Sorry, Buddy—Not For You: Thanksgiving Scraps Your Pets Should Absolutely Avoid
The day after Thanksgiving is basically a nationwide nap-a-thon. Humans are drifting around in stretchy pants, plants are quietly photosynthesizing like they didn’t just witness culinary warfare, and every pet in America has entered their annual “Leftover Heist” era.
And while our fur-babies act like they’re auditioning for Oceans Eleven: The Turkey Caper, not every scrap from yesterday’s feast is safe for them to steal. So before your dog makes eye contact with the wishbone like it’s Excalibur, here’s your friendly holiday PSA from the WhiskerSprig crew.
🚫 1. Turkey Bones (Especially Cooked Ones)
Your dog: “A bone! A treasure! A destiny!”
Reality: splinter city.
Cooked poultry bones break into sharp shards that can cause choking, internal punctures, and vet bills that make you reconsider every life decision.
Hard pass.
🚫 2. Turkey Skin & Greasy Bits
Look, we know the crispy edges slap. But pets’ digestive systems do not appreciate that rich, buttery goodness. High-fat scraps can trigger pancreatitis—aka the “why is my dog walking like a sad loaf of bread” emergency.
🚫 3. Stuffing (aka a Festival of Toxic Ingredients)
Stuffing is delicious because it contains: garlic, onions, butter, salt, and oils.
Stuffing is dangerous because it contains: garlic, onions, butter, salt, and oils.
Your cat does not need a tiny, seasoned carb pillow.
(Sorry, Pumpkin.)
🚫 4. Mashed Potatoes (If They’re Loaded)
Plain potatoes? Mostly fine.
Your grandma’s holiday masterpiece? A lactose-and-sodium landmine.
If it’s got butter, heavy cream, sour cream, garlic, onions, chives, or seasoning blends that sound like a pirate curse—skip it.
🚫 5. Ham & Fat Trimmings
Ham is basically a salt lick with ambition. Combined with greasy fat trimmings, it’s a big nope for tummies and pancreases everywhere.
Your dog thinks it’s the taste of victory. Their vet disagrees.
🚫 6. Mac & Cheese
Dairy overload + pet digestion = the soundtrack of regret.
(Also, many cats are lactose intolerant, which is ironic but true.)
🚫 7. Bread Dough or Extra Yeast Rolls
Unbaked dough expands inside the stomach—think “yeast balloon.”
Baked rolls in excess can still cause bloating and discomfort.
This is one heist you definitely don’t want them to pull off.
🚫 8. Chocolate Desserts & Pumpkin Pie
Chocolate is toxic, full stop.
Pumpkin pie? Tons of sugar and spices that pets can’t handle.
Your dog may attempt the classic “if I just lick it once that doesn’t count” move. It counts.
🚫 9. Anything Sugar-Free (Xylitol Alert!)
If you see the word sugar-free, assume danger.
Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure—it's bad news in tiny amounts. Not worth the risk.
🚫 10. Alcohol (Even the Boozy Desserts)
Just… no.
Your pets are already chaotic enough sober.
They do not need a festive rum glaze.
✅ So What Can They Munch On?
If you want your pets to feel included without, you know, risking an ER visit, try these safe, simple nibbles:
- Plain turkey meat (no skin, no seasonings)
- A spoonful of pure pumpkin purée
- Plain sweet potato
- Steamed green beans
- A couple carrot slices
- Their regular treats (keep the holiday portion sizes humble)
Basically: anything unseasoned, boring, and not the good stuff. Pets love it anyway. Bless ’em.
🌿 Final Thought: Keep the Fun, Skip the Vet Bill
Thanksgiving leftovers are sacred, chaotic, and somehow always better on day two. But the safest place for most scraps is your plate—not your pet’s mouth.
Snuggle your critters, enjoy your reheated feast, and keep an eye on those furry thieves plotting in the kitchen doorway.
What’s the most dramatic Thanksgiving food your pet has ever tried to steal?
Drop the story in the comments so we can all laugh, cry, and collectively say, “Yep, that tracks.” 💚🐾🌿