🦃 Thanksgiving Foods You Should Not Feed Your Pets This Holiday

Giving Thanks, cute gerbil.

(And a Heartfelt Message of Gratitude from West Metro Pet Care)

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious food — but for our pets, it can also be a time of unexpected danger. With kitchens buzzing and tables full of tempting treats, it’s easy for a curious dog or cat to sneak a bite of something they shouldn’t.

To help keep pets across Waconia, Carver County, and the West Metro safe this holiday, here are the top Thanksgiving foods to avoid — plus some safe alternatives they can enjoy!

❌ Foods Pets Should Avoid This Thanksgiving

1. Turkey Skin & Fatty Pieces

While plain, cooked turkey breast is okay in small amounts, turkey skin, fat, and dark meat can cause pancreatitis — a dangerous and painful condition.

2. Stuffing

Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, butter, herbs, and seasonings — all harmful to pets, especially onions and garlic which can damage red blood cells.

3. Bones (Turkey, Ham, or Any Cooked Bones)

Cooked bones splinter easily and can cause choking, punctures, or life-threatening internal injuries.

4. Mashed Potatoes with Butter, Cream, or Garlic

Plain potatoes are safe — but Thanksgiving mashed potatoes usually contain garlic, chives, sour cream, and butter, which can upset your pet’s stomach or worse.

5. Gravy

Gravy is high in fat and often contains onion or garlic. Even a small amount can trigger digestive issues or pancreatitis.

6. Candied Yams / Sweet Potato Casserole

Marshmallows and sugary toppings are a no-go. Xylitol (found in some marshmallows) is extremely toxic to dogs.

7. Green Bean Casserole

The casserole version contains fried onions and creamy soup mixes — both unsafe for pets.

8. Bread Dough (Unbaked)

Raw dough can rise inside your pet’s stomach, leading to bloat and alcohol poisoning from the yeast.

9. Desserts — Especially Anything with Chocolate, Nuts, or Xylitol

Chocolate, macadamia nuts, raisins, and artificial sweeteners are among the most dangerous toxins for pets.

10. Alcohol

Even a small amount can cause rapid respiratory or neurological issues.

✔️ Safe Thanksgiving Treats for Pets

If you want your pet to join in the feast, here are some safe options — in moderation:

• Plain turkey breast (no skin, no spices)

• Steamed green beans

• Plain sweet potato

• Plain pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)

• Carrots or apples (NO seeds)

These can make a fun “pet plate” so they feel included without risk.

💜 A Thanksgiving Message of Gratitude From West Metro Pet Care

As we pause to celebrate Thanksgiving, our hearts are full.

This year has brought growth, challenges, and so many moments of joy with the animals we’re honored to care for. Whether we’re walking your pups, doing drop-ins, caring for your cats, helping your senior pets, or supporting your family during surgery recovery — you invite us into your homes and trust us with your furry loved ones.

From the bottom of our hearts:

Thank you for choosing West Metro Pet Care.

Thank you for your trust.

Thank you for your referrals.

Thank you for sharing your pets’ personalities, quirks, and stories with us.

Thank you for making us a part of your lives here in Waconia and the surrounding West Metro communities.

We are truly, deeply grateful.

As you gather with friends, family, and pets this Thanksgiving, we wish you a season filled with peace, warmth, and gratitude.

And if you need us during the holidays — we’re here. 💜🐾

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