Holiday Treat Safety for Dogs & Cats: What Can They Actually Eat?

• Posted on 12 November 2026
• By Dr. Jill Tack, Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor
• Posted in cat nutrition, dog nutrition, Holiday Pet Safety, Safe Cat Treats, Safe dog treats, Thanksgiving Pets
• 0

A friendly guide to Thanksgiving treat safety, including foods to avoid, safer treat alternatives, and practical tips for sensitive or diabetic pets.

The puppy-dog eyes get extra powerful around Thanksgiving.

Between turkey, gravy, stuffing, desserts, visiting relatives, and a kitchen full of delicious smells, our pets know something special is happening. Naturally, we want them to be part of it!

But sharing the holiday doesn't have to mean sharing everything on the table.

A few thoughtful choices can help your dog or cat enjoy the celebration without turning Thanksgiving dinner into tummy trouble.

What Does Holiday Treat Safety Mean?

Holiday treat safety means choosing foods and treats that are appropriate for your pet while keeping potentially harmful human foods out of reach. Many traditional holiday foods contain ingredients that can cause digestive upset or more serious health problems in dogs and cats.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association's Thanksgiving Food Safety Guide, common holiday hazards include cooked bones, fatty foods, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, alcohol, and certain artificial sweeteners.

Quick Holiday Food Safety Checklist

Before somebody slips something under the table:

• Keep onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and alcohol away from pets.
• Skip cooked turkey and chicken bones.
• Avoid turkey skin, gravy, and fatty scraps.
• Keep regular meals and treats consistent.
• Choose simple, pet-appropriate treats.
• Be extra careful with diabetic pets or sensitive stomachs.
• Secure trash cans after the meal.

A little preparation can save everyone a whole lot of holiday drama!

Can Dogs and Cats Eat Thanksgiving Food?

Some plain Thanksgiving foods may be appropriate in small amounts, but heavily seasoned dishes, rich leftovers, and desserts are best kept off your pet's menu.

For many healthy pets, small amounts of plain, cooked, boneless, skinless turkey can be a suitable occasional treat.

However, cooked bones, fatty skin, gravy, onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, and foods containing xylitol should be avoided.

Learn more in AAHA's guide to safe and unsafe Thanksgiving foods.

The Trouble Usually Isn't the Turkey

Pet parents often ask whether turkey itself is dangerous.

Usually, the bigger concern is everything that comes with it!

The turkey on your plate may contain butter, oil, seasoning, onion, garlic, gravy, skin, or bones.

And those ingredients can make a big difference.

For example, onions and garlic can damage red blood cells in dogs and cats, while grapes and raisins can cause serious kidney problems in dogs.

These risks are outlined in AAHA's Thanksgiving food safety recommendations.

If you want your pet to participate in the celebration, keep their treat separate before seasoning the family meal or choose a treat made specifically for dogs or cats.

Trust us, they'll still feel included!

Why Fatty Holiday Foods Deserve Extra Attention

Rich foods don't just cause messy stools.

According to the FDA's Holiday Pet Safety Guide, fatty table scraps such as turkey skin and meat trimmings can cause digestive upset and may contribute to pancreatitis, a potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas.

Signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, or reduced appetite.

Pets with a history of pancreatitis or digestive sensitivity may need additional precautions.

That's one more reason we prefer letting pets celebrate with foods chosen for them instead of inviting them to sample everybody's dinner plate.

A Better Way to Make Their Holiday Special

Your pet doesn't need mashed potatoes and gravy to know Thanksgiving is happening.

Here are a few ways to make the day special:

• Offer a favorite single-ingredient meat treat.
• Use a small amount of an appropriate pet-safe turkey treat.
• Add a familiar fresh-food topper.
• Fill an enrichment toy with their regular food.
• Give them a new chew or puzzle toy.
• Spend some extra time playing or cuddling.

The goal is simple: holiday fun without unnecessary digestive surprises!

What Pet Parents Ask

Can my dog have turkey?
Yes, many healthy dogs can enjoy a small amount of plain, cooked, boneless, skinless turkey. Avoid seasoning, gravy, fatty skin, and bones.

Can my cat have turkey too?
A small amount of plain, unseasoned, boneless turkey may also be appropriate for many cats.

Is pumpkin safe for pets?
Plain, cooked pumpkin without added sugar, spices, or sweeteners can be appropriate for many dogs and cats. Pumpkin pie filling is a different story.

What if relatives keep giving my pet food?
Give guests a small container of approved treats and politely ask them to stick to those options.

FAQ

Are cooked turkey bones safe for dogs?
No. Cooked bones may splinter or create choking, obstruction, or injury risks.
The FDA warns about bones and other holiday food hazards.

Why are onions and garlic unsafe?
Onions and garlic belong to the Allium family and can damage red blood cells in dogs and cats.
Learn more from AAHA's Thanksgiving Food Safety Guide.

Are sugar-free desserts okay for pets?
Not necessarily. Some contain xylitol, also called birch sugar, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and other severe complications in dogs.
The FDA recommends immediate veterinary attention if a dog consumes xylitol.

When should I contact a veterinarian?
If your pet eats a potentially toxic food, contact your veterinarian promptly, even before symptoms develop. Repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, significant weakness, tremors, or collapse also require prompt attention.

Give Them a Feast Made for Them

The safest way to include your pet in Thanksgiving is to give them something chosen with their body in mind.

Stop by The Pet Beastro in Madison Heights or Warren and let our team help you explore limited-ingredient treats, freeze-dried meats, and other festive goodies.

Too busy preparing for company?

You can also shop online and explore our Metro Detroit local delivery options.

Let's make this holiday delicious, memorable, and paws-itively wonderful!