Thanksgiving Table Scraps: What Can Your Pet Safely Eat?

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gathering around the table.

For many families, pets are part of the celebration too. And when those puppy-dog eyes appear while you’re eating dinner, it can be tempting to share a bite.

While some Thanksgiving foods may be safe for pets in small amounts, many traditional holiday dishes contain ingredients that can cause digestive upset or may be dangerous for dogs and cats.

At Safe Harbor Animal Hospital, we want your Thanksgiving celebration to be enjoyable for the whole family — including the four-legged members.

Thanksgiving Table Scraps: Why Thanksgiving Table Scraps Can Be a Problem

Many Thanksgiving dishes contain ingredients that aren’t appropriate for pets.

Rich foods, fatty leftovers, heavy seasonings, sauces, and desserts can all create problems for dogs and cats.

Even foods that aren’t considered toxic can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive issues when pets eat more than they’re accustomed to.

The safest approach is to keep portions small, avoid heavily seasoned foods, and know which ingredients should never make it into your pet’s bowl.

Thanksgiving Table Scraps: Thanksgiving Foods That May Be Safe for Pets

Some simple Thanksgiving ingredients can be offered to pets in small amounts, as long as they are prepared without harmful seasonings, sauces, or other ingredients.

Depending on your pet’s individual health needs, options may include:

  • Plain, cooked turkey with the skin and excess fat removed
  • Plain, cooked sweet potato
  • Plain pumpkin
  • Plain green beans
  • Plain carrots
  • Plain peas

These foods should be offered without butter, gravy, excessive salt, onions, garlic, or other seasonings.

If your pet has a medical condition or specific dietary restrictions, talk with your veterinarian before introducing new foods.

Thanksgiving Table Scraps: Thanksgiving Foods to Keep Away From Pets

Some Thanksgiving foods should never be shared with dogs or cats.

Foods to keep away from pets include:

  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Chives
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Chocolate
  • Alcohol
  • Foods containing xylitol
  • Raw yeast dough
  • Turkey bones
  • Excessively fatty foods

These foods can cause serious health problems in pets.

If your pet eats something potentially toxic or dangerous, contact your veterinarian or an appropriate pet poison resource right away.

Learn more with this video:

Thanksgiving Table Scraps: Be Careful With Turkey

Turkey is often the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner, but that doesn’t mean every part of the turkey is safe for pets.

If you want to give your pet a small taste, plain, fully cooked turkey meat may be an option.

Avoid giving your pet:

  • Turkey skin
  • Fatty pieces
  • Turkey cooked with onions or garlic
  • Heavily seasoned turkey
  • Turkey bones
  • Large portions

Bones can create choking hazards and can cause serious gastrointestinal problems if swallowed.

When sharing turkey, keep it simple and offer only a small amount.

Thanksgiving Table Scraps: What About Thanksgiving Desserts?

Desserts are another area where pets should sit this one out.

Chocolate desserts can be dangerous for dogs and cats, and some sugar-free products may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Other desserts can also contain ingredients that aren’t appropriate for pets or may simply be too rich for their digestive systems.

Instead of sharing dessert, consider giving your pet a pet-safe treat so they can have something special while the family enjoys the pie.

Thanksgiving Table Scraps: Don’t Forget About the Trash

Sometimes the biggest Thanksgiving temptation isn’t the dinner table — it’s the trash can.

Food scraps, bones, wrappers, cooking ingredients, and other leftovers can be extremely appealing to curious pets.

Keep trash securely contained and out of reach.

It’s also a good idea to remind guests not to feed your pet without checking with you first.

A well-meaning family member may not realize that a food or ingredient is unsafe for pets.

Thanksgiving Table Scraps: Keep Your Pet’s Routine as Normal as Possible

Holiday schedules can be exciting, but changes in routine can sometimes be stressful for pets.

Try to maintain your pet’s normal feeding schedule, exercise routine, medications, and rest periods as much as possible.

If you’re hosting guests, make sure your pet has access to a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat if the activity becomes overwhelming.

Keeping routines familiar can help your pet enjoy the holiday without becoming overstimulated.

Thanksgiving Table Scraps: What If My Pet Eats Something They Shouldn’t?

Accidents happen, especially during busy holidays.

If your pet eats something potentially harmful, don’t wait for symptoms to appear before seeking advice.

Contact your veterinary team or an appropriate pet poison resource for guidance. Be prepared to provide information about what your pet ate, approximately how much they consumed, and when it happened.

If your pet is showing concerning symptoms such as repeated vomiting, severe lethargy, difficulty breathing, seizures, or collapse, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Thanksgiving Table Scraps: A Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be all about table scraps for your pet.

You can include them in the celebration with a special pet-safe treat, a favorite toy, an extra walk, or some quality time with their favorite people.

The best holiday memories are the ones where everyone gets to enjoy the celebration safely.

At Safe Harbor Animal Hospital, we’re here to help you keep your pets healthy throughout the holiday season and all year long.

If you have questions about your pet’s diet, nutrition, or a food they may have eaten, give our veterinary team a call.

Call Safe Harbor Animal Hospital at (843) 648-4787 or request an appointment online today.

Safe Harbor Animal Hospital is proud to be part of Animal Hospitals of the Lowcountry, including:

Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital – South Mount Pleasant
Shuler Veterinary Clinic – Central Mount Pleasant
Safe Harbor Animal Hospital – North Mount Pleasant

Together, we’re committed to caring for your pets as our very own.