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Thanksgiving is the perfect time to celebrate everything we’re grateful for, including our furry best friends! But while the holiday table can be tempting, many traditional dishes contain ingredients that are off-limits for dogs. The following list addresses some of the most harmful food that dogs can’t eat. And not just because you risk upset stomachs. These foods can cause extreme harm to dogs. To keep tails wagging and tummies safe, it’s important to know which foods to skip and how to include your dog in the festivities in a healthy way. Below, we’ll start with the foods you should never give your dog, then dive into a few dog-approved, festive treats that let your pup join in the fun without the risk.
10 Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Should Never Eat
#1 – Cooked Bones
Never, ever give your dog cooked bones. While all cooked bones are dangerous, cooked poultry bones are especially concerning as they will crack and splinter. Not only do they pose a choking hazard, but they can also puncture your dog’s digestive tract and have you running straight to the veterinary emergency hospital.
#2 – Onions
These vegetables can cause serious problems in our dogs. Symptoms of onion toxicity include lethargy, elevated heart and respiratory rates, pale gums, and even collapse.
#3 – Grapes & Raisins
The fact that grapes and raisins are bad for dogs is becoming common knowledge among pet owners, and for good reason! They are toxic. While some dogs can consume grapes and/or raisins with no symptoms, it’s simply just not worth the risk. This is because consuming grapes or raisins can actually lead to irreversible kidney damage. So it’s best to make sure these are far out of reach of your pup.
#4 – Milk & Dairy Products
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and consuming large amounts of dairy products can make them very gassy and cause diarrhea. While you may not be thinking about giving your pooch a glass of milk, remember that butter-filled mashed potatoes or a yummy baked mac and cheese are full of dairy. For dogs who can handle it, plain yogurt or cheese can be given sparingly.
#5 – Sugar
While sweet potatoes, yams, and pumpkin can benefit our dogs, it’s important to remember that sugar is most definitely harmful. Candied yams and pumpkin pie should never be shared with your pup, as sugar will likely cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Long-term sugar consumption brings the same results as in humans: tooth decay, obesity, and diabetes.
#6 – Caffeine
Often, while socializing, we’d like a nice warm cup of coffee or hot tea. Although dogs don’t typically want to enjoy these beverages, it’s important to ensure they don’t get into them. Caffeine can be fatal if consumed in excess amounts, and once the poisoning has happened, there’s no way to recover your pup. So it’s better to be safe than sorry and keep these things out of reach!
#7 – Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are very toxic to our canine companions. Even five or six of these little guys can cause seizures, tremors, and death. It’s imperative to make sure that all macadamia nuts and any food containing macadamia nuts are kept away from your pup at all times.
#8 – Fat Trimmings
Although many people consider the fat the most flavorful part of the meat, it’s not a good idea to share it with your dog. Even though it’s probably one of the most common table scraps, excess cooked fat can lead to health problems such as pancreatitis and obesity.
#9 – Chocolate
This seems like the most obvious of all the foods on this list, but it’s still worth listing. During the holidays, many people spend a lot of time baking delicious desserts that contain chocolate, and baking chocolate is the most dangerous for our dogs. Remember, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. While consumption of milk chocolate or white chocolate will likely lead to excessive vomiting and diarrhea, consuming even small amounts of dark baking chocolate can be fatal.
#10 – Alcohol
Since wine is a popular treat for most occasions, it’s essential to ensure that it and all other alcoholic beverages are kept away from our dogs. Alcohol has the same effect on a dog’s brain and liver as it does on a human’s; they just need to consume less than we do. The more a dog consumes, the greater the effects, and the more likely they are to have permanent damage. So if you place your spiked beverage on the coffee table, make sure it stays out of Fido’s reach!
Thanksgiving Dog Treats to Be Thankful For
Now that you know which Thanksgiving foods dogs can’t eat, let’s talk about what they can enjoy! While your pup should steer clear of dangerous table scraps like gravy, stuffing, and pie, there are plenty of safe Thanksgiving treats for dogs that let them join in the holiday fun without the risks. These festive, dog-friendly snacks capture the flavors of the season—like turkey, pumpkin, and sweet potato—so your best friend can celebrate right alongside you. Here are some of our favorite dog-safe Thanksgiving treats that make the day extra special (and totally tail-wag–worthy).
