Lauryn Dell
Thanksgiving dog treats are a fun way to include your pup in the holiday, as long as you choose the right ingredients. Many classic Thanksgiving dishes are loaded with butter, onions, garlic, sugar, and spices that can upset a dog’s stomach or even be toxic.
The good news is that several holiday staples are safe and healthy for dogs when served plain. Turkey, pumpkin, sweet potato, green beans, and apples can all become simple Thanksgiving dog treats with a little prep.
This guide covers which foods are safe, which to keep off your dog’s plate, easy homemade recipes, portion sizes, and what to do if your dog sneaks something they shouldn’t.
Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs
The best Thanksgiving dog treats start with plain, unseasoned versions of foods already on your table. The American Kennel Club lists turkey meat, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, apples, green beans, and plain peas among the safe options.
| Food | Why it works | How to serve it |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey (white meat) | Lean protein most dogs love | Cooked, skinless, boneless, no seasoning or gravy |
| Pumpkin | Fiber that supports digestion | Plain cooked or canned 100% pumpkin, never pie filling |
| Sweet potato | Fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C | Baked or boiled, no butter, brown sugar, or marshmallows (full guide) |
| Green beans | Low-calorie and crunchy | Plain, steamed or raw, not from a casserole |
| Apples | Vitamins and a sweet crunch | Sliced, with core and seeds removed |
| Carrots | Good for chewing and low in calories | Raw or steamed, cut into bite-size pieces |
| Plain rice | Gentle on the stomach | Cooked plain, no butter or salt (full guide) |
| Fresh cranberries | Antioxidants in small amounts | A few plain berries, not sugary cranberry sauce |
The golden rule: if it has been buttered, salted, seasoned, sweetened, or mixed into a casserole, it isn’t a good choice for Thanksgiving dog treats.
Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Should Never Eat
Vets typically see more emergency visits around Thanksgiving because dogs get fed or steal unsafe human food. Keep these off the list of Thanksgiving dog treats:
| Food | Why it’s dangerous |
|---|---|
| Turkey bones | Cooked bones splinter and can choke a dog or tear the digestive tract |
| Turkey skin, gravy, and drippings | High fat can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes serious condition |
| Onions, garlic, scallions, and leeks | Damage red blood cells, even when cooked or powdered |
| Stuffing | Usually contains onions, garlic, butter, and herbs |
| Grapes and raisins | Can cause sudden kidney failure, even in small amounts |
| Chocolate | Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs |
| Xylitol (in sugar-free desserts and some peanut butters) | Causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage |
| Pumpkin pie and other desserts | Sugar, spices like nutmeg, and sometimes xylitol |
| Mashed potatoes and casseroles | Butter, cream, cheese, and onions are too rich for dogs |
| Ham | Very salty and fatty |
| Raw yeast dough | Expands in the stomach and produces alcohol |
| Alcohol | Toxic to dogs even in small amounts |
| Nutmeg | Can cause tremors and other symptoms in larger amounts |
| Mushrooms (in stuffing or sauces) | Some types are toxic; see our mushroom safety guide |
After dinner, secure the trash right away. A garbage can full of turkey carcass, foil, and string is one of the biggest holiday risks for curious dogs.
4 Easy Homemade Thanksgiving Dog Treats
These Thanksgiving dog treats use a handful of dog-safe ingredients and take less than an hour. Oven temperatures are in Fahrenheit.
1. Pumpkin Peanut Butter Biscuits
These crunchy biscuits are the classic fall treat and keep well for a week.
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour), 1/2 cup plain canned pumpkin, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons xylitol-free peanut butter, a splash of water as needed.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the pumpkin, eggs, and peanut butter, then stir in the flour until a stiff dough forms.
- Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut with a small leaf or turkey cookie cutter.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until firm and lightly golden. Cool completely before serving.
2. Turkey and Sweet Potato Bites
A soft, protein-packed treat that’s perfect for seniors or small dogs.
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked plain turkey breast (shredded), 1 cup baked sweet potato (mashed, skin removed), 1 egg, 1/4 cup oat flour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix everything into a thick dough and roll into small balls.
- Place on a lined tray and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3. Frozen Pumpkin Yogurt Pops
A cool, no-bake treat that keeps dogs busy while you cook.
Ingredients: 1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt (no xylitol), 1/2 cup plain canned pumpkin, 1 tablespoon xylitol-free peanut butter.
