Thanksgiving in Central Indiana is a time for cozy kitchens, family gathered around the table, football playing in the background, and dogs sitting right beside us hoping for a bite of turkey. But can dogs eat Thanksgiving food?
If you’re a pet parent in Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, McCordsville, Fortville, Greenfield, or Westfield, you know our dogs are part of the family — especially during the holidays.
But before you slip your pup a little taste from your plate, it’s important to ask:
Can dogs eat Thanksgiving food safely?
The short answer: Yes — but only certain foods, and in moderation.
Let’s break down what your dog can enjoy, what to avoid, and some safer, dog-friendly ways to include your pup in the holiday feast.
🦃 Can Dogs Eat Thanksgiving Turkey?
Lean, plain turkey is one of the safest Thanksgiving options for pups.
✅ Safe
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Plain, baked, or roasted turkey breast
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Skinless, boneless pieces
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No butter, garlic, onions, or heavy seasoning
🚫 Avoid
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Turkey skin (too fatty)
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Turkey bones (they splinter — major choking hazard!)
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Gravy-covered pieces
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Stuffing-seasoned meat
Tip: If you’re in Hamilton County or Hancock County and ordering locally farm-fresh turkeys, carve your dog a small section before seasoning.
A few clean pieces of white meat = festive AND safe!
🍠 Can Dogs Eat Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes & Casseroles?
✅ Safe
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Plain mashed potatoes
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Plain cooked sweet potatoes
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Steamed or roasted (no seasoning)
🚫 Avoid
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Butter, milk, heavy cream
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Marshmallow-topped sweet potato casseroles
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Sweet potatoes with brown sugar
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Loaded mashed potatoes with cheese or bacon
Why? Too much dairy and sugar can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.
If you’re hosting in Carmel or Noblesville, set aside a spoonful of plain potatoes before mixing in seasoning and toppings.
🥕 Dog-Safe Thanksgiving Vegetables
Veggies can be a healthy holiday treat!
✅ Safe Vegetables
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Carrots
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Green beans (plain)
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Pumpkin puree
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Peas
🚫 Avoid
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Green bean casserole (cream + fried onions = no good)
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Canned pumpkin pie mix (too much sugar/spices)
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Corn casserole or creamed corn
Pro Tip: Many local veterinarians in Fishers and Westfield recommend plain pumpkin to help digestion — a spoonful can settle even sensitive tummies!
🍞 Bread, Rolls, and Stuffing
✅ Safe (small amount)
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Plain bread or rolls
🚫 Avoid
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Butter-soaked rolls
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Stuffing (contains onions, garlic, spices)
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Unbaked dough (dangerous fermentation in stomach)
If you’re enjoying bread from a Hamilton Town Center bakery — your dog can have a tiny plain piece. But stuffing? Absolutely not.
🧀 Dairy-Heavy Dishes
Many Thanksgiving favorites are covered in cheese or cream.
🚫 Avoid giving dogs:
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Mac and cheese
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Au gratin potatoes
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Creamy casseroles
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Whipped cream (a lick or two is fine — but avoid sugar-free!)
Important:
No sugar-free or “diet” desserts — xylitol is deadly for dogs.
Always check ingredient labels while prepping in your Indy or McCordsville kitchen.
🥧 Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Pie? What About Other Desserts?
✅ Safe
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Plain canned pumpkin
-
Homemade dog-safe pumpkin treats
🚫 Avoid
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Pumpkin pie
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Apple pie
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Chocolate desserts
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Sugar-free whipped toppings
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Anything with nutmeg
Nutmeg contains myristicin, which is toxic for dogs.
If you want them to have a sweet moment, Trader Joe’s in Castleton and local pet bakeries in Carmel sell dog-safe holiday treats — or you can make them (recipe below!).
🧄 Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs on Thanksgiving
Certain ingredients used in holiday dishes are extremely dangerous:
🚫 Keep away from your pup:
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Onions
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Garlic
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Chives
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Leeks
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Raisins
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Grapes
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Walnuts + Macadamia nuts
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Chocolate
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Alcohol
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Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
Even small amounts can cause kidney failure, anemia, or poisoning.
