Thanksgiving Foods Your Dog Can (and Can't) Have: A Guide for Arlington Dog Owners
By Canine Cardio · November 12, 2026
Thanksgiving is one of the best days of the year to be a dog. The kitchen smells amazing, there are new people to greet, and someone is always dropping something. It's also one of the busiest days of the year for emergency vets.
The good news: a little planning keeps the day fun for everyone. Here's what's okay to share, what to keep away, and what to do if your dog gets into something.
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Safe in small amounts
A few bites of plain food are fine for most healthy dogs. "Plain" is the key word. No butter, gravy, garlic, onion or heavy seasoning.
Plain turkey meat (white meat, no skin, no bones)
Plain green beans
Plain sweet potato or pumpkin (not pie filling, which has sugar and spices)
Plain carrots
A few apple slices (no core or seeds)
Keep it to a small handful. A big, rich meal is a common cause of upset stomachs and pancreatitis, even when every item on the plate is "safe."
Keep these away from your dog
Turkey bones and skin. Cooked bones splinter. Skin is very fatty.
Stuffing. It usually has onions, garlic and herbs that can make dogs sick.
Gravy and butter-heavy sides. Too much fat for a dog's stomach.
Onions, garlic, leeks and chives. Harmful to dogs, cooked or raw.
Grapes and raisins. Even small amounts can cause kidney damage.
Chocolate and desserts. Chocolate is toxic, and many baked goods and sugar-free treats contain xylitol, which is very dangerous for dogs.
Raw dough. It can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol.
Alcohol. Even a little is too much for a dog.
Watch the trash and the counters
Most holiday food accidents happen when nobody is looking. The turkey carcass in the trash, a plate left on the coffee table, a guest sneaking scraps under the table.
A few simple habits help:
Take the trash out right after dinner, or use a can with a locking lid.
Ask guests not to feed your dog, and tell kids why.
Give your dog their own "Thanksgiving" with a food puzzle or a stuffed chew in a quiet room during the meal.
What to do if your dog eats something they shouldn't
Stay calm and act quickly:
Call your vet or an emergency animal hospital right away. Know where your nearest 24-hour emergency vet is before the holiday.
You can also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. A fee may apply.
Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Bring the packaging or a photo of what your dog ate.
Signs that mean you should call even if you're not sure: vomiting, diarrhea, a swollen or tight belly, restlessness, weakness, shaking, or not wanting to eat.
A tired dog is a well-behaved guest
Dogs with energy to burn are much more likely to counter-surf and beg. A good workout the day before, or a daycare day during the week, makes for a calmer dog when the house fills up.
If you're traveling for the holiday, our boarding gives your dog exercise, play and care while you're away. And if you're hosting, daycare earlier in the week is a great way to start the holiday with a happy, tired dog.
From all of us at Canine Cardio: Happy Thanksgiving!