- Blend or stir everything until smooth.
- Spoon into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours.
Skip this one if your dog is lactose sensitive.
4. Apple, Carrot, and Green Bean Mini Plate
The easiest of all the Thanksgiving dog treats: no baking needed.
- Cut a few apple slices (no core or seeds) into bite-size pieces.
- Add a few steamed plain green beans and carrot coins.
- Top with a spoonful of plain shredded turkey for a dog-friendly “holiday plate.”
Tip: If your dog has allergies or a sensitive stomach, test one new ingredient at a time before the holiday.
How Much Is Too Much? Portion and Serving Tips
Treats, including Thanksgiving dog treats, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The rest should come from their regular balanced dog food.
| Dog size | Weight | Rough treat amount per day |
|---|---|---|
| Toy | Under 10 lb | 1 to 2 small bites or 1 teaspoon of turkey or pumpkin |
| Small | 10 to 25 lb | 2 to 3 small bites or 1 tablespoon |
| Medium | 25 to 50 lb | 3 to 4 bites or 2 tablespoons |
| Large | 50 lb and up | 4 to 5 bites or 3 to 4 tablespoons |
These are general guidelines. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or food allergies may need different limits, so check with your vet.
- Introduce new foods slowly. A sudden rich meal is a common cause of holiday vomiting and diarrhea.
- Cut treats into small pieces to avoid choking, especially for small breeds.
- Reduce dinner slightly on a treat-heavy day to keep calories balanced.
- Ask guests not to share food from their plates, since small handouts add up fast.
Holiday Safety Tips for the Big Day
Thanksgiving dog treats are only part of a safe holiday. A busy house full of guests and food creates plenty of chances for trouble.
- Keep counters and tables clear. Push plates and serving dishes back from the edge.
- Give your dog a quiet space away from the kitchen and crowd, with water, a bed, and a long-lasting chew.
- Watch the door. Guests coming and going make it easy for a dog to slip out, so check that ID tags and microchip details are up to date.
- Bin the leftovers quickly and use a lidded trash can, especially for bones, string, and foil.
- Stick to routines like regular walks and mealtimes to keep stress low.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away if your dog shows any of these after eating holiday food:
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- A swollen or painful belly, or a hunched posture
- Lethargy, weakness, or refusing food
- Drooling, restlessness, or trying to vomit with nothing coming up
- Tremors, seizures, or collapse
If you think your dog ate something toxic, don’t wait for symptoms. Contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Both may charge a consultation fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best Thanksgiving dog treats are plain versions of holiday foods: skinless, boneless turkey breast, plain pumpkin, baked sweet potato, green beans, and apple slices without seeds. Homemade pumpkin biscuits and turkey sweet potato bites are also great choices.
Yes, in small amounts. Serve only cooked, plain white meat with no skin, bones, gravy, or seasoning. The skin and drippings are too fatty and can cause pancreatitis.
No. Pumpkin pie contains sugar, spices like nutmeg, and sometimes xylitol. Plain canned pumpkin (100% pumpkin, not pie filling) is the safe alternative.
It’s best to skip it. Cranberry sauce is high in sugar, and some versions contain grapes, raisins, or alcohol. A few fresh, plain cranberries are fine for most dogs.
No. Stuffing usually contains onions, garlic, butter, and herbs, all of which can harm dogs.
Most treats made specifically for dogs by reputable brands are safe. Check the label for xylitol, added sugar, and artificial colors, and choose treats sized for your dog.
Keep all treats under 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For most dogs, that means a few small bites, not a full plate.
Don’t make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Call your vet right away and watch for vomiting, a painful belly, constipation, or blood in the stool.
Yes. Baked biscuits keep in an airtight container for about a week, and frozen pumpkin pops last up to two months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving dog treats let your pup join the celebration without the risks of a holiday plate. Stick to plain turkey, pumpkin, sweet potato, green beans, and apples, keep portions small, and keep bones, onions, grapes, chocolate, and xylitol out of reach.
Want to learn more about which human foods are safe for your dog? Read our guides on whether dogs can eat sweet potatoes, whether dogs can eat mango, and whether dogs can eat rice. Test your knowledge with our pet quizzes, explore more in our dog care section, and consider pet insurance for peace of mind during the busy holiday season.
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- Can Dogs Eat Rice? Benefits, Risks & Safe Serving Tips - October 2, 2026
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