Thanksgiving is almost here, which means your pet is probably rehearsing their best begging techniques—the sad eyes, the pleading paw on your leg, and a well-timed growl that sounds like an empty stomach’s cry for help.

But, before you share a turkey treat or a squash sample, learn the difference between safe and unsafe Thanksgiving foods for pets. This guide from Milford Animal Hospital covers everything you need to know about your pet and holiday foods 

Everything in moderation—a note about feeding your pet

Sharing is caring—unless your pet ends up with gastrointestinal (GI) distress. While we encourage including appropriate fresh whole foods in your pet’s diet, do so in moderation, and introduce only one new food at a time. Talk to your veterinarian if your pet has food sensitivities or GI issues. 

Turkey for pets

Cooked turkey is a great lean protein and also contains magnesium and phosphorus, which contribute to a healthy skin and coat and strong bones in dogs and cats, respectively. However, not all turkey meat is good for pets.

  • Unsafe — Avoid dark meat, turkey skin, turkey trimmings, and gravy or pan drippings, which are all high in fat and can cause pancreatitis, a severe, sometimes life-threatening, inflammatory condition. Never allow your pet to chew on or consume raw or cooked bones, because they can lead to choking, intestinal blockages, broken teeth, and oral lacerations. Raw and undercooked turkey may contain harmful bacteria such as E.coli or Salmonella that can cause serious illness in humans, although they may not affect your pet. 
  • Safe — You can safely offer your pet plain, skinless, boneless white turkey meat. If your pet has not had this protein before, feed only small portions to prevent GI upset.

Side dishes for pets

If you ask us, no Thanksgiving would be complete without the side dishes. Unfortunately, many of the ingredients that make the superstar side dishes so flavorful are harmful or toxic to pets, so you’ll want to keep these holiday favorites on your plate, and out of your pet’s bowl.

  • Unsafe — Avoid serving your pet any prepared dishes such as casseroles or salads, which often contain ingredients toxic to dogs and cats, and should never be offered in any quantity.
    • Onions, leeks, scallions, and garlic — These aromatic ingredients cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, resulting in anemia.
    • Grapes, raisins, and currants — Although the cause is unknown, these ingredients can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. Look for this sweet family of foods in stuffing, salads, and desserts.
    • Alcohol — Sweet holiday sips can cause alcohol poisoning in pets.
    • Yeast dough — After ingestion, dough expands and ferments in the stomach, creating a dangerous blockage and alcohol poisoning.
    • Dairy items — These high-fat ingredients (e.g., butter, cream, and cheese) can cause diarrhea in lactose-intolerant pets. 
  • Safe — Plan ahead during meal preparation and set aside some whole ingredients before they get salted, seasoned, and sauced. Pet-safe options include plain cooked sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, broccoli, butternut squash, celery, cranberries, and pumpkin.  

Dessert for pets

Traditional desserts are not recommended for pets, as sugar-laden sweets can cause a spike in blood sugar (i.e., hyperglycemia), weight gain, and pancreatitis.

  • Unsafe — Keep these toxic ingredients and corresponding desserts out of your pet’s reach: 
    • Chocolate — Chocolate contains stimulant-like ingredients that affect the cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems. Dark and bitter chocolates, such as cocoa powder and baking chocolate, are the most toxic, followed by semi-sweet and milk chocolate.
    • Xylitol — This natural sugar substitute is common in sugar-free candy, gum, jams, pudding, and baked goods, but ingestion causes severe hypoglycemia and acute liver failure in dogs.
    • Caffeine — Sweet coffee drinks, chocolate-covered espresso beans, and coffee grounds can cause cardiovascular complications for pets.  
    • Macadamia nuts — Dogs may experience temporary hind-end weakness, lethargy, and tremors after ingesting high-fat macadamia nuts. In severe cases, pets can also suffer pancreatitis or gastroenteritis.
  • Safe — If your pet has a sweet tooth, you can confidently share the following pet-safe ingredients that are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and beneficial fiber. Stick to whole fresh fruits in their plain form to avoid added sugar from sauces or juices.
    • Blueberries 
    • Raspberries 
    • Cranberries
    • Apple slices 
    • Pureed pumpkin (i.e., not pumpkin pie filling)

Serving up safety—tips to protect your pet

Despite your carefully curated menu and well-planned preparations, hungry pets can still find a way to get into trouble. Take these extra steps to ensure a happy holiday at home—not in the veterinary emergency room.

  • Keep pets out of the kitchen — Adding excited pets to a room filled with busy people, hot food, and sharp knives is a recipe for disaster. Protect everyone by keeping pets out of the kitchen.
  • Ensure food is not close to the counter’s edge — Counter or table-surfing dogs and cats can’t push or pull items off the edge if they can’t reach them.
  • Say “Bye-bye birdie” after carving — After the turkey is carved, transfer the carcass, pan drippings, and any wrapping or twine to an out-of-reach location, such as a lidded trash bin behind a secure barrier or in your garage.
  • Know who to call — Toxic foods don’t always trigger instant illness. If your pet ingests a toxic ingredient, immediately call the nearest veterinary emergency hospital or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for guidance. 

Thanksgiving is the time to express gratitude for your loved ones, including the four-legged variety. If you choose to express your affection to your pet through food, ensure you feed them safe, healthy ingredients in moderation. 

For guidance on feeding your pet year-round or for a customized diet for your pet, contact Milford Animal Hospital.