Illinois Dog Owners: Thanksgiving Foods They Should NOT Eat

Thanksgiving food smells great to dogs, but most of it’s off-limits. Here’s what they can safely enjoy from the feast—and what’s a hard “no.”

Thanksgiving Day: Temptation Central for Dogs

Thanksgiving can be a struggle for our four-legged friends. All those rich, irresistible aromas are wafting around, and yet, most of the food is off-limits. If you have a big, counter-surfing pup like I did with my two Saint Bernards, you’re probably familiar with the drool puddles on the kitchen floor as they watch, dream, and wait for even a tiny morsel to fall their way.

So, to keep them safe while not totally leaving them out, here’s a breakdown of what your dog can and can’t have from the Thanksgiving feast.

Thanksgiving Foods Dogs CAN'T Eat

• Onions
• Ham (Sorry, Fido. High sodium isn’t dog-friendly.)
• Leeks (Luckily, my dogs never had a taste for these.)
• Casseroles (Too many mysterious ingredients!)
• Garlic (Honestly, tough break… garlic is life.)
• Stuffing
• Grapes (A big no-no, no matter how much they beg.)
• Turkey Bones (Cooked bones can splinter and cause harm.)

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Thanksgiving Foods Dogs CAN Eat

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• Turkey (Only plain, skinless pieces to avoid excess fat.)
• Carrots (Crunchy and dog-approved!)
• Celery
• Corn (But no cob — choking hazard!)
• Sweet Potatoes (Only plain; no added sugar, marshmallows, or spices.)
• Green Beans (Again, plain and unseasoned.)
• Apples (Just make sure there are no seeds.)
• Pumpkin (Stick to plain pumpkin, not the pie mix.)

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Serving These "Dog-Safe" Thanksgiving Foods

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends a few guidelines on how to safely serve these foods:

• Skip the Ham – Even if your dog looks at you with those “pretty please” eyes, the high sodium is not worth the risk. A healthier treat is a better idea.
• Sweet Potatoes – They’re great plain, without marshmallows or other Thanksgiving extras.
• Potatoes – Only boiled or baked, and plain. No butter, sour cream, salt, or pepper.
• Green Beans – Keep them simple and unseasoned.
• Pumpkin – Make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, without added spices or sugar.

For a little more clarity on how these foods dogs can eat should be served, here's what was shared in the Instagram post, from the American Kennel Club.