The AVMA, the national professional group for veterinarians, has a short list of Thanksgiving foods that should stay off a pet’s plate, and it runs from turkey bones to raw yeast dough. Its holiday pet safety page names 8 foods to keep away from dogs and cats, along with one item that is generally fine in small amounts: plain, boneless, skinless turkey.
With Thanksgiving falling on Nov. 26, 2026, the guidance lands as hosts start planning menus. The list, backed by advice from the ASPCA and the FDA, covers what to keep off the counter and what to do if a pet gets into something anyway.
.jpg?width=1600)
Turkey Bones, Skin and Fatty Trimmings
1. Poultry bones. Poultry bones can injure a pet’s insides and cause choking or an intestinal blockage, according to the AVMA’s Thanksgiving pet safety page. The AVMA advises putting the carcass, bones and related scraps in a tightly secured trash bag, kept in a closed container outdoors or behind a closed door.
The same goes for scraps headed down the drain; a list of things never to put in a garbage disposal before Thanksgiving cooking is a reminder that bones and fat need a sealed bag, not the sink.
2. Fatty foods. Gravy, sauces, dressing and turkey fat or skin are hard on animals, the AVMA says, and even a small amount can cause pancreatitis. The ASPCA’s Thanksgiving safety tips add that any turkey shared with a pet should be boneless and fully cooked.
Onions, Grapes, Raisins and Chocolate
3. Onions. The AVMA lists onions among the foods that are poisonous to pets. The ASPCA notes that onions and garlic are common in Thanksgiving dishes and can be toxic to pets. That makes stuffing, green bean casserole and gravy made with onion all worth keeping out of reach.
4. Raisins and grapes. Raisins and grapes are also on the AVMA’s poisonous list. Raisins turn up in breads, stuffing and fruit salads on holiday tables, so leftover plates need watching.
Homes full of visitors and pets also tend to need extra cleanup before guests arrive, and a comparison of vacuums for getting a house guest-ready covers the pet-hair side of hosting.
5. Chocolate. “Chocolate can be harmful for pets,” the AVMA says, noting that dogs often seek it out. The ASPCA says chocolate can cause vomiting, tremors and seizures in pets. Dessert trays and holiday candy dishes should sit well above nose level.
Guests often bring gifts for the household’s animals, and a holiday gift guide for cat people is a better place to find something for a pet than the dessert table.
Sugar-Free Baking and Raw Dough
6. Xylitol. This sweetener shows up in sugar-free gum and sugar-free baked goods, and the AVMA says it “also can be deadly if consumed by dogs or cats.” The FDA’s consumer update on xylitol says dogs absorb it quickly and that it can become life-threatening for them; the agency adds that it does not seem to be as dangerous for cats, which tend to dislike sweets. The FDA lists sugar-free gum, mints, baked goods, toothpaste, mouthwash and certain nut butters as products that can contain it.
Families who travel with a dog for the holiday can plan ahead using tips for surviving road trips with a dog; the AVMA also recommends a secure harness or carrier in the car and current identification on every pet.
For owners who make a habit of a quick goodbye to their pets before leaving the house, the AVMA has another holiday reminder: watch doors closely as guests come and go, since pets can slip outside in the bustle.
7. Uncooked yeast dough. “Uncooked, yeast-based bread dough can cause problems for pets, including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating,” the AVMA says. Dinner rolls left to rise on a counter are an easy target for a curious dog. Bakers proofing dough on Thanksgiving morning can set it in a closed oven, with the oven off, or in a room the pet cannot enter.
Pies, and the One Turkey Exception
8. Pumpkin and other pies. The AVMA says small pieces of plain pumpkin can be a fine snack for pets, but pumpkin pie may contain ingredients that are harmful to them. Its advice is to save pumpkin and other pies for people.
The exception on the list is the turkey itself. According to the AVMA, “plain, boneless, and skinless turkey is generally safe for pets in small portions.” Anyone who wants to share something special can buy or make a snack designed for pets, the AVMA suggests, rather than passing food from the table.
Food is not the only hazard on a holiday table. The AVMA lists amaryllis, baby’s breath, sweet William, certain ferns and hydrangeas as toxic to pets, and says corn cobs, pine cones and gourds used as decorations can cause choking or blockages. Its safest advice is to keep pets away from all plants and table decorations.
What to Do if a Pet Eats Something Harmful
The AVMA says to call a veterinarian or a local emergency veterinary clinic right away if a pet eats something it should not. Warning signs it lists include sudden behavior changes, depression, pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
Two hotlines are also available. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at 888-426-4435, and the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661; the AVMA notes that a fee may apply. For xylitol, the FDA advises getting the dog to a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately, since serious effects can take 12 to 24 hours to appear.
This article was produced with AI assistance and edited for accuracy against the sources linked above.
Image: Ildar Sagdejev (Specious) – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons
