The Ultimate Guide to a Pet-Friendly Thanksgiving Feast

Thanksgiving—the holiday that calls for delicious food, cozy gatherings, and taking a moment to celebrate reasons everyone is grateful for, including good health for pets! But while tables overflow with indulgent goodies, there’s a hidden danger in these festive feasts for furry friends. From cooked turkey to green beans, some Thanksgiving foods are pet-safe, while others land at the veterinarian’s office.

Don’t worry though. With a little planning, pet parents set up a Thanksgiving spread that’s not only safe but downright delightful for humans and pets. Ready to make this holiday one for the (fur) books? Explore pet-safe foods, foods to avoid, prep tips, and a sample Thanksgiving dinner menu just for a furry bestie.

Understanding the Thanksgiving Pet No-Go Zone

Before exploring pet-friendly treats, it’s important to discuss which foods to avoid during Thanksgiving. This holiday is filled with enticing aromas and flavors, but many traditional ingredients pose risks to furry friends. Explore the key foods to be kept away from pets, understand why they are harmful, and learn how to ensure their safety around the dinner table.

1. Cooked Bones: No Thanks!

Cooked turkey and chicken bones seem like the ultimate treat, but they’re brittle and breakable, making them a serious hazard for pets. When cooked, bones splinter into sharp pieces that cause choking, intestinal blockages, and even internal tears or injuries.

Tip: If pet parents want to give their pets a “bone,” pick up a sturdy, pet-safe chew bone or rawhide to keep them busy while humans enjoy their turkey.

2. High-Fat, Greasy Foods: Hard Pass

Thanksgiving sides like buttery mashed potatoes, rich gravies, and creamy casseroles cause major digestive distress in pets. High-fat foods lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious condition that affects the pancreas (Xenoulis, P., & Steiner, J., 2010).

Why It’s Dangerous: Even a little bit of fat overload causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In serious cases, pancreatitis is life-threatening, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Tip: Keep those buttery dishes and gravies well out of reach, and let the pet enjoy simple, plain foods instead.

3. Onions, Garlic, and Spices: Flavorful, but Forbidden

Thanksgiving stuffing, casseroles, and many other sides are filled with aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, and sage, but these are toxic to pets. Even small amounts of onion or garlic cause anemia, digestive upset, and in severe cases, organ damage.

Tip: Always check ingredient lists before sharing any food with a pet. When in doubt, skip it!

4. Sugary Desserts: Sweets Without the Treats

Pumpkin pie, chocolate cake, and sugar-filled treats tempt pet parents to sneak a little to their pets, but these desserts are hazardous. Chocolate contains theobromine, toxic to both dogs and cats, while xylitol (found in sugar-free treats) causes a life-threatening drop in blood sugar.

Tip: Stick to pet-safe desserts for a little treat—think unsweetened apples or small portions of plain pumpkin puree.

Building the Perfect Pet Plate: 5 Safe Thanksgiving Foods

Now for the fun part—curating a Thanksgiving plate that lets a pet enjoy the festivities! From lean turkey to sweet potatoes and green beans, here’s a guide to creating a pet-friendly spread that keeps them healthy, happy, and holiday-ready.

1. Turkey – The Holiday Classic

Turkey is a staple of Thanksgiving, and it’s a protein-packed choice that pets enjoy too, as long as it’s prepared with care.

Boneless & Skinless: Before giving a turkey to a pet, remove the skin and bones. Turkey’s skin is high in fat and upsets the stomach, while bones splinter and cause internal injuries.

Plain & Unseasoned: Seasonings like garlic, onions, and sage are toxic to pets. Stick to plain, cooked turkey meat for a safe option.

Moderation is Key: Turkey is heavy, so give it in small amounts to avoid digestive issues.

2. Sweet Potatoes – Nutritious and Sweet

Rich in fiber, vitamins, and beta-carotene, sweet potatoes are a wonderful addition to a pet’s Thanksgiving meal.

Plain & Boiled: Avoid casseroles or sweet potato pies. Instead, serve plain, boiled sweet potatoes.

Easy on the Portions: Too much fiber upsets a pet’s digestive system, so keep servings moderate.

3. Green Beans – The Perfect Side

Low-calorie, high-fiber green beans are an excellent treat that many pets love.

Go Plain: Canned or fresh green beans work great, as long as they’re unsalted and unseasoned.

Cooked or Raw: Serve them raw for a crunchy snack, or boil them without any additives for a softer texture.

