Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and gratitude — and of course, our dogs want to join in the feast! Before you slide a plate under the table, it’s important to know which holiday favorites are safe for your pup and which are better left on your plate. Here’s your guide to a dog-safe Thanksgiving — with a few delicious Big Head Barkery swaps to make it extra special.
🍗 Foods Dogs Can Eat (in moderation)
✅ Plain Turkey
A little plain, cooked turkey breast is perfectly safe — just remove the skin, bones, and seasoning. Avoid turkey that’s been brined or buttered.
✅ Green Beans
Fresh, steamed, or canned (unsalted) green beans are a crunchy, low-calorie treat packed with vitamins.
✅ Sweet Potatoes & Pumpkin
Plain, baked, or mashed sweet potatoes and pumpkin are fiber-rich and great for digestion — skip the marshmallows or sugar, though!
✅ Carrots & Apples
These make great pre-dinner snacks for dogs. Just cut apples into slices and remove seeds and cores.
🚫 Foods Dogs Should Avoid
❌ Turkey Skin, Bones & Gravy
Fatty skin and rich gravy can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis. Bones are choking hazards that can splinter.
❌ Stuffing & Casseroles
These often contain onions, garlic, butter, or seasoning that are toxic to dogs.
❌ Mashed Potatoes
Plain potatoes are fine, but mashed ones usually include milk, butter, and salt — not great for pups.
❌ Desserts & Doughs
Keep pumpkin pie, chocolate desserts, and unbaked bread dough far away. Xylitol (found in some sugar-free treats) is extremely toxic.
🐾 Safer Swaps for the Feast
Instead of sharing your plate, surprise your pup with their own dog-friendly dessert! Our Turkey-Inspired Doggie Donuts are made with wholesome, tail-wagging ingredients — no gravy required.
❤️ A Thanksgiving They’ll Be Thankful For
Including your dog in the holiday fun doesn’t have to mean sharing risky foods. With safe swaps, dog-approved treats, and a little planning, your pup can enjoy the season just as much as you do.
🦴 Shop our Turkey-Inspired Donuts and Fall Treat Collection at Big Head Barkery — handmade, preservative-free, and perfect for every thankful tail wag.