Yes, dogs can eat some Thanksgiving food: plain, fully cooked turkey meat with no skin or bones, plain potatoes or sweet potatoes, plain green beans, pure pumpkin puree and apple slices without the core. Keep them off the turkey skin and bones, gravy, stuffing, ham, casseroles, pie, raw dough and anything with onion or garlic. That list comes from the American Kennel Club's Thanksgiving food guide and the ASPCA's Thanksgiving safety tips.
The rule of thumb: set your dog's portion aside before anything gets butter, seasoning, sauce or sugar. The table below covers the dishes on a typical plate.
Thanksgiving foods dogs can and can't eat
Based on the American Kennel Club Thanksgiving food guide (updated November 2026) and ASPCA Poison Control guidance, both checked November 4, 2026. Small portions only; this is not a substitute for your vet's advice.
| Dish | Share with your dog? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey meat | Yes, plain | Boneless, skinless, fully cooked and unseasoned only. Raw or undercooked turkey can carry salmonella. |
| Turkey skin and bones | No | AKC advises against both. ASPCA calls poultry bones a major choking hazard. |
| Gravy | No | On AKC's do-not-feed list. |
| Stuffing | No | On AKC's do-not-feed list. Recipes often include onion or garlic. |
| Ham | No | On AKC's do-not-feed list. |
| Potatoes | Yes, plain | Boiled or baked and served plain. Skip mashed potatoes made with butter, cream, onion, garlic or rich seasoning. |
| Sweet potatoes | Yes, plain | Plain mashed is fine. Skip versions with brown sugar, marshmallows or maple syrup. |
| Green beans | Yes, plain | Plain beans only. Casseroles are on AKC's do-not-feed list. |
| Pumpkin | Puree yes, pie no | Pure pumpkin puree only, not spiced or sugary pie mix. Pie stays a people dessert. |
| Apples | Yes, sliced | Cut around the core. Large amounts of apple seeds can be toxic. |
| Rolls and raw yeast dough | No dough | Raw dough can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol. |
| Onion, garlic, scallions, chives | No | Allium vegetables can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia. |
| Chocolate, xylitol, grapes and raisins | No | All on AKC's do-not-feed list. Some need immediate veterinary care. |
How much turkey can a dog have?
A few small bites of plain white or dark meat is a treat, not a meal. Pull it off the bird before it gets gravy or seasoning, and take off the skin. New and rich foods can upset a dog's stomach, and AKC notes that many holiday foods cause digestive upset even when they aren't toxic.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, a medical diet or a history of pancreatitis, ask your vet before sharing any people food.
Why stuffing, gravy and casseroles are off the list
These are the dishes where the risky ingredients hide. Stuffing and green bean casserole often use onion, garlic, scallions or chives, and the ASPCA explains that these allium vegetables can cause stomach irritation and red blood cell damage. Gravy and casseroles also carry fat and salt you can't see. When you can't tell what's in a dish, leave it out of the bowl.
Can dogs eat pumpkin pie?
No. Plain pumpkin is a healthy snack, but pie filling is spiced and sweetened, and some sugar-free desserts use xylitol, which is on AKC's do-not-feed list. If you want a pumpkin treat, spoon a little pure canned pumpkin puree into the bowl and check the label says pumpkin and nothing else.
Keep the day calm for your dog
Food isn't the only Thanksgiving risk. The ASPCA points out that more people in the house can overwhelm pets, so give your dog a quiet room with water and a bed while guests arrive. Ask guests not to slip scraps under the table, keep the trash closed so nobody digs out the turkey carcass, and watch floral arrangements and table decorations.
If your dog gets nervous around visitors or noise, our guide to grooming anxious dogs has calming steps that also help on busy days at home.
Book a groom before the holiday
If you want your dog clean and brushed before family arrives, book early. Many groomers post that their November and December spots fill up, so call now and ask how far out they're booking. Our guide to how long dog grooming takes helps you plan the drop-off around a busy week.
In the Pacific Northwest, late November usually means rain and mud, so a groom a few days before Thanksgiving keeps paws and coats cleaner for the visit. Our winter grooming tips for PNW dogs cover paw care between appointments. Browse groomers in Seattle or Portland, or request quotes from local groomers and say which date you need. If your groomer fits you in during the rush, our guide on how much to tip a dog groomer covers holiday tipping.
What to do if your dog eats something it shouldn't
Note what your dog ate, how much and when, then call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). Don't wait for symptoms after chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, raw dough, onion or garlic, or a swallowed bone. If your vet is closed for the holiday, find the nearest emergency animal hospital before the day, so you're not searching while it's happening.
Camren McMath
Content writer and lifelong dog owner based in the Pacific Northwest. Camren covers grooming trends, pet wellness, and the people behind your favorite local salons.
