As pet parents, we want our dogs to feel like they are part of the celebration, but some Thanksgiving foods are best kept on your plate. To keep the holiday safe and stress-free, here's a list of foods to avoid feeding your pup.

• Stuffing and Gravy: These usually contain onions and garlic — ingredients that are toxic for dogs.

• Mashed Potatoes: This yummy side dish is often made with butter and cream, and many dogs are sensitive or allergic to dairy.  That can lead to gas, bloating, or diarrhea, so it’s best to skip sharing this one.

• Turkey: It may be the centerpiece of the table, but turkey is a common allergy for dogs and can trigger vomiting or digestive upset. If you’re not sure if your four-legged guests have a poultry allergy, it’s best to avoid sharing.

• Desserts: No pumpkin pie or cookies, please! Many desserts contain sugar, spices, or dangerous ingredients like chocolate or xylitol (a common sweetener that’s toxic to dogs).

• Cranberry sauce: This sweet and tangy side dish often contains added sugar and other mix-ins that aren’t great for dogs. Stick with a few fresh, plain cranberries if you want to share a fruity treat, or try these fish and cranberry treats in a Kong for a long-lasting treat worthy of the big meal.

• Grapes and raisins: Both grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems, including kidney failure. Even small amounts can be dangerous, so keep these completely out of any sneaky pup’s reach.

Quick safety tip: Remind guests (especially little ones!) to ask before sharing food with your furry friend. A little awareness goes a long way toward keeping your pup happy and healthy through the holidays.

When your Thanksgiving meal is over, be sure to properly secure any trash so your dog can’t sneak leftovers. And if they manage to get into something they shouldn’t, contact your vet right away.

A Safe, Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving 

A little mindfulness goes a long way when it comes to keeping your dog safe and happy this holiday. With a few simple swaps you can celebrate gratitude, good food, and great company all while making sure you can safely include your pup feels in the festivities.