Keep Your Pets Safe This Thanksgiving: Must-Know Food Do’s and Don’ts

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious meals, and reflect on the year’s blessings. Naturally, our pets are part of the family, and it’s tempting to share the holiday feast with them. However, many Thanksgiving foods that are perfectly safe for humans can be dangerous—or even life-threatening—for pets.

At Northwood Veterinary Hospital, we want to help you enjoy a safe and stress-free holiday by ensuring your pets stay out of harm’s way. Understanding what foods are safe and which are risky can prevent emergency vet visits and serious health complications.

Understanding the Risks: More Than Just Toxic Foods

Most pet owners know that chocolate, grapes, and xylitol are dangerous for pets, but Thanksgiving meals pose additional hidden dangers. The biggest risks come from:

1. High-Fat Foods and Pancreatitis

  • Foods like turkey skin, gravy, butter, and creamy side dishes are extremely high in fat.
  • High-fat consumption can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
  • Symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

2. Cooking Hazards and Accidental Injuries

  • Hot oil and dripping pans pose burn risks, especially if you’re frying or roasting a turkey.
  • Counter-surfing pets can snatch dangerous foods or pull down heavy dishes, risking injury.
  • Trash and leftovers may contain bones, greasy scraps, or spoiled food that can cause serious illness.

A little vigilance in the kitchen can help prevent accidents while you prepare your holiday feast.

Thanksgiving Do’s: Safe Foods & Pet-Friendly Treats

You don’t have to exclude your pets from the holiday fun—there are plenty of safe alternatives they can enjoy in moderation.

Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Pets

  • Plain turkey meat (cooked, skinless, boneless, and unseasoned).
  • Steamed vegetables like carrots, green beans, and broccoli.
  • Plain mashed pumpkin or sweet potato (no sugar, butter, or spices).

Tips for Safely Including Your Pet in the Feast

  • Portion control matters: Even safe foods can cause stomach upset if given in excess.
  • Avoid seasonings and sauces: Garlic, onions, and excessive salt are toxic to pets.
  • Prepare a pet-safe plate before adding butter, spices, or other ingredients.

If you want to include your pet in the Thanksgiving celebration, preparing a separate, pet-friendly dish is the safest way.

Thanksgiving Don’ts: Foods That Are Harmful to Pets

The holiday table is full of tempting but dangerous foods for pets. Keep these off your pet’s plate:

Toxic or Dangerous Thanksgiving Foods

  • Onions, garlic, and chives – Found in stuffing, gravy, and mashed potatoes; can cause anemia.
  • Turkey skin and fatty trimmings – High fat content increases pancreatitis risk.
  • Raisins and grapes – Found in stuffing, fruit salads, and desserts; can cause kidney failure.
  • Chocolate and xylitol – Extremely toxic and can be fatal even in small amounts.
  • Cooked bones – Can splinter, causing choking or severe internal injuries.
  • Dairy-heavy dishes – Many pets are lactose intolerant, leading to digestive upset.

If your pet ingests something they shouldn’t, call ASPCA’s Pet Poison Control for immediate guidance.

Keeping Sneaky Pets and Well-Meaning Guests in Check

Pets are natural opportunists, and a holiday feast offers plenty of chances for counter-surfing and sneaky snacking.

Preventing Food Theft

  • Train pets to stay out of the kitchen while food is being prepared.
  • Use baby gates or close off food-prep areas.
  • Store leftovers securely in pet-proof containers—some pets will raid the trash!

Educate Guests (Especially Kids!)

  • Well-meaning guests may sneak table scraps to your pet. Politely ask them not to feed your pet anything without permission.
  • Children holding food at pet-level can unintentionally offer a tempting snack.

Supervise kids around food and encourage them to give pet-safe treats instead.

After the Meal: Kitchen Safety Check

  • Clean up spills and drippings immediately.
  • Keep pets out of the kitchen until hot pans and leftovers are put away.
  • Take out the trash promptly to prevent scavenging.

For additional safety tips, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Thanksgiving Pet Safety Guide.

Recognizing Food-Related Emergencies

Despite your best precautions, accidents can happen. If your pet consumes something harmful, watch for these symptoms:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Abdominal pain or restlessness

If you notice any of these signs, seek immediate veterinary care. Keep our contact information handy:

Enjoy a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving with Your Pets

Thanksgiving is about gratitude, love, and togetherness—including our pets! By following these food safety tips, you can ensure a joyful and stress-free holiday for everyone.

From all of us at Northwood Veterinary Hospital, we wish you and your furry family members a safe, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving!