13 Dog Friendly Thanksgiving Dinner Bowls for a Holiday Feast

When you want to give your dog the absolute best, The Farmer’s Dog is a top contender. While not a seasonal special, their Turkey Recipe is a perfect Thanksgiving stand-in. It’s made with human-grade USDA turkey, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, and spinach, all gently cooked to preserve nutrients. The food is delivered fresh to your door in pre-portioned packs tailored to your dog’s specific needs. It’s like a personal chef for your pup!

The ingredient quality is undeniable. There are no preservatives, fillers, or artificial flavors—just real, whole food. This makes it incredibly easy to digest and a fantastic option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or picky palates. The texture is soft and savory, closely resembling a homemade meal you’d lovingly prepare yourself.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: For pet parents who prioritize freshness and quality above all else and don’t mind a subscription service, The Farmer’s Dog offers a gourmet Thanksgiving experience that’s both healthy and delicious.

For a convenient and festive option you can grab from the pet store, Merrick’s Thanksgiving Day Dinner is a classic. This canned wet food is specifically designed to mimic a holiday plate. It features deboned turkey as the first ingredient, followed by a savory mix of sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, and apples. It’s all swimming in a delicious turkey broth gravy that dogs go wild for.

This grain-free recipe is packed with protein and wholesome vegetables, providing a balanced meal. It’s a great way to make your dog feel included without any of the cooking hassle. You can serve it as a complete meal or as a special topper over their regular kibble to add a festive flair. The chunky texture feels hearty and satisfying for your pup.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: This is the perfect choice for busy pet owners who want a quick, easy, and on-theme way to treat their dog on Thanksgiving Day without committing to a subscription or cooking.

The Honest Kitchen offers a unique middle ground between kibble and fresh food. Their dehydrated recipe is made with human-grade ingredients that are gently dehydrated to lock in nutrients and flavor. To serve, you simply mix the food with warm water, and it transforms into a warm, hearty meal in minutes. The turkey recipe contains cage-free turkey, organic oats, carrots, and cranberries—a perfect holiday combination.

This method of preparation makes it incredibly shelf-stable and easy to store, which is a huge plus. It’s less processed than kibble but more convenient than fresh-frozen options. The inclusion of cranberries adds a festive touch and provides natural antioxidants. It’s a wholesome, minimally processed meal that feels special.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: Ideal for health-conscious pet owners who travel or have limited freezer space but still want to provide a high-quality, warm meal that feels homemade for the holidays.

Blue Buffalo brings a comforting, homestyle classic to your dog’s bowl with their Turkey Meatloaf Dinner. This wet food is crafted to taste just like a slice of savory meatloaf. It starts with high-quality deboned turkey and includes wholesome ingredients like carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes. It also contains brown rice and barley for healthy complex carbohydrates.

What makes this meal great for a holiday is its rich flavor and satisfying texture, which is thicker than many pâté-style foods. It’s enhanced with vitamins and minerals to ensure a complete and balanced meal, not just a treat. It’s a reliable and tasty option from a brand many pet owners already trust.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: A fantastic choice for dog owners looking for a hearty, comforting, and balanced meal from a trusted brand that feels like a special holiday treat without being overly exotic.

For the raw food enthusiasts, Stella & Chewy’s offers a safe and convenient way to feed a raw diet. Their Tantalizing Turkey Dinner Morsels are freeze-dried, which preserves the nutrients of raw meat without the mess or hassle. The recipe is 95% cage-free turkey, organ meat, and bone, plus 100% organic fruits and vegetables like cranberries and spinach for a Thanksgiving-appropriate blend.

You can serve these morsels dry as a topper or rehydrate them with water for a complete meal. The high meat content makes them incredibly palatable, even for the pickiest of dogs. They are packed with protein and nutrients, supporting lean muscle mass and overall health. It’s a powerhouse meal that feels both primal and festive.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: Perfect for dogs already on a raw or high-protein diet, or for owners looking to add a powerful, nutrient-dense boost to their dog’s holiday meal.

