Festive Fall Foods Your Pup Can Eat (and What They Can’t)

One of the most exciting things about the weather turning cooler is the food! There are so many delicious treats to enjoy in the fall. From Halloween candy to caramel apples and even thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings, cooler weather brings some delicious treats.

If you’ve ever felt bad loading up on snacks while your pup watched, you might be surprised to learn that some of the wonderful foods available this time of year are actually good to share with your dog. We made a list of 9 foods that as long as your pup isn’t allergic and they don’t get upset stomachs, you can feel free to share.

9 fall foods your pup can enjoy too!

1. Apples

This sweet treat is packed with fiber to help your pup feel full. So even if your dog is trying to lose a few pounds or maintain their weight you can still share an apple with them. Just remember to avoid sharing apple seeds as these aren’t good for your pup.

2. Sweet potatoes

Baked or roasted sweet potatoes are another great treat to share. But, if you’ve loaded yours with nuts and marshmallows – don’t allow your dog to indulge! A little bit of honey or maple syrup is okay in moderation but it’s best to keep these plain. Don’t feel like whipping up an extra potato for your pup? That’s okay, we use sweet potato in Ollie’s beef recipe!

3. Turkey

When you gather around the Thanksgiving table it’s totally fine to make your pup their own plate with some turkey. Avoid sharing some of the gravy and sides as these can be too rich and contain garlic, onions, and spices that may cause an upset stomach. If you’re concerned about other ingredients or you prefer to offer turkey specially prepared for your pup, Ollie offers a recipe where turkey is the star of the show.

4. Cranberries

Cranberries are good for pups just like they are for humans, but be aware that your dog may not enjoy the tart taste of fresh cranberries. Thet can enjoy dried cranberries too as long as they aren’t mixed with raisins or sweetened with grape juice. You should also avoid giving your dog cranberry sauce since they don’t need the extra sugar.

5. Pumpkin

Not only do dogs find pumpkin delicious, but it’s also good for their digestive systems. Whether your dog is having diarrhea or suffering from constipation