Build the Perfect Pup Plate: What Can Dogs Eat on Thanksgiving?

Build the Perfect Pup Plate: What Can Dogs Eat on Thanksgiving?

Published by Marge Hynes on

Looking to build the perfect plate of yummy Thanksgiving treats for your pooch this holiday?

If your pup is notorious for grabbing scraps from the Thanksgiving feasting grounds, you need to check out this guide. Just like our guide to all things in the kitchen your dog can snack on, this guide will be another comprehensive look into what Thanksgiving goodies you can share safely with your pooch!

Note: ALWAYS consult a veterinarian before feeding your dog anything other than their regular treats and kibble. Always wash fruits and vegetables that are safe for your dog BEFORE feeding. Some fruits and veggies have a coating or are treated with chemicals that could potentially harm your fluffy friend.

Foods Your Dog CANNOT Eat This Thanksgiving

Foods your dog cannot eat

It’s not just humans that can get a little over-indulgent on Thanksgiving. We get it. You want to extend the giving spirit of the holiday season to your best friend, too. But, be careful. There are unsafe, even toxic, foods on the Thanksgiving table. Bones, sweets, alcohol, and fatty foods are all some things that shouldn’t be fed to your dog.

Let’s take a look [1,2,3,4,5,6]: 

Turkey bones, skin, and gravy

- Turkey bones can be a serious choking hazard, especially brittle cooked bones.
- Turkey bones, skin, and gravy all have a high-fat content which can lead to stomach upset, diarrhea, or pancreatitis.

    Stuffing

    - Stuffing is usually filled with herbs, spices, and butter. Ingredients like these can cause trouble in your dog's digestive system.

      Mashed potatoes (with extra ingredients)

      - Mashed potatoes are usually a delicious human mix of butter, milk, oils, seasoning, and salt. But, these ingredients could prove disastrous for your pup’s GI tract. Raw potato, too, has solanine, which is toxic to pups.

        Alcoholic beverages

        - Alcohol in any form is toxic to your dog. Alcohol poisoning in your dog can look like seizures, incoordination, a bloated or painful stomach, hypothermia, or unconsciousness.

          Onions, scallions, and garlic

          - Foods like garlic and onion are members of the 'Allium' species of vegetables. In dogs, they can cause hemolytic anemia and possible liver damage. Some possible symptoms of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and discolored urine. 

            Mushrooms

            - Most store-bought mushrooms are non-toxic to dogs, but others can be highly toxic. The toxins in the not-so-great mushrooms can cause kidney and liver failure. Experts say it is best to avoid mushrooms altogether.

              Butter

              - Butter has a high-fat content that makes it a dangerous choice for pups. High-fat foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas.

                What else?

                - Creamed peas
                - Casseroles
                - Chocolate, cookies, pies, and sweets (especially anything containing xylitol)
                - Ham
                - Yeast dough
                - Raisins and grapes

                  If your pet gets into something they shouldn’t, seek help right away. In the event of an emergency, contact the Pet Poison Helpline or your local emergency veterinarian.

                  Foods Your Dog CAN Eat This Thanksgiving

                  Foods to share and foods to avoid feeding to your dog

                  There is a safe way to share your Thanksgiving goodies with Fido - being informed about what your dog can and can not safely consume! Turkey meat, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are all some foods you can share with your dog, and they even have some health benefits, too!

                  Check it out [1,2,3,4,5,6]: 

                  Cooked Sweet Potatoes/Potatoes (no butter or added ingredients)

                  - Unseasoned, cooked, and/or boiled sweet potatoes/potatoes have a lot of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Only boiled or baked/cooked potatoes are safe - no butter, sour cream, salt, or pepper, and always serve in moderation.

                    Apple (no core or seeds)

                    - Apples have vitamins like A and C plus lots of great fiber for your pet. Large amounts of apple seeds can be toxic, however, so make sure to cut around the core before serving.

                      Turkey Meat (unseasoned) 

                      - Turkey meat is safe as long as it has no extra seasoning, butter, spices, or other fatty ingredients that could harm your furry friend. Things like bones and skin should also be avoided to keep your dog safe. 

                        Green Beans

                        - Green beans have compounds like plant fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K that are super healthy for your pup. As with turkey and potatoes, this doggy snack should be plain — no added ingredients like butter or spices.

                          Plain Peas

                          - Plain peas are safe for your pooch! With minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium, plus other goodies like fiber and protein, peas make a great quick and healthful treat. Peas also contain lutein, an antioxidant that is beneficial for skin, heart, and eye health.

                            Pumpkin (cooked or canned)

                            - Pumpkin is a doggy-digestive-health powerhouse, and it’s even helpful for their skin and coat, too. We love pumpkin so much that we’ve included it in our simple Digestive Support Chew recipe. If you’re feeding Fido some yummy canned pumpkin, make sure it’s plain pumpkin and not a pre-spiced pie mix.

                              Frozen Yogurt

                              - Yogurt is a healthy dessert option for your dog - it’s full of things like calcium, protein, and live bacteria that can act as probiotics. For a post-meal treat that will satisfy your pet’s sweet tooth, keep reading to learn how to make our delicious Thanksgiving Dessert Pup Plate.

                                Cranberries

                                - These types of berries have some hearty vitamin C, manganese, vitamin E, and vitamin K1. They are also packed full of fiber and can help lower urine pH. Avoid cranberry sauce, however, as there is a lot of added sugar.

