A senior dog can have a few bites of plain, skinless, boneless turkey and plain veggies. See which Thanksgiving foods are safe, which are dangerous, how much is too much and what to do in an emergency.
A senior dog can have a few bites of plain Thanksgiving food: cooked, boneless, skinless turkey with no seasoning, plus plain green beans, sweet potato or pure canned pumpkin (AKC). Skip turkey skin, bones, gravy, stuffing, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol and raw yeast dough (AVMA, AKC). If your dog has had pancreatitis or eats a vet diet, ask your vet first.
Quick take: Keep all treats and table food under 10% of daily calories (AKC); our free dog weight calculator shows your dog's calories. A LickiMat Tuff Soother keeps them busy while you eat.
| Food | OK? | How to serve, or why not |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey meat | A few bites | Cooked, boneless, skinless, unseasoned |
| Turkey skin, fat, gravy | No | High fat; can trigger pancreatitis |
| Turkey bones | No | Can splinter, choke or block the gut |
| Green beans, peas | Yes | Plain, no butter, salt or cream |
| Sweet potato, potato | Yes | Plain, boiled or baked |
| Pumpkin | Yes | Pure canned pumpkin, not pie filling |
| Cranberries | A little | Plain only; sauce is sugary and may hide raisins or alcohol |
| Stuffing, mashed potatoes, casseroles | No | Onion, garlic, butter or cream |
| Grapes, raisins, onions, garlic | No | Toxic to dogs |
| Pie, chocolate, sugar-free desserts | No | Chocolate is toxic; xylitol is linked to liver failure |
| Raw bread dough | No | Painful gas and dangerous bloating |
Table sources: AKC, AVMA.
If your dog needs about 500 calories a day, extras should stay under 50 (AKC's 10% rule). Think a few bites of turkey and a spoonful of plain vegetables, not a full plate.
Call your vet if your senior dog has:
These are among the most common signs of severe pancreatitis (Merck). If your dog ate a bone, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, onions or raw dough, call your vet or an emergency clinic now. ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) and Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) can also help; a fee may apply (AVMA).
Yes, a few bites of plain, cooked, boneless, skinless turkey is fine for most healthy seniors (AKC). Skip the skin and gravy, and ask your vet first if your dog has had pancreatitis.
Not the holiday versions, which usually contain butter, cream, onion or garlic. Plain boiled potato or sweet potato is safer (AKC).
Call your vet right away. Bones can cause choking or an intestinal blockage (AVMA).
Sources: AKC, AKC treats, AKC cranberries, AVMA, Merck.
Related guides: Holiday hazards, Old dog vomiting.
Educational only, not veterinary advice. As an Amazon Associate, SILVERPAW earns from qualifying purchases.
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