Pet Health Library

As much as we’d like to include our furry family members in our Thanksgiving celebration, the menu selection for pets can be tricky. Even a small amount of turkey skin can lead to a life-threatening condition called pancreatitis, and many other Thanksgiving staples are poisonous to pets.  

Here is a list of Thanksgiving foods to keep away from animal companions — and a few you can share. Keep in mind that even “safe” foods can be dangerous if you feed too much. 

If your pet likes to scavenge, be sure to clean up leftovers as soon as your meal is over, and keep trash cans tightly covered. If you’re having guests over, make sure they know not to feed table scraps to your pets — no matter how much they beg!

Foods that are NOT safe for pets:

• Turkey Skin & Drippings
• Turkey Bones
• Ham
• Stuffing
• Salt & Seasonings
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Onions & Garlic
• Chives & Leeks
• Macadamia Nuts
• Walnuts
• Mushrooms
• Corn on the Cob
• Chocolate
• Bread Dough
• Alcohol
• Xylitol

Foods that are SAFE for pets in small amounts*

• Turkey (boneless, skinless, unseasoned white meat)
• Green Beans (unseasoned)
• Mashed Potatoes (plain, cooked & unseasoned)
• Sweet Potatoes (plain, cooked, & unseasoned)
• Apple (2 or 3 slices, no seeds)

* Even “safe” foods are dangerous if you feed too much, so limit portions to about a spoonful of each.