Thanksgiving Foods and Pets: What's Safe and What's Not
Last reviewed October 2026
Holiday meals are rich, fatty and often seasoned with onion and garlic. That's a lot for a cat or dog's stomach to handle.
Use this list to see what's fine as a small plain treat and what should stay on your plate.
The main course
Plain, boneless, skinless turkey is the safest choice. Cooked bones, fatty skin and gravy are not.
Sides
Stuffing and many side dishes contain onion, garlic or lots of butter.
Onions and garlic
Common in stuffing, gravy and roasts. Both can damage red blood cells in cats and dogs.
Baking and desserts
Raw dough can rise in the stomach. Nuts and rich pie crust can cause problems too.
Thanksgiving checklist
- Ask guests not to feed pets from the table.
- Put the turkey carcass and bones straight into a lidded trash can.
- Keep rising dough somewhere your pet can't reach.
- Clear drinks from low tables.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat turkey?
A small amount of plain, cooked, boneless and skinless turkey is generally fine. Skin, fat, gravy and seasoning can upset the stomach.
Are cooked turkey bones dangerous?
Yes. Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or injury to the gut. Call your vet if your pet swallowed one.
Is stuffing safe for pets?
Most stuffing contains onion, garlic or herbs that aren't safe for pets. It's best not to share it.
What should I do if my pet ate something from the table?
Find out what it was and how much, then call your vet or a pet poison control line for advice.