Thanksgiving has arrived, and alongside family gatherings and festive meals, many pet owners may find their furry companions eagerly eyeing the dinner table. While it can be hard to resist those pleading looks from our pets, it’s crucial to remember that not all Thanksgiving dishes are safe for them.

It’s well-known that dogs and cats can be persistent beggars when it comes to human food. However, pet owners must be cautious, as several traditional Thanksgiving foods can pose serious health risks to animals. Some ingredients can even be toxic.

Generally, it’s wise to avoid feeding pets items like skin, bones, sauces, dressings, animal fats, and desserts. For instance, the artificial sweetener xylitol, commonly found in many desserts, is particularly dangerous for dogs and cats. Even if certain foods are deemed safe, the American Veterinary Medical Association advises keeping portions small.

For those who find it tough to resist their pets’ charming tactics, here’s a guide on what can and cannot be shared with your pets during Thanksgiving. This information is based on insights from Daily Paws, featuring advice from Dr. Michelle Lugones of the Best Friends Animal Society in New York, and Dr. Renee Rucinsky, owner of the Mid Atlantic Cat Hospital and Feline Thyroid Center.

FOR DOGS:

Safe to Eat (without butter, salt and other seasonings):

• Plain Sweet Potatoes
• Plain Potatoes
• Apples
• Turkey meat (no bones or skin)
• Green beans
• Peas
• Pumpkin
• Corn (no cob)

Unsafe to Eat:

• Turkey bones, skin, and gravy
• Stuffing
• Casseroles
• Butter, sour cream, salt, or pepper
• Mashed Potatoes
• Creamed peas
• Chocolate, cookies, pies, and sweets
• Alcoholic beverages
• Raisins and grapes
• Onions, scallions, and garlic
• Ham
• Yeast dough
• Fatty foods
• Foods containing spices, Sage, Nutmeg

CATS:

Safe to Eat (no seasoning, sauces or sweeteners):

• Turkey (unseasoned)
• Ham (unseasoned)
• Potatoes (cooked, plain)
• Cranberries
• Green beans
• Corn (cooked, no cobs)
• Pumpkin (cooked or canned)
• Peas
• Whipped cream

Unsafe to Eat:

• Turkey skin, bones, drippings
• Stuffing
• Garlic
• Onion
• Nuts
• Sage
• Nutmeg
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Mushrooms
• Bread Dough
• Butter
• Alcohol

Amid the festivities and chaos of the holiday, it might be impossible to monitor your pet for the entire evening. In the event that they do consume an unhealthy table scrap, you can call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.

May everyone have a safe and Happy Holiday!