Thanksgiving dog dangers: turkey bones, stuffing & desserts

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest weeks of the year for dogs getting into food: unattended turkey carcasses, trash bags full of bones, stuffing with onions, and desserts on low tables. Use this list to jump to the right PawPanic page, or open the triage calculator with your dog's weight.

Not veterinary advice. Every linked page cites at least two authoritative sources (ASPCA, Merck Veterinary Manual, Pet Poison Helpline, VCA, and similar). When sources disagree, we use the more cautious rating.

Thanksgiving foods to keep away from dogs

• Cooked bones (chicken, rib, ham) YELLOW — Turkey and ham bones splinter and can block or tear the gut — call your vet.
• Fatty foods / grease / bacon / fat trimmings YELLOW — Turkey skin, drippings, gravy and fat trimmings can trigger pancreatitis.
• Onion (raw, cooked, powder) DOSE — Onions in stuffing, gravy and casseroles damage red blood cells — dose matters, check the calculator.
• Garlic DOSE — More potent than onion; watch garlic bread, mashed potatoes and seasonings.
• Leeks, chives & scallions YELLOW — Same onion-family toxin — often in stuffing and side dishes.
• Grapes RED — Grapes on cheese boards: any amount can risk kidney injury.
• Raisins / sultanas RED — Raisins in stuffing, breads and desserts — same emergency as grapes.
• Raw yeast bread dough RED — Raw yeast dough for rolls expands in the stomach and ferments to alcohol — emergency.
• Baker's yeast YELLOW — Baker's yeast produces gas and alcohol in the stomach.
• Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor) RED — Wine, beer and cocktails left within reach — dogs are far more sensitive than people.
• Xylitol (sugar-free gum/candy/peanut butter) RED — Sugar-free pies, desserts and some peanut butters — any amount is an emergency.
• Sugar-free baked goods, gummies & vitamins RED — Sugar-free baked goods often contain xylitol; check the label.
• Macadamia nuts DOSE — Common in cookies and nut mixes; causes weakness and fever — check the calculator.
• Nutmeg (large amounts) YELLOW — Large amounts of nutmeg (not a pinch in pie) can cause disorientation.
• Corn on the cob YELLOW — Corn cobs are a classic blockage that often needs surgery.
• Plastic bags, wrappers & foil YELLOW — Turkey string, foil and wrappers soaked in drippings can cause a blockage.
• Plain pumpkin GREEN — Plain cooked pumpkin is usually fine — pie filling with spices and sugar is different.
• Cooked sweet potato GREEN — Plain cooked sweet potato is usually fine; skip marshmallow and butter toppings.

Quick FAQ

Can my dog eat turkey?

Small amounts of plain, boneless, skinless cooked turkey are usually tolerated, but skin, fat, gravy, seasoning and bones cause many holiday vet visits. See cooked bones and fatty foods.

My dog ate stuffing. Is that dangerous?

It depends on the ingredients. Stuffing often contains onion, garlic or leeks, and sometimes raisins (an emergency in any amount). Check the recipe and use the calculator for onion and garlic amounts.

Who should I call?

ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (24/7; fees may apply), or your nearest emergency vet.

Browse all 266 items → · Halloween dog dangers · Get seasonal alerts