Don’t want to switch your dog’s entire meal? A festive topper is the perfect solution! Wellness CORE Bowl Boosters are designed to be added to your dog’s existing food. The Turkey & Sweet Potato recipe is a simple, delicious way to add a taste of Thanksgiving. It’s made with just four ingredients: turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, and chicken broth.

This shredded topper adds a burst of flavor and moisture that can entice even reluctant eaters. It’s an easy way to make their regular kibble feel like a special occasion meal without risking an upset stomach from a sudden diet change. It’s grain-free and comes in a convenient pouch.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: The ideal choice for pet parents who want to add a special holiday touch to their dog’s regular diet without a full food switch. Great for picky eaters or to add hydration.

While not strictly a Thanksgiving dinner, Nutro Ultra’s trio protein pâté offers a luxurious blend that feels celebratory. The combination of turkey, lamb, and whitefish provides a complex flavor profile that many dogs adore. This recipe is designed to be a superfood medley, including high-quality protein and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.

The smooth pâté texture is easy for dogs of all ages to eat, from puppies to seniors with dental issues. It’s grain-free and made with non-GMO ingredients, appealing to health-conscious owners. This is a rich, decadent meal that can serve as a special holiday treat while still providing balanced nutrition.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: A great option for adventurous eaters and owners who want a gourmet, multi-protein meal that feels extra special for a holiday celebration.

For a meal that truly feels like it came from a home kitchen, look no further than Portland Pet Food Company. Their Turkey & Yams meal is made in a USDA facility with human-grade, locally sourced ingredients. The ingredient list is simple and easy to understand: turkey, yams, carrots, green beans, and cranberries. That’s it.

This meal comes in a convenient, shelf-stable pouch and can be used as a rotational meal, a topper, or a soft treat. It’s crafted in small batches to ensure quality. The limited-ingredient profile makes it an excellent choice for dogs with food sensitivities. It’s a clean, simple, and wholesome way to share the holiday spirit.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: Perfect for the discerning pet owner who values simplicity, transparency, and locally sourced, human-grade ingredients for their dog’s special Thanksgiving treat.

Canidae offers a solid, reliable choice that’s great for multi-dog households. Their All Life Stages recipe is nutritionally dense and suitable for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. The Turkey & Brown Rice canned formula is a classic choice for a holiday meal. It’s made with real turkey, wholesome brown rice, and a variety of vegetables.

This formula is Vet-formulated and includes Canidae’s HealthPLUS Solutions—a trio of probiotics, antioxidants, and Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to support your dog’s overall health. It’s a no-fuss, balanced meal that you can feel good about serving. The pâté style is easy to mix with kibble or serve alone.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: An excellent, practical choice for families with multiple dogs of different ages and sizes who want to provide a high-quality, turkey-based meal without buying several different types of food.

For a unique twist on a Thanksgiving meal, Primal offers a freeze-dried raw formula that combines turkey with nutrient-rich sardines. This might sound unusual, but sardines are an incredible source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for skin, coat, and joint health. The recipe is made with antibiotic- and steroid-free turkey, organs, and ground bone, plus organic produce.

Like other freeze-dried options, you can serve these nuggets as-is or rehydrate them for a complete meal. The combination of poultry and fish is a flavor powerhouse that can entice even the fussiest eaters. It’s a great way to give your dog a special meal that is also incredibly beneficial for their health.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: A fantastic choice for pet owners looking to boost their dog’s omega-3 intake and provide a unique, high-value raw meal for the holiday.

Weruva is known for its high-quality, human-grade ingredients and its Thanksgiving Day Dinner is no exception. This canned food features shredded turkey breast in a delicious pumpkin soup. It’s simple, clean, and looks like something you’d make yourself. The limited ingredients make it great for dogs with sensitive digestion.

The high moisture content is excellent for hydration, and the pumpkin is a fantastic source of fiber, which aids in digestive health. This recipe is free of grains, gluten, and carrageenan. It’s a light yet satisfying meal that captures the essence of the holiday in a healthy, digestible way.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: Perfect for dogs who need extra hydration or have sensitive stomachs. Its simple, soup-like consistency makes it a gentle and delicious holiday treat.

Hailing from New Zealand, ZIWI Peak uses a gentle air-drying process that acts as a natural preservative while maintaining the nutritional integrity of raw ingredients. Their turkey recipe is made with free-range turkey, green mussels, and organic kelp. It’s a nutrient-dense food that can be served as a complete meal or a topper.

The texture is similar to jerky, making it a great option for dogs who enjoy chewing. The inclusion of New Zealand green mussels provides a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. It’s an ethically sourced, high-protein choice that feels incredibly luxurious.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: For the pet owner seeking the highest quality, ethically sourced ingredients in a convenient, air-dried form. A true superfood splurge for a special occasion.

Sometimes the best meal is one you make with love! Creating a DIY Thanksgiving bowl for your dog is easy, affordable, and allows you to control every single ingredient. It’s the perfect way to ensure the meal is tailored to your dog’s specific tastes and dietary needs.

Simple Recipe:

• The Protein: A small portion of boiled or baked turkey breast (unseasoned, no skin or bones).
• The Veggies: A spoonful of steamed green beans and carrots (plain, no salt or butter).
• The Starch: A dollop of plain, canned pumpkin puree (NOT pie filling) or mashed sweet potato (no sugar or butter).
• The Garnish: A few dog-safe cranberries (fresh or dried, unsweetened).

Simply mix these ingredients together and serve a small portion to your pup. It’s a simple, safe, and delicious way for them to join in the festivities.

Pros & Cons

Verdict: The ultimate choice for pet owners who enjoy cooking and want to provide a fresh, simple, and completely customized Thanksgiving meal for their beloved companion.

With so many options, picking the right holiday meal for your dog can feel overwhelming. Here are a few key things to consider to make sure you’re choosing a bowl that’s both delicious and safe for your furry friend.

Check the Ingredient List

The first rule of thumb is to read the label. Look for high-quality protein like turkey, chicken, or lamb as the first ingredient. Wholesome vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and pumpkin are excellent additions. Be wary of foods with vague ingredients like ‘meat by-products’ or fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, especially if your dog has sensitivities.

Avoid Dangerous Foods

A ‘Thanksgiving dinner’ for dogs should never contain ingredients that are toxic to them. Double-check to ensure the food is free from:

• Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks
• Grapes and raisins
• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener)
• Chocolate and macadamia nuts
• Excessive salt, sugar, and fat

Consider Your Dog’s Specific Needs

Every dog is different. Think about your pup’s age, size, activity level, and any health issues. A senior dog might benefit from a softer pâté, while a highly active dog might need a more calorie-dense option. If your dog has known allergies or a sensitive stomach, a limited-ingredient diet or a homemade meal might be the safest bet.

Convenience vs. Control

Finally, consider your own lifestyle. Pre-made canned foods and toppers are incredibly convenient for busy holidays. Dehydrated and freeze-dried options offer a great balance of quality and shelf-stability. However, if you love to cook and want complete control over what your dog eats, a DIY bowl is a wonderful and rewarding option. The best choice is the one that makes both you and your pup happy and stress-free!

1. Can my dog just eat a little bit of turkey from my plate?

It’s best to avoid it. The turkey we eat is often prepared with salt, butter, oils, and seasonings like garlic and onion powder, which can upset your dog’s stomach or even be toxic. Furthermore, cooked poultry bones are brittle and can splinter, posing a serious choking and internal injury risk. Always stick to plain, unseasoned, boneless turkey prepared specifically for your dog.

2. What are the most dangerous Thanksgiving foods for dogs?

Several common Thanksgiving foods are toxic to dogs. The biggest offenders include onions, garlic, and chives (which can damage red blood cells), grapes and raisins (which can cause kidney failure), chocolate and baked goods containing xylitol (which are highly toxic), and fatty foods like turkey skin and gravy (which can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and serious inflammation of the pancreas).

3. How much of a special Thanksgiving meal should I give my dog?

Moderation is key! A sudden change in diet or a large, rich meal can cause digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea. Treat the special meal as a treat, not a replacement for their entire dinner. A good rule of thumb is to have the special food make up no more than 10-25% of their total daily caloric intake. Start with a small portion to see how they tolerate it.