4. Pumpkin – The Superfood

Pumpkin is packed with fiber and digestive benefits. Here’s how to add it to your pet’s Thanksgiving menu.

Canned Pumpkin (Unsweetened): Plain, canned pumpkin without added sugar or spices is perfect. This superfood supports digestion and provides essential nutrients.

Small Amounts Only: Just a few tablespoons is enough for most pets; too much fiber leads to upset stomachs.

5. Carrots – Crunchy and Colorful

Carrots are packed with beta-carotene and are served either raw or cooked.

Raw or Lightly Cooked: Raw carrots are great for teeth-cleaning, while boiled or steamed carrots provide a softer texture for senior pets.

Avoid Seasoning: Just as with other veggies, skip the salt, butter, or any other additives.

Fun Presentation Ideas for A Pet’s Thanksgiving Feast

Now that the goods are gathered, time to add some flair! Thanksgiving is a holiday, after all—a pet deserves a festive meal presentation. Some fun ways to add an extra “wow” to their meal are listed below.

1. Serve on a Special Plate

Use a holiday-themed pet plate or bowl to make their meal feel as special as those for humans. The change in dishes adds excitement and makes the holiday feel festive.

2. Add Pet-Safe Toppings

Plain yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh parsley give their meal a little extra pizzazz. Yogurt provides probiotics that support gut health, while parsley freshens breath. Just make sure to use plain, unsweetened yogurt and avoid adding salt or sugar.

3. Create Holiday Shapes

Use cookie cutters to shape sweet potatoes or even turkey slices into stars, hearts, or holiday shapes. Not only does it look festive, but a pet appreciates the bite-sized treats!

4. Go for a Layered Thanksgiving “Bowl”

Think of a Thanksgiving bowl as a pet-friendly version of a Thanksgiving plate. Start with a layer of green beans, add a scoop of plain mashed potatoes, top it off with a couple of turkey bites, and finish with a dollop of canned pumpkin.

Sample Thanksgiving Menu for A Pet

Want to create a full-course Thanksgiving menu for a pet? Here’s a simple plan that brings all the safe foods together for a feast they’ll love.

Appetizer: Small Bites of Raw Carrots and Green Beans

• Why: Start their meal off with some crunchy vegetables for a low-calorie, fiber-rich snack.
• How to Serve: Arrange a few carrot sticks and green beans on a small plate.

Main Course: Turkey and Sweet Potato Bowl

• Why: Turkey is high in protein, while sweet potatoes provide fiber and vitamins.
• How to Serve: Shred a small portion of plain turkey breast over boiled sweet potato chunks.

Side Dish: Green Beans and Pumpkin Medley

• Why: Green beans and pumpkin offer fiber and essential nutrients.
• How to Serve: Mix a spoonful of canned pumpkin with plain green beans for a colorful side.

Dessert: Apple Slices

• Why: Apples provide a hint of natural sweetness without added sugars.
• How to Serve: Cut apple slices into small, manageable pieces. Just remember to avoid the core and seeds.

Tips for Hosting a Pet-Safe Thanksgiving

Creating a pet-safe environment goes beyond the food. Some practical tips for making sure a pet enjoys Thanksgiving safely and happily are listed below.

1. Pet-Proof the Trash Can

With so many delicious smells around, a pet tries to “dumpster dive” for Thanksgiving scraps. Make sure the trash can is securely closed, or keep it in a place the pet has no access to.

2. Have Pet-Friendly Treats on Hand

When hosting guests, it’s common for them to want to show affection to pets, some are tempted to give them treats. To ensure pet’s safety, it’s a good idea to have a supply of pet-safe treats readily available. This way, guests express their love for furry friends without posing any health risks.

3. Create a Safe Space

If a pet isn’t one for social gatherings, set up a quiet space with their favorite toys or a cozy bed where they relax, away from the commotion.

Thanksgiving: A Time to Celebrate A Furry Family Member

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and loyal pets deserve extra “thank you” as well. By putting together a thoughtful, pet-friendly meal, pet parents are not just keeping them safe—they’re including them in the festivities and making them feel like family too. Don’t forget, Paws and Claws CBD is here to make the holidays easier, with pet-friendly guides, fun ideas, and everything pet parents need to give a pet the Thanksgiving they deserve.

So grab a plate, serve up those plain green beans, and let’s give thanks for all the love that pets bring into our lives. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your pet!

References

• Xenoulis, P., & Steiner, J. (2010). Lipid metabolism and hyperlipidemia in dogs.. Veterinary journal, 183 1, 12-21 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.10.011.