Thanksgiving brings people together — and yes, your dog is part of the family too.
Instead of stressing over what they can’t have, here’s what they CAN enjoy safely, how much to feed, and how to keep the celebration calm and chaos-free.
1. Turkey (Plain & Boneless)
Turkey is a great source of protein, and most dogs love it.
Safe Serving
- White or dark meat is fine
- No skin (too fatty)
- No bones (dangerous)
- Keep it plain — no garlic, onions, butter glazes, or heavy seasoning
Portion Guide:
- Small dog: 1–2 tablespoons
- Medium dog: ¼ cup
- Large dog: ?–½ cup
A little goes a long way.
2. Plain Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes themselves are safe — the add-ins usually aren’t.
Safe Serving
Serve a scoop before you add:
- butter
- heavy cream
- garlic
- salt
Portion Guide:
- Small dog: 1 tablespoon
- Medium dog: 2 tablespoons
- Large dog: ¼ cup
3. Green Beans or Peas
These are perfect if you want to keep things light and healthy.
Safe Serving
Offer them steamed or plain, not the creamy casserole version.
Portion Guide:
- Small dog: small handful
- Medium dog: ¼ cup
- Large dog: ?–½ cup
4. Pumpkin (Pure & Canned)
Pumpkin is wonderful for digestion — and dogs love it.
Safe Serving
Use pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Portion Guide:
- Small dog: 1–2 teaspoons
- Medium dog: 1 tablespoon
- Large dog: 2 tablespoons
5. Apples (No Seeds)
A great crunchy treat.
Safe Serving
Slice apples or chop into bite-sized pieces.
Remove seeds and core.
Portion Guide:
- 2–4 small slices, depending on dog size.
6. Sweet Potatoes (Plain)
Naturally sweet and full of fiber.
Safe Serving
Either baked or boiled.
Avoid marshmallows, brown sugar, and butter.
Portion Guide:
- Small dog: 1–2 tablespoons mashed
- Medium dog: ¼ cup
- Large dog: ?–½ cup
Build a Simple “Thanksgiving Plate” for Your Dog
Here’s a quick holiday meal that keeps it safe, balanced, and festive:
- Protein: 2–4 oz plain turkey
- Fiber/veg: scoop of green beans or peas
- Carb: spoon of plain sweet potato or potato
- Gut-friendly bonus: teaspoon of plain pumpkin
This is a perfect holiday treat — not an all-day buffet.
A Few Smart Rules to Keep Everything Calm
We’re not fear-mongering here, but leading well means using common sense:
- Feed your dog their plate at their normal mealtime — not from the table.
- If guests want to give treats, hand them the dog’s approved snacks.
- Avoid the “hovering dog” problem by giving them a chew, lick mat, or crate time during the main meal.
- Keep the trash secure — turkey bones + dogs = emergency vet visits.
This keeps boundaries clear, structure intact, and energy calm — exactly what dogs thrive on.
Final Thoughts
Your dog absolutely can be part of the Thanksgiving fun.
By focusing on what they can have (in the right amounts), you’re including them in a safe, thoughtful way that keeps the night calm and enjoyable for everyone.
That’s what leadership looks like — not stress, not chaos, but clear choices that help your dog feel like part of the family.
