MyEmbrace Login 
Those puppy-dog eyes watching every bite of your Thanksgiving turkey can be hard to resist! As pet parents prepare for the warmth and joy of Thanksgiving, you may wonder how to safely include your four-legged family members in the festivities, but creating a dog-safe Thanksgiving dinner takes some planning. Knowing which traditional dishes are safe and which could lead to a holiday emergency vet visit is key to keeping your furry friend healthy. With a little preparation you can enjoy a worry-free holiday celebration together.
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs
1. Turkey (Done Right)
Your dog can eat turkey, but with a few important considerations. It should be plain, cooked white meat. Make sure to skip the skin and any seasoning, as these can upset your dog’s stomach or even lead to more serious health issues. Be sure to remove any bones, as they can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. A few small, tender pieces mixed in with their regular food can make their day, and it’s a safe way to include them in the holiday meal.
Key Notes:
Plain, cooked white meat turkey (no skin)
Remove all bones and fatty portions
Avoid seasonings and marinades
Serve in small, manageable pieces mixed with regular food
2. Vegetables That Make a Dog-Safe Thanksgiving Meal
When preparing holiday meals, it's best to set aside some plain ingredients specifically for your dog before adding seasonings or other ingredients. Many traditional holiday dishes contain ingredients like garlic, onions, and certain spices, which can be harmful or even toxic to dogs.
For a healthier option, when you're preparing the ingredients for the traditional green bean casserole, set aside some of the green beans. Cook them, chop them up, and set them aside for your dog. As with the turkey, mix some in with your dog's food. They provide great nutrition, and most dogs enjoy them. Green beans are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, making them a healthy addition to your dog's Thanksgiving meal.
Sweet potatoes are also wonderfully nutritious food. These aren’t just holiday favorites, they're a nutritional powerhouse for your pup! Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, and beneficial antioxidants. While you're prepping your family's sweet potato casserole, why not set aside a few chunks for your four-legged friend? Just dice them up, pop them in the microwave or roast them in the oven until they're tender, and let them cool completely. You can either hand-feed these naturally sweet morsels as special Thanksgiving treats or mix them into your dog's regular food bowl. Most dogs go crazy for their natural sweetness, making them the perfect healthy addition to your pup's Thanksgiving dinner. Just remember—keep it plain and simple, with no added seasonings, butter, or other ingredients.
3. Fruits For a Special Thanksgiving Dog Treat
Nothing brightens up a holiday feast like fresh fruit, and your pup can safely enjoy some too! Just remember to keep portions small and stick to dog-friendly options.
Fresh apple slices: These crunchy treats are packed with fiber and vitamins. Remove all seeds and the core, as they can be harmful to your pup. A few thin slices make the perfect sweet treat.
Plain cranberries: While we humans love our cranberry sauce, dogs should only have fresh or frozen cranberries in small amounts. Skip the sauce—added sugars and other ingredients aren't good for your furry friend.
Pro Tip: Think of these fruits as special holiday treats rather than a full serving. Too much new food, even healthy ones, can upset your dog's stomach. A few small pieces mixed with their regular food or given as individual treats will let them join in the festivities safely.
Dangerous Thanksgiving Foods to Avoid
While sharing Thanksgiving with your pup is wonderful, some holiday favorites can spell trouble for our four-legged friends. Let’s be real—nobody wants to spend Thanksgiving evening at the emergency vet! Here’s a quick guide to the holiday foods that should stay on your plate and off your dog's menu:
1. Bones And Fat:
Turkey bones can be chewed on and then splinter
High-fat meats like ham or dark turkey meat can cause vomiting and diarrhea
In severe cases, fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis
2. Harmful Ingredients:
Raisins and grapes (common in desserts and stuffing)
Many mass-produced sweets contain xylitol
Chocolate in any form
Nutmeg and other seasonal spices
3. Seasoned Dishes:
Plain potatoes may be Ok for your pup; however, most hosts will put heavy amounts of fatty butter and milk, as well as garlic and onion—which are toxic for your dogs.
Avoid sharing any casseroles or seasoned side dishes
No gravy or turkey drippings
Tips For a Safe Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving
1. Create A Special Dog-Safe Plate:
Prepare your dog's holiday meal separately
Keep portions small to avoid stomach upset
Mix special foods with regular dog food
2. Establish Ground Rules:
Tell the kids, visiting family members, and everyone else that they are not to feed the dog at all
Keep food out of reach of counter-surfing dogs
Secure garbage bins to prevent foraging
3. Be Prepared for Emergencies:
Keep your veterinarian's contact information handy
Have your pet insurance policy information readily available
Know the location of the nearest 24-hour emergency vet
Celebrate Thanksgiving Worry-Free with Pet Insurance
At Embrace Pet Insurance, we’re all about helping you protect your furry loved ones. We understand that accidents can happen, even when we’re being careful. That’s why having pet insurance for dogs can be such a reassuring safety net. Knowing you’re covered for unexpected veterinary expenses means you can focus on enjoying quality time with your dog, without worrying about the “what-ifs.”
It's crucial to have pet insurance in place before an emergency arises. By enrolling your dog in a pet insurance plan, you’ll be prepared to handle unexpected veterinary costs, ensuring that your furry friend receives the best possible care. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of a wide range of unexpected veterinary expenses, including:
Emergency surgery: If your dog ingests a bone splinter, it could require emergency surgery to remove it.
Pancreatitis treatment: Pancreatitis can be a serious and expensive condition often triggered by a sudden intake of high-fat foods, like those commonly found on Thanksgiving tables. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of diagnostic tests, medications, hospitalization, and other treatments needed to manage your dog's condition.
Digestive issues: If your dog experiences diarrhea or vomiting from eating too many rich foods or something they shouldn't have, pet insurance can help cover the cost of veterinary visits, medications, and diagnostic tests.
By considering the long-term benefits of pet insurance, you can make sure your pet is protected all year round, during holiday celebrations and beyond.
Enjoy A Safe, Happy Thanksgiving with Your Dog
As pet parents, we understand the joy of sharing special moments with our furry family members, and Thanksgiving is no exception. We want our dogs to feel included in the celebration, and what better way than by preparing a special, safe holiday meal just for them?
By following the guidelines we’ve provided, you can create a delicious, healthy Thanksgiving plate for your pup while avoiding any potential digestive issues or emergency vet visits. We know how tempting it can be to slip them a little extra under the table, but trust us, a little restraint will keep your pup's holiday drama free—though we can't promise the same for the humans. You better go check on that political discussion erupting between Cousin Mike and Aunt Edna.
From our family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!