Thanksgiving Foods That Are Dangerous for Your Pets

4 min read

Last updated November 15, 2026

Many Thanksgiving foods can harm dogs and cats, from turkey bones to onions and xylitol desserts. See what to keep off the plate and what to do if they eat it.

Key Takeaways

Turkey bones, skin, fat and gravy can cause choking, blockages or pancreatitis.
Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins and chocolate are toxic to pets.
Xylitol in sugar-free desserts can drop a dog’s blood sugar within an hour.
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 in an emergency.

Which Thanksgiving Foods Are Dangerous for Pets?

The biggest risks are bones, fatty scraps, onion-based dishes and sweets. Veterinarians see more of these problems around the holidays, when guests sneak pets a treat.

The safest plan is simple. Keep table food away from pets and give them their usual meal.

Good to know. Save your vet’s emergency number and the ASPCA poison line in your phone before guests arrive.

Your Thanksgiving Table, Dish by Dish

We matched common holiday dishes to the risks named by veterinary and poison control experts.

Dish	Why it is risky	Source
Turkey bones	Choking or blocked intestines	Vet association
Turkey skin, fat and gravy	Can cause pancreatitis	Vet association
Stuffing with onion or garlic	Damages red blood cells	Poison control
Green bean casserole with onions	Same onion risk	Poison control
Raisins in salads or desserts	Kidney damage in dogs	Poison control
Chocolate desserts	Vomiting, tremors and seizures	Poison control
Sugar-free pies and treats	Xylitol drops blood sugar	Food and Drug Administration
Raw bread or roll dough	Painful, dangerous bloating	Poison control
Wine, beer and cocktails	Alcohol poisoning	Poison control

The vet association is the American Veterinary Medical Association. Poison control means the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center.

10 to 60 minHow fast xylitol can lower a dog’s blood sugar, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.

Why Bones and Fatty Scraps Cause Trouble

Cooked bones can splinter or get stuck. They may need surgery to remove, the ASPCA warns.

Rich, fatty food is another problem. Turkey skin, gravy and dressing can trigger pancreatitis, a painful swelling of the pancreas. That warning comes from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

The Hidden Danger in Sugar-Free Desserts

Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in some sugar-free pies, candy, gum and nut butters. In dogs, low blood sugar can start within 10 to 60 minutes of eating it. That is according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Check labels on any sugar-free treats your guests bring. Store them where pets cannot reach.

Does your pet beg for food at holiday meals?

Yes, all the time
Sometimes
No, never
Not sure

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How to Keep Pets Safe on Thanksgiving Day

Ask guests not to feed pets from the table
Put bones and scraps in a covered trash can
Keep desserts and drinks out of reach
Give pets a quiet room with water and a toy
Check sugar-free treats for xylitol
Feed pets their normal food at the usual time

Cold weather adds its own risks. Read our winter pet safety tips and our guide to winter dog walking safety.

Hosting this year? Our guide on how to host Thanksgiving can help you plan a calmer day for everyone.

When to Get Help

Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away if your pet shows these signs after eating holiday food. This list follows veterinary guidance.

Vomiting or diarrhea
Sudden change in behavior or low energy
Signs of pain
Loss of appetite
Weakness, staggering or seizures

You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. Write down what your pet ate and how much.

This article is for information only and is not veterinary advice.

Try this today. Buy a trash can with a locking lid for the kitchen. It stops pets from raiding turkey bones after dinner.

Test Yourself

Which sweetener in sugar-free desserts is dangerous for dogs?

Honey
Maple syrup
Xylitol

Xylitol can quickly drop a dog’s blood sugar, the FDA says.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat turkey on Thanksgiving?

Turkey bones, skin and fatty scraps can cause choking or pancreatitis. Ask your vet before giving any table food.

Is stuffing bad for dogs?

Most stuffing contains onions or garlic, which can damage a pet’s red blood cells. Keep it off their plate.

What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?

Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away. Note the type and amount of chocolate eaten.

Found this useful?

Editor’s Note

This guide is accurate as of November 15, 2026. It follows guidance from veterinary and poison control experts. Always ask your own vet about your pet’s needs.

Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.

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