Five Thanksgiving Side Dishes Dogs Can Enjoy—With One Big Catch

While you're piling your plate high with holiday goodness, your pup is likely positioning themselves strategically under the table, hoping for a culinary miracle. The good news? Several classic Thanksgiving sides are packed with healthy nutrients your dog can safely enjoy. The bad news? There's a pretty massive catch.

The "Catch" is simple: The human versions of these dishes are almost always off-limits. Before you share a spoonful, any side dish served to your dog must be completely plain—meaning no butter, salt, garlic, onions, heavy cream, or sugar. Here are five holiday favorites and how to make them pup-approved:

• Green Beans (Minus the Casserole): Crunchy, low-calorie, and loaded with vitamins. Skip the green bean casserole (which is packed with toxic onions and heavy cream) and set aside a few raw or steamed, unseasoned green beans instead.

• Sweet Potatoes (Without the Marshmallows): Sweet potatoes are fantastic for digestion when served thoroughly cooked and plain. Just steer clear of sweet potato casserole loaded with brown sugar, butter, and melted marshmallows.

• Pureed Pumpkin (Not Pie Filling): Plain, canned pumpkin is a miracle worker for doggy stomach health. However, spiced pumpkin pie mix contains sugar and nutmeg, which can be harmful to dogs.

• Carrots (Ditch the Glaze): Cooked or raw carrots make a wonderful, healthy treat. Just hold the honey glaze, butter, and herbs from the main dinner table.

• Mashed Potatoes (Before the Butter): Plain, boiled potatoes in moderation are totally fine. But once you add milk, butter, garlic powder, or gravy, they become a recipe for an upset stomach.

Let Your Dog Guests Enjoy the Occasion Another Way

A sniff walk, puzzle feeder or supervised play session is often a better holiday gift than a plate of unfamiliar food. Save this article before dinner prep begins, and share it with the relative who thinks every dog needs mashed potatoes. Your dog will still love Thanksgiving—even without the casserole.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat green bean casserole?

Not as a routine treat. The casserole often includes cream, butter, salt, onions or garlic. A few plain green beans are a different food.

Are sweet potatoes safe for dogs?

Plain, fully cooked sweet potato can be an occasional small treat for many dogs. Avoid raw pieces, skins and sugary casserole toppings.