Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and… a whole lot of food on the table. And if you’re like most dog families, your pup is right there in the mix, giving you those “just one bite” eyes. But not every holiday dish is safe to share. Some are perfectly fine in moderation, while others can be downright dangerous.
At SafetyPUP XD, we’re all about keeping pups safe—whether that’s out on the trails with high-visibility gear or right at home during the holiday feast. To help you navigate the Thanksgiving spread with confidence, here’s a quick and clear CAN/CANNOT guide to the most common foods your dog may try to sneak this season.
Mashed Potatoes vs. Alliums (Onions, Garlic, Leeks)
CAN: Plain mashed potatoes can be totally fine—as long as they’re basically naked. No sour cream, no butter, no cheese, no seasoning… just potato being potato.
CANNOT: Anything containing onions, garlic, leeks, or any allium is a hard no. These ingredients may be delicious in stuffing or potatoes, but they can cause serious anemia in dogs.
Turkey vs. Grapes & Raisins
CAN: Plain, cooked white turkey meat is a classic holiday win. Just remove the skin, trim the fat, and never give bones—they splinter easily and can cause internal injuries.
CANNOT: Grapes and raisins are deceptively dangerous. Even small amounts can trigger sudden kidney failure. Keep them far from curious noses.
Cranberry Sauce vs. Xylitol
CAN: A small spoonful of cranberry sauce is okay, especially if you know it’s low on sugar.
CANNOT: Anything containing xylitol is extremely unsafe. It’s an artificial sweetener used in some sauces, desserts, and low-sugar recipes—and for dogs, even one bite can be life-threatening. Always check labels.
Mac ’n Cheese vs. Chocolate
CAN: If your pup handles dairy, a little mac ’n cheese is fine. If not, sharing plain macaroni is a safer option.
CANNOT: Chocolate of any kind—cookies, brownies, dessert trays—is dangerous for dogs. It’s a holiday classic for humans, but a serious hazard for pups.
Green Beans vs. Alcohol
CAN: Plain green beans make a healthy, dog-approved veggie treat.
CANNOT: Alcohol hides in more foods than you think—fruitcake, batter, glazes, and winter cocktails. Even tiny amounts can be toxic.
Sweet Potatoes vs. Marshmallows
CAN: Plain sweet potatoes are a nutritious favorite that dogs love.
CANNOT: Sweet potato casserole packed with sugar, butter, or marshmallows? That turns a superfood into a stomach-ache waiting to happen.
Pumpkin vs. Pumpkin Pie
CAN: Plain pumpkin is a digestion-boosting powerhouse.
CANNOT: Pumpkin pie includes sugar, spices, and nutmeg—ingredients that can make dogs sick.
Low-Sodium Broth vs. Gravy
CAN: Low-sodium broth is a great way to add flavor without risk.
CANNOT: Gravy is loaded with fat, salt, and seasonings that can irritate your dog’s stomach.
Enjoy Thanksgiving Safely With Your Pup
A little preparation—and a quick CAN/CANNOT check—goes a long way toward keeping the holiday safe, happy, and stress-free. From our SafetyPUP XD family to yours, wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving filled with good food, great company, and a pup who stays “Always Seen, Always Safe.”
Thanksgiving Food Dog Safety FAQ
Yes, in moderation. Plain, cooked white turkey meat without skin, fat, or bones is safe for most dogs. Avoid seasoned or brined turkey, and never give cooked bones—they can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
Plain mashed or cooked potatoes can be okay, but only if they’re “naked” — no butter, sour cream, cheese, onions, garlic, or heavy seasoning. All those add-ins can upset your dog’s stomach or be outright dangerous.
Some of the biggest red-flag foods are chocolate, grapes and raisins, anything containing the sweetener xylitol, alcohol, and dishes with onions, garlic, or leeks. These can cause serious issues like kidney failure, anemia, or life-threatening drops in blood sugar.
Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) can be great for digestion in small amounts. Pumpkin pie, however, is loaded with sugar, spices, and often nutmeg, which can be harmful for dogs. Stick with plain pumpkin if you want to share.
It’s better to skip the gravy. Gravy and rich table scraps are usually high in fat and salt and may contain onions, garlic, or other seasonings that can trigger stomach upset or pancreatitis. If you want to treat your pup, use a little low-sodium broth and a few safe items like plain turkey, green beans, sweet potato, or pumpkin.
If your dog eats chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, alcohol, or anything you know is unsafe, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Try to note what they ate, how much, and when. Quick action can make a huge difference in the outcome.