Portland Pet Food Company Pumpkin Dog Treats
These crunchy pumpkin biscuits from Portland Pet Food Company combine pure pumpkin, rice flour, and peanut butter for a wholesome fall-flavored snack that’s gentle on sensitive tummies. Made with human-grade ingredients in the USA, they offer a nostalgic “pumpkin-spice” vibe without the sugar, spices, and butter of pumpkin pie. Great for sharing a bite with your pup as you sip your pumpkin latte (or skip it) and enjoy the glow of holiday lights.
Full Moon Turkey Cranberry Sausage
For the canine version of a turkey feast, Full Moon’s Turkey Cranberry Sausage delivers savory cage-free turkey combined with tart cranberries in a chewy, meaty format. It gives your dog a bite of Thanksgiving flavors—turkey and cranberry—that are usually reserved for the human table, but packaged safely for pups. A fun treat to toss into their bowl on the big day so they get their own special “sausage” moment.
Pet Jerky Factory Premium Turkey & Pumpkin
This treat hits the seasonal mark with turkey and pumpkin: two ingredients dogs can often enjoy in moderation, when properly prepared. Pet Jerky Factory’s Premium Turkey & Pumpkin offers a jerky‐style chew that gives your dog something to sink their teeth into. It’s ideal for rewarding good behavior during the holiday hustle or distracting them safely while you wrap up that extra slice of pumpkin pie.
Nutrish Turkey Bites
Nutrish Turkey Bites are a simple, protein-first treat that lets your dog partake in the turkey theme without any of the human-table hazards like bones or fatty skin. Soft and easily broken into smaller pieces, they’re perfect for smaller breeds or for sprinkling into a holiday treat bowl. A solid “safe option” when you want to include your pup in the celebration without over-indulgence.
RELATED: The Complete Dog Food Guide: Nutrition, Ingredients, Feeding & How to Choose
Beloved Pets Sweet Potato Wrapped with Chicken
Beloved Pets’ Sweet Potato Wrapped with Chicken offers a gourmet feel with a sweet potato core wrapped in chicken. Sweet potato is a dog-friendly veggie when plain and prepared modestly, and chicken is a familiar protein. Together, they create a treat that looks special, tastes rich (to your dog), and signals “holiday-special moment” in its packaging and presentation. Perfect for that extra photo‐worthy moment of your pup in their Thanksgiving bandana.
The Lazy Dog Cookie Co. Homestyle Pumpkin Pup-Pie
For the pup who loves the idea of pumpkin pie (minus all the sugar and crust), The Lazy Dog Cookie Co.’s Homestyle Pumpkin Pup-Pie delivers: a pumpkin-flavored dog cookie, dusted in a festive way, without the risky pie fillings, sugars, or spices often found in human desserts. It’s a fun, seasonal treat that gives your dog a “holiday dessert” theme safely.
Vital Essentials Single Ingredient Turkey Giblets Dog Treats
Can dogs eat turkey? They sure can, and sometimes the best treat is the simplest: Vital Essentials’ Single Ingredient Turkey Giblets treats are made with one whole food—turkey giblets. No fillers, no added flavors. This minimalist approach means you’re giving your dog something very close to what you might consider sharing (boneless, unseasoned turkey meat) but in a safe, processed-for-dogs format. A strong choice if you want a treat that’s both festive and ultra-clean.
Don’t stop at just one tasty bite! Explore more dog-safe Thanksgiving treats to make your furry friend’s holiday extra special.
Celebrating Together Safely
As we gather around the table with gratitude, let’s remember that our dogs are part of the family too—and their holiday experience should be joyful and safe. By avoiding the risky foods and opting for thoughtful, dog-friendly treats, you can let your pup join the celebration in style without the vet visit. Wishing you and your four-legged companion a warm, happy, tail-wags-filled Thanksgiving.
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