Foods Dogs Shouldn’t Eat on Thanksgiving

Autumn has arrived: cooler air, colorful leaves, pumpkin flavors everywhere—and Thanksgiving preparations are underway. Many of us enjoy sharing holiday meals with family, and our dogs often love the food and excitement as much as we do. As a small animal veterinarian, I see a rise in emergency visits around this time caused by pets eating human foods that can make them sick. Below is a clear guide to common Thanksgiving foods that are dangerous for dogs, the signs to watch for, and what to do if your dog eats something questionable.

1. Onions, Garlic, Chives

Onions, garlic, and chives are staples in many holiday recipes. These ingredients can cause hemolytic anemia in pets by damaging red blood cells. Cats are more sensitive, but dogs are also at risk. Signs include weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, and dark-colored urine. Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) can also occur. Diagnosis is usually based on the history of ingestion, clinical signs, and bloodwork.

2. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney injury in dogs; the specific toxic agent is unknown. Because of the risk of kidney failure, avoid giving grapes or raisins—intentionally or accidentally—and keep baked goods or fruit trays out of reach.

3. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts, sometimes found in cookies or desserts, can cause neurologic signs in dogs: weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and elevated body temperature. Symptoms often appear within 12 hours and can last one to two days. If you suspect ingestion, contact your veterinarian for guidance.

4. Other Nuts (Almonds, Pecans, Walnuts)

Nuts like almonds, pecans, and walnuts are high in fats and oils. Eating large amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases pancreatitis—a painful and potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas. Keep baked goods containing nuts away from pets and table-snacking to a minimum.

5. Milk and Dairy

Many holiday dishes include milk, cream, or cheese, but dogs and cats often have low levels of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. Dairy can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in lactose-intolerant pets. Moderation or choosing pet-safe alternatives is best.

6. Salt and Salty Snack Foods

Pretzels, chips, and other salty snacks are common during football and holiday gatherings. Excessive salt intake can lead to increased thirst and urination, and in severe cases, sodium-ion poisoning. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even collapse. Avoid offering salty snacks to your dog.

7. Alcohol

Alcohol is highly dangerous to pets. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, coordination problems, central nervous system depression, breathing difficulties, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma, or death. Alcohol exposures are often accidental—keep drinks and foods containing alcohol well out of reach and contact your veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.

8. Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate have higher concentrations and are more dangerous than milk chocolate; white chocolate contains very little theobromine but still has fat and sugar. Symptoms of chocolate or caffeine toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle tremors, excessive panting, increased heart rate, and abnormal heart rhythms. If your pet eats chocolate, note the type and amount and call your veterinarian.

9. Raw or Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones

Raw meat and eggs can carry bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli that may make pets—and people—sick. Cooked bones and raw bones both pose hazards: bones can splinter and cause choking, blockages, or perforations in the digestive tract. Keep raw or bone-containing leftovers away from pets.

10. Yeast Dough

Raw yeast dough can expand in the stomach, producing gas and causing painful bloating that can progress to a life-threatening twist of the stomach. As yeast ferments, it also produces alcohol, which can further intoxicate a dog. Avoid leaving bread dough within reach and seek veterinary care if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your dog eats something they shouldn’t:

Stay calm and remove any remaining access to the food.
Note what, how much, and when the pet ingested it; packaging can be helpful for identification.
Watch for clinical signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, excessive drinking, or changes in behavior.
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic promptly for advice—some cases require immediate treatment.

There’s no need for pets to feel left out—just be mindful about what you share. Keep table foods that pose a risk out of reach and have pet-safe treats available so your dog can enjoy the holiday without danger. I recommend preparing in advance and assigning someone to watch for curious pets during busy moments in the kitchen.

I hope this guide helps you keep your pet safe this Thanksgiving. My goal is to prevent unnecessary trips to the veterinarian so you can spend the holiday enjoying family and furry friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

Originally published on my blog Forever Freckled.