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Can Dogs Eat Turkey? What’s Risky on the Holiday Table

The skin, fat, bones, gravy and many side dishes are where the trouble starts. Here’s what veterinary groups say to keep away from your dog at Thanksgiving.

By SHOP & SPOT EditorsLast reviewed Nov 9, 2026Research-based guide · 2 sources

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A dog licking its nose beside a nearly empty food bowl.

Photo: 龙 赵 on Unsplash

This guide is for dog owners hosting or attending a holiday meal who want to know what’s safe to share and what isn’t.

Big holiday meals are full of foods that are fine for people and hard on dogs. The turkey itself isn’t the main worry. The skin, fat, bones and seasoned sides are.

The quick answer

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns that table scraps, including gravy and meat or poultry fat or skin, can cause pancreatitis in pets.1 It also says bones can cause choking or a blockage.1 If your dog gets into the holiday food, call your veterinarian.

Our advice: if you want to share, ask your vet first, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach or has had pancreatitis before. Skip the skin, fat, bones and anything seasoned.

What to keep off your dog’s plate

Food Why it’s a problem
Turkey skin, fat and gravy The AVMA says fatty scraps can cause pancreatitis1
Bones Choking or intestinal blockage, per the AVMA1
Onions, garlic and chives The ASPCA says they can damage red blood cells and cause anemia2
Grapes and raisins The ASPCA says they can cause kidney damage in dogs2
Raw yeast dough The ASPCA warns it can rise in the stomach and become a life-threatening emergency2
Chocolate and desserts with xylitol The AVMA says chocolate is toxic to dogs and xylitol has been linked to liver failure in dogs1

Stuffing often contains onions or garlic, and many pies and baked goods contain raisins or chocolate, so treat sides and desserts as off-limits too.

Watch the trash and the carcass

The AVMA advises keeping meat carcasses and trash out of pets’ reach.1 Our advice: take the bagged carcass straight outside to a lidded bin, and ask guests not to slip food under the table.

When to call the vet

The AVMA says to call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency clinic immediately if your pet shows sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea.1 It lists two poison hotlines: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) and the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661), and notes that a fee may apply.1

Holiday checklist

  • No skin, fat, gravy or bones for the dog.
  • Keep stuffing, raisins, chocolate and dough out of reach.
  • Carcass and trash straight to a closed bin.
  • Save your vet’s number and a poison hotline in your phone.

Sources & method

How we researched this

  • This is a research-based guide, not a hands-on product test.
  • Every measurement and safety figure is attributed to the source it comes from. Where we give our own advice, we say so.
  • We don’t rank or recommend specific products in this guide.

Sources

  1. Winter holiday pet safety, American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed Nov 9, 2026.
  2. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, ASPCA. Accessed Nov 9, 2026.

Review history

  • Published Nov 9, 2026.