Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and gratitude, and that includes the four-legged members of the family! While it’s tempting to share every delicious bite with your dog, many classic holiday dishes contain ingredients that can be dangerous for them. With a little preparation, you can keep your pup safe, entertained, and feeling part of the celebration.
🍗 Skip the Table Scraps — Serve Safe Snacks Instead
It’s easy to want to sneak your pup a little “taste of the feast,” but many traditional Thanksgiving foods include onions, garlic, nutmeg, grapes, and rich fats that can upset your dog’s stomach or worse.
Avoid giving your dog:
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Turkey skin, bones, or gravy (they can cause pancreatitis or blockages)
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Stuffing (usually contains onion and garlic)
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Pies or desserts (nutmeg, chocolate, and sugar aren’t safe)
Dog-safe alternatives:
Cooked, unseasoned turkey breast, green beans, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin purée (plain, not pie filling) make great special-occasion treats.
🧩 Keep Your Pup Busy with Slow Feeders and Treat Toys
While the humans are cooking, chatting, and carving the bird, keep your pup happily distracted with an interactive feeder.
Slow feeders and treat toys encourage mental stimulation and prevent your dog from scarfing down food too quickly.
DogTuff Favorites for Thanksgiving:
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🦴 West Paw Toppl Treat Toy – Fill with turkey, mashed sweet potatoes, or plain pumpkin for a holiday-themed snack that keeps your dog engaged.
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🍯 SodaPup Honey Pot Treat Dispenser – Perfect for stuffing with peanut butter, yogurt, or frozen treats for longer play sessions.
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🐾 Slow Feeder Bowls – Ideal for serving your pup’s meal in a way that promotes healthy digestion and slows rapid eating.
Pro tip: prep a few filled Toppls or Honey Pots ahead of time and pop them in the freezer — they’ll keep your dog entertained through dinner and dessert!
💛 Make Them Feel Included
Create a “dog-friendly plate” so your pup can enjoy the day with everyone else.
Try this Thanksgiving-inspired combo:
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A few bites of plain turkey
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A spoonful of mashed sweet potatoes (no sugar or spices)
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A scoop of steamed green beans or carrots
Serve it in their favorite slow feeder or Toppl for extra fun!
🚫 Watch Out for Common Hazards
Even the most careful hosts can run into holiday chaos. Keep these reminders handy:
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Secure trash bins and leftovers — dogs have amazing noses!
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Remind guests not to share food under the table.
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Store desserts, bones, and drinks well out of reach.
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Keep the kitchen safe from eager “taste testers” while cooking.
🐶 Give Thanks for Your Pup
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to show appreciation for the unconditional love our dogs give us year-round. Whether you’re spending the day at home, visiting family, or joining the Mount Dora festivities, a few extra minutes of planning will keep tails wagging safely all day long.
So while you enjoy your feast, let your pup enjoy theirs — safely, deliciously, and DogTuff-approved. 💛
🐾 Featured DogTuff Favorites