                                  Corn (canned, no cobs)

                                  - Often used as a filler ingredient in some dog foods, corn is rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. For a safe corny dog snack, cook the corn thoroughly and then remove the corn from the cob before feeding - don’t season the corn! Plain corn is safest. Unsalted canned corn is also safe. Always keep this small snack to a minimum. 

                                    Disclaimer: Consult with your dog’s vet before making any significant changes to their diet. Ask your vet if your dog has any history of allergies or needs an allergy test. Better to be safe than sorry!

                                    Yummy: The Perfect Thanksgiving Pup Plate(s)

                                    Thanksgiving pup plate

                                    Thanksgiving is a time to feast! Why not let your dog join in on the fun? 

                                    Below you’ll find some safe and tasty recipes you can try with your dog this Thanksgiving.

                                    Please always remember to watch your dog when you feed new treats/foods and feed in moderation - this list is not meant to be a replacement for your dog’s regular meals. 

                                    The Appetizer

                                    Ingredients
                                    1. 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 
                                    2. 1 cup pumpkin puree, unsweetened
                                    3. 2 large eggs
                                    4. Optional: whole wheat or all-purpose flour, as needed for rolling
                                    5. Optional: if your dog is allergic to eggs, you can replace them with 1 cup of mashed bananas or applesauce.
                                    Instructions
                                    1. Preheat the oven to 350º F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
                                    2. Mix dough. Add oats to a food processor. Process oats on high speed for 2 minutes, until they resemble coarse flour. Add pumpkin puree and eggs to the processor, and pulse until the mixture forms a stiff dough. 
                                    3. Shape treats. To make bone-shaped treats, flour a clean work surface, and roll out the dough until about 1/4-inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to press out the treats and place them on the baking sheet. They won’t expand or rise much, so the treats can lay snug. For round treats, use a small cookie scoop to dollop dough balls onto the parchment. Press each ball down with a fork, creating cross-hatch marks. 
                                    4. Bake. Bake the treats for 20-30 minutes or until the treats have stiffened up in texture. These treats won’t pick up much browning color. Cool completely before storing and giving to your pup! 
                                    5. Storing. Since these treats are made with fresh ingredients, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container or freeze them in a zip-tight bag for up to a month.

                                    The Entrée  

                                    Ingredients
                                    1. 9 large tablespoons of old-fashioned rolled oats 
                                    2. 4 oz of turkey baby food (no garlic, onion, or added seasoning)
                                    3. 4 oz of sweet potato (no garlic, onion, or added seasoning)
                                    4. 4 baby carrots
                                    5. Optional: water
                                    Instructions
                                    1. Put 4 baby carrots into the food processor. Process carrots at a medium speed for about 1 minute or until fully chopped.
                                    2. Add 5 tablespoons of oats into the processor with the carrots. Grind the mixture until it has been chopped into small, bite-size pieces. 
                                    3. Add in the turkey baby food and the rest of the oats (4 tablespoons). Mix in these ingredients by hand. 
                                    4. Add water if needed to get the consistency to become sticky. Once sticky enough, use the “dough” to form balls based on the size of your pet.
                                    5. Refrigerate your dog treats in an airtight container, and serve when ready!

                                    The Dessert

                                    Ingredients
                                    1. 2 cups strawberries - hulled and sliced
                                    2. 1 1/2 banana
                                    3. 1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
                                    Instructions
                                    1. Add all of the ingredients into a blender and purée until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes total).
                                    2. Pour into 2 ice cube trays and freeze overnight or for at least 4 hours.
                                    3. When fully frozen, they are ready to be given to your hungry pup!
                                    4. Your yummy yogurt dessert can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply take them out of the ice cube trays and store them in an airtight container or zip-loc baggie. 

                                    Looking for more ways to keep your pup’s sensitive tummy in check this holiday season? Enter: our Digestive Support Chews. These soft chews are sure to keep your dog’s belly comfortable with features and benefits like: 

                                    - Probiotics to promote a healthy gut and boost immunity
                                    - Prebiotic ingredients to aid in improving digestion
                                    - Blueberry powder to support immune health
                                    - Pumpkin powder to aid in the relief of common digestion issues

                                      If you need an easy and quick way to keep your dog’s snoot off the dining room table this Thanksgiving and you don’t want the hassle of cooking the family AND the dog something to chow down on, our Yak Milk Dog Chews are just the thing - an all-natural, long-lasting snack packed full of vitamins, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, without any binding agents or preservatives.

                                       We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF Coupon below for you to use in the store - remember, your puppy DESERVES to have the healthiest life! Click here to start shopping!

                                      Save 10% by using code: SS10

                                      Resources:

                                      1. Kearl, M. (2021, November 24). Safe thanksgiving foods to share with your dog or avoid. American Kennel Club. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/thanksgiving-foods-to-share-with-your-dog-or-avoid/#:~:text=Turkey

                                      2. November 19, 2021. (2021, November 19). Feasting dos and don'ts for sharing Thanksgiving foods with your dog. Daily Paws. Retrieved from https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-nutrition/

                                      3. Staff, A. K. C. (2022, April 3). Foods your dog should never eat. American Kennel Club. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/human-foods-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/.  

                                      4. Elliott, B. (2017, December 14). Can my dog eat this? A list of human foods dogs can and can't eat. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/human-foods-for-dogs.  

                                      5. Benefits of pumpkin for your dog. East Side Animal Hospital. (2019, April 26). Retrieved from https://eahpet.com/2019/04/26/benefits-of-pumpkin-for-your-dog/.  

                                      6. Reisen, J. (2021, August 6). Can dogs eat peas? American Kennel Club. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-peas/#:~:text

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