Thanksgiving Feast or Fiasco? Foods to Share - and Avoid - with Your Pets

Thanksgiving is one of the most joyful times of the year. It’s a season for family, gratitude, and plenty of good food. As we prepare the holiday feast, it’s only natural to want to include our furry family members in the celebration. But while some Thanksgiving foods are perfectly safe to share, others can cause serious illness and even send pets to the emergency room.

At AVSG-IMERCC, we see an increase in pet emergencies every Thanksgiving weekend, often due to well-meaning families who shared something that didn’t sit right with their pets – or whose pets helped themselves to the trimmings without parental consent. To ensure the celebration is joyful for all, we’ve put together a guide on which holiday foods are safe to share, and which should stay on the human table.

Thanksgiving Foods You Can Share With Your Pets (in Small Amounts!)

A few Thanksgiving staples can be safely shared with your dog or cat when prepared simply:

• Plain, cooked turkey: Lean, unseasoned turkey breast (without skin, bones, butter, or gravy) is a great source of protein for pets. A small bite or two can be a tasty treat.
• Pumpkin or sweet potato: Both are rich in fiber and nutrients. Just make sure they’re plain. No sugar, spices, or marshmallows should be added.
• Green beans: Fresh or lightly steamed green beans are a healthy, low-calorie snack for most pets.
• Carrots: Raw or cooked carrots are safe for both dogs and cats and adds a satisfying crunch.
• Apple slices: A few bites (without seeds or core) make a naturally sweet snack for many pets.
  

Remember: even safe foods should only be given in moderation. A sudden change in diet (or too many table scraps) can cause upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid

Some holiday favorites can be dangerous for pets. To keep your furry friend feeling their best, keep these off their menu:

• Turkey skin, bones, and gravy: Fatty, seasoned foods can trigger pancreatitis, and bones can splinter or cause choking.
• Stuffing: Common ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs can be toxic to dogs and cats.
• Mashed potatoes and buttery dishes: Too much butter, cream, or salt can lead to digestive upset.
• Chocolate, pies, and desserts: Chocolate and xylitol (a common sugar substitute) are extremely dangerous to pets, even in small amounts.
• Raisins and grapes: Found in many desserts and stuffings, these can cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Alcohol: Even small sips can lead to poisoning and serious health issues.

If your pet eats something questionable, don’t wait to see if symptoms develop. Contact your family veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Fast action can prevent complications and help your pet get the care they need quickly.

A Thanksgiving Full of Gratitude

The holidays are a reminder of how much joy our pets bring to our lives. Each tail wag, purr, and nuzzle is something to be thankful for. Keeping them safe this season means they’ll be right there with you for many Thanksgivings to come.

From all of us at AVSG-IMERCC, thank you for trusting us to care for your beloved pets throughout the year. We’re honored to be part of this compassionate community and proud to serve as your local 24/7 emergency, critical care, and internal medicine resource when your pets need us most.

Wishing you and your furry family members a safe, happy, and heartwarming Thanksgiving.