← All stories

Slideshow · Animals

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat

From plain turkey breast to sweet pumpkin puree, discover which holiday feast foods dogs and cats can safely enjoy.

18 min ago

8 Min Read21 Slides
  1. 20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat
▼ Visual Countdown

Holiday dinners are filled with rich foods that can cause digestive upset or toxicity in pets. Here are twenty festive staples dogs and cats can safely enjoy.

Swipe or tap ▶ to begin the countdown

©Unsplash / Alvan Nee & Wikimedia / Prayitno

📖 Complete Countdown Guide

All 20 Entries in this Story

20 Highlights · Full Editorial Review
#1

20. Plain Baked Bread Or Rolls

A small crust of fully baked dinner roll is harmless as a rare reward. Crucially, never let pets ingest raw yeast dough, which expands in the stomach and produces toxic alcohol.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Plain Baked Bread Or Rolls
Photo: Wikimedia / Prayitno
#2

19. Plain Brown Or White Rice

Plain boiled rice is a staple recommended by veterinarians for upset stomachs. Mixing a spoonful of warm white or brown rice with lean turkey creates a gentle holiday meal.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Plain Brown Or White Rice
Photo: Wikimedia / epSos.de
#3

18. Fresh Or Dried Cranberries

Cranberries support urinary tract health and contain potent antioxidants. Offer a few plain raw or cooked berries, while skipping sweetened canned cranberry sauces.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Fresh Or Dried Cranberries
Photo: Wikimedia / Mariluna
#4

17. Apple Slices

Apples supply dietary fiber and vitamin C. Always remove the core and all seeds before sharing, as apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Apple Slices
Photo: Wikimedia / Alan Levine
#5

16. Cooked Spinach

Spinach provides iron, calcium, and vitamins A and K. Steaming makes it easier to digest, but serve only small spoonfuls occasionally due to natural oxalates.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Cooked Spinach
Photo: Wikimedia / Nillerdk
#6

15. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a crunchy, nutrient-dense veggie that dogs enjoy snacking on. Keep portions small and serve it unseasoned to prevent digestive upset.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Cauliflower
Photo: Wikimedia / Rasbak
#7

14. Broccoli

Steamed broccoli florets are packed with vitamin C and fiber. Feed only small amounts to avoid digestive gas, and avoid cheese sauces, garlic butter, or salty seasonings.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Broccoli
Photo: Wikimedia / Vegan Feast Catering
#8

13. Green Peas

Green peas contain lutein, phosphorus, and dietary fiber. Fresh or frozen thawed peas make convenient training treats or colorful bowl toppers on Thanksgiving.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Green Peas
Photo: Wikimedia / Dunemaire
#9

12. Sweet Corn Kernels

Sweet corn off the cob provides digestible carbohydrates and antioxidants. Never let a dog chew on a whole corn cob, which creates a critical intestinal blockage risk.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Sweet Corn Kernels
Photo: Wikimedia / PAULIX04
#10

11. Butternut Or Acorn Squash

Cooked winter squash is gentle on the stomach and rich in potassium. Roast or steam the squash until soft, scoop out the pulp, and discard seeds and tough exterior rinds.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Butternut Or Acorn Squash
Photo: Wikimedia / cogdogblog
#11

10. Plain Mashed Potatoes

A spoonful of boiled white potato is safe and comforting for pets. The rule is absolute simplicity: never add heavy cream, butter, roasted garlic, chives, or salt.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Plain Mashed Potatoes
Photo: Wikimedia / Renee Comet
#12

9. Carrots

Carrots promote clean teeth and deliver beta-carotene. You can share bite-sized pieces raw for a satisfying crunch or steamed plain alongside your pet's standard holiday meal.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Carrots
Photo: Wikimedia / Muktee1494
#13

8. Green Beans

Green beans are packed with iron and vitamins while remaining very low in calories. Offer raw or gently steamed beans rather than sharing green bean casserole loaded with cream and fried onions.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Green Beans
Photo: Wikimedia / E4024
#14

7. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes make a fantastic seasonal snack when boiled or baked plain. Keep holiday casserole toppings like marshmallows, brown sugar, and butter completely off your pet's dish.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Sweet Potatoes
Photo: Wikimedia / Alabama Extension
#15

6. Pure Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin is loaded with soluble fiber that aids digestive health. Stick strictly to 100 percent pure pumpkin puree and avoid spiced pumpkin pie mix, which contains toxic nutmeg and sugars.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Pure Pumpkin Puree
Photo: Wikimedia / Veganbaking.net
#16

5. Lean Roast Beef Or Lamb

If serving a holiday roast beef or lamb, carve off a small, unseasoned center portion. Trim off all exterior fat and gristle to keep the meal lean and prevent digestive upset.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Lean Roast Beef Or Lamb
Photo: Wikimedia / jeffreyw
#17

4. Plain Scrambled Or Boiled Eggs

Eggs are rich in amino acids and vitamins. Prepare them hard-boiled or lightly scrambled in a dry pan without cooking sprays, milk, salt, or butter for a wholesome holiday treat.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Plain Scrambled Or Boiled Eggs
Photo: Wikimedia / Marc
#18

3. Cooked Salmon

Freshly cooked salmon without oils or seasonings delivers healthy omega-3 fatty acids that support coat health and joint function. Always check thoroughly for tiny pin bones before serving.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Cooked Salmon
Photo: Wikimedia / NjoyHarmony
#19

2. Plain Chicken

Cooked chicken is gentle on sensitive canine and feline stomachs. Offering a few shredded bites of unseasoned white chicken provides an easily digestible protein boost during holiday meals.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Plain Chicken
Photo: Wikimedia / YoAmes
#20

1. Plain Turkey Breast

Turkey breast is a holiday classic that pets adore. Always ensure the meat is fully cooked, boneless, and skinless, served entirely free of butter, garlic, onions, or savory brines.

20 Holiday Feast Foods That Pets Can Safely Eat — Plain Turkey Breast
Photo: Wikimedia / Wildhomme

Up Next · Recommended Stories

6 stories