A Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving: How to Include Your Pup in the Holiday Meal

By: Duke's Delights

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, our furry companions. As you prepare to gather around the table and indulge in a delicious feast, don't forget to include your beloved pup in the festivities. At Duke's Delights, we believe that our four-legged friends deserve to be part of the holiday celebrations, too.

high angle view of golden retriever near family holding glasses of white wine during thanksgiving dinner

Dog-Safe Thanksgiving Foods to Share

As you're preparing the main course, be mindful of the ingredients that are safe for your dog to enjoy. Cooked turkey (without bones, skin or seasoning), plain mashed sweet potatoes, and green beans (cut into small, manageable pieces) are all great options. Just be sure to avoid any dishes that contain onions, garlic, butter, or heavy seasoning, which can be harmful to dogs. You can even get creative and whip up a special "doggy plate" with a very small portion of these safe, human-friendly dishes!

Outdoor Thanksgiving picnic with friends, their dogs enjoying pet-safe turkey and sweet potatoes amidst autumn scenery

Post-Meal Activities to Include Your Pup

After the big feast, don’t forget to include your pup in the post-meal activities. Take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood or play a game of fetch in the backyard. This is a great way to bond with your furry friend and burn off some of that Thanksgiving energy together.

Dog plays happily in colorful autumn leaves.

A Thanksgiving to Remember with Your Best Friend

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the love and companionship we share with our pets. So, this year, don't just make it a human-centric holiday – include your pup in the festivities and create lasting memories together. After all, what's Thanksgiving without your best friend by your side?

Tips for a Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving

Serve Safe, Doggy-Approved Dishes: Let your pup in on the feast with plain, human-friendly foods like cooked turkey (no bones, skin or seasoning), plain mashed sweet potatoes, and green beans (cut into small, manageable pieces).
Skip the Seasonings for the pups serving: Keep onions, garlic, and other harmful ingredients out of their reach – dogs aren’t fans of “gourmet” flavors anyway.
Plan a Post-Meal Playtime: After the feast, take your pup for a walk or a game of fetch to help burn off that Thanksgiving excitement.
Teach Guests the Dog Etiquette Basics: Make sure your guests know how to interact respectfully with your furry friend – tails are not tug toys!
Avoid Turkey bones, butter, onions, garlic, raw dough, raisins, and chocolate.
Serve a Special Thanksgiving Treat: And, of course, how could I not recommend setting up your pup with a special treat - Duke's Delights treats. They’ve earned a front-row seat at this Thanksgiving!