Dog Safe Thanksgiving Foods & Holiday Boarding at Houston Bark Park

Ahead of Thanksgiving, we're tackling one of the most googled questions during the holiday: "Can my dog eat this?". At Houston Bark Park and Daycare, we want to help you enjoy a happy and safe holiday! If you’re not taking advantage of our boarding services this year and your pup is joining the festivities at home with all that delicious temptation, keep reading! Knowing the difference between a safe holiday snack and a toxic disaster is crucial.

🐶 🦃 What Thanksgiving Foods Are Safe for Dogs?

Many common Thanksgiving dishes are delicious for humans but dangerous for dogs. Whether your pup is home with you or staying with us, here’s a quick reference list:

✅ Safe Thanksgiving Foods for Dogs:

• Plain turkey (no skin or bones) – Just avoid too many spices.

• Plain sweet potatoes – Who doesn't love sweet potatoes? They're rich in fiber and a crowd favorite at Houston Bark Park and Daycare!

• Green beans – Crunchy, healthy, and dog safe. While pickier dogs may not like them raw, steamed green beans should be a hit.

• Pumpkin puree (plain, not pie filling) – A tasty and natural digestive aid.

  Tip: Add the puree to an enrichment-based toy like kongs or topples.

• Carrots and apples (seedless) – These two pack maximum crunch!

If you'd still love to treat your pup to a special Thanksgiving indulgence while they are boarding with us, we offer tasty evening snacks at Houston Bark Park and Daycare! We love rotating our snacks monthly to keep the pups interested and mentally stimulated. This November, we are celebrating the season with our frozen Pumpkin Pie Themed Kongs! It’s the perfect way to cap off their day of play!

❌ Foods Dogs Should Avoid:

• Bones - Ham and turkey bones are unsafe for a few reasons. They pose a choking risk, and can also splinter once digestive and cause internal damage.

• Stuffing and casseroles – Onions, garlic, and seasonings can be toxic.

• Gravy and buttery side dishes – Too fatty for dog stomachs and can provide a risk of pancreatitis.

• Chocolate, grapes, and raisins – These sweets are off limits as they are highly toxic.

• Alcohol and caffeine – While they may be family favorites (at least in our family 😅), these are never safe for pets.

  
  

  

Fatty Foods and Pancreatitis

Did you know that one of the most common causes of emergency veterinary visits during the holidays is Pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, and it is directly linked to dogs eating suddenly high-fat foods, aka the tastiest kind.

The pancreas becomes exacerbated trying to process richness commonly found in fatty foods (think: turkey skin, gravy, bacon, butter, or excessive table scraps), causing its digestive enzymes to activate too early and start damaging the organ itself.

The takeaway: If your dog managed to treat themselves to some fatty foods, contact a veterinarian and/or animal poison control for guidance.

Desserts & Xylitol

Xylitol (often labeled as Birch Sugar or a "natural" sweetener) is an artificial sugar substitute that is highly toxic and life-threatening to dogs. Even small amounts can be fatal.

During the holidays, Xylitol can lurk in unexpected places:

• Sugar-Free Baked Goods: Cookies, brownies, or pies made for diabetic guests.

• Gum & Mints: Often found in purses for nosy dogs

  
  

The takeaway: If you are unsure if a product contains Xylitol, do not let your dog near it. If you suspect ingestion, proceed to an emergency vet clinic and call a pet poison control center immediately!

What to do if you feel your pup has ingested toxic substances (food or otherwise).

If you feel your pet is in immediate danger, the first thing to do is identify the closest emergency vet closest to you and head that way.

Immediately following, call animal poison control and provide them with important info like your dog's size, age, and quantity of the ingested material. There is a fee, but they are the experts, and the information they provide you (along with your case number) will be important information for the emergency vet.

If you'd like some guidance but aren't sure if you should rush to the vet,

call poison control. They will help give you peace of mind and/or recommend a plan of action.

ASPCA 24/7 poison control hotline: 888-426-4435

🫧Add-On Grooming Services After Boarding

Heading home after Thanksgiving and want your pup to return clean, fresh, and photo-ready?

🛁 Add a grooming session to your dog’s boarding stay! Our professional groomers offer:

• Full-service baths

• Brush-outs

• Nail trims

• Ear cleaning

Just ask to schedule your grooming appointment for the day your dog goes home, so they leave happy and clean!

🐾 Keep the Howlidays Happy (and Safe!)

With a little planning and extra awareness, you can keep your furry friend safe while still enjoying the feast.

If you’d rather give your dog a stress-free Thanksgiving filled with playtime instead of temptation, book a stay at Houston Bark Park and Daycare!

Otherwise, a sprinkle of caution (and maybe some pieces of skinless turkey) will keep tails wagging all day long.

A huge thank you to the 118 amazing pet parents who shared their feedback with us! Your insight helps us keep improving and making Houston Bark Park the happiest place for your pups. And big congrats to Brianna Caron we will contact you on how to claim your prize!

From all of us at Houston Bark Park and Daycare, Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡 🐶