Got guests from out-of-town staying in your Westfield or Greenfield home? Remind them not to feed scraps to the dog!
🍗 Thanksgiving Drinks & Dog Safety
Even though it sounds obvious — dogs should never drink:
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Alcohol
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Eggnog
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Hot cocoa
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Cider/spiced drinks
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Coffee
Stick to water (maybe with a festive new dog bowl from Hollywood Feed in Fishers 😉).
🧊 Set Your Dog Up for Success on Thanksgiving
With guests, noise, and delicious smells, holidays can be overwhelming.
Tips for a calm holiday:
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Give your dog a designated cozy spot
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Use enrichment toys (LickiMat, Kong)
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Give a frozen bone broth cube for enrichment
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Schedule a walk around Fortville or Ritchey Woods pre-meal
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Let kids know not to feed the dog scraps
A calm dog = a peaceful holiday for everyone.
👩🍳 Easy Dog-Safe Thanksgiving Treat Recipe
Mini Turkey & Pumpkin Dog Bites
Ingredients
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1 cup shredded plain turkey breast
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1/2 cup pumpkin puree
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1 egg
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1/2 cup oats
Directions
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Mix all ingredients
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Spoon into mini muffin tin
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Bake at 350º for 12–15 minutes
Serve cooled. Tail wags guaranteed! 🐾
🚫 Signs Your Dog Ate Something Dangerous
If your dog sneaks pie or stuffing from the table — watch for:
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Restlessness or whining
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Bloated stomach
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Tremors
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Drooling
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Weakness
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Rapid heartbeat
If symptoms appear, contact:
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IndyVet Emergency Hospital (Indianapolis)
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VCA Advanced Care Animal Hospital (Fishers)
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Noblesville Veterinary Clinic
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Hancock Veterinary Clinic (Greenfield)
Better safe than sorry during the holidays.
🎉 How to Include Your Furry Friend Without Worrying Can Dogs Eat Thanksgiving Food
Instead of scraps, try:
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A festive bandana
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A walk at Flat Fork Creek Park or Cool Creek Park
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A new chew or toy from a local pet store
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A safe dog-friendly “turkey bowl”
🐶 Dog Turkey Bowl Idea
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Turkey breast pieces
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Spoon of pumpkin
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Green beans
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Carrots
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A few oats
Looks festive — keeps them safe.
🏡 The Holiday Poop Reminder (Yep — We Said It!)
After that special dog-safe feast… nature calls. 😅
If you’re busy hosting in Fishers, Carmel, Westfield, Anderson, Noblesville, Greenfield, McCordsville, or Pendleton, remember:
Holiday guests + dog poop in the yard = a stinky combo.
That’s where Speedy Scoop comes in.
Whether you need:
✅ One-time holiday cleanup
✅ Weekly or bi-weekly scooping
✅ Commercial/HOA pet waste services
✅ Sanitizing for your yard
We’ve got your yard covered — literally and figuratively.
Clean yard, happy guests, happy pup. ✅
🐾 Final Answer: Can Dogs Eat Thanksgiving Food?
Yes — but only select foods, and always plain.
Focus on:
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Plain turkey
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Plain sweet potatoes
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Plain veggies
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Pumpkin
Avoid:
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Seasonings
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Sugary dishes
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Creamy foods
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Bones
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Onions + garlic
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Desserts
-
Anything artificially sweetened
Treat your dog safely, and you’ll both enjoy a festive, stress-free Thanksgiving in Central Indiana.
When doodycalls and you need a speedy scooper, your pets do their business and Speedy Scoop handles the rest—reliably, efficiently, and with a smile. If your yard needs cleaned, scoop the poop, or make a poop 911 call to the pros and get a pet butler or turd burglar for your lawn. Let’s keep Central Indiana clean, one yard at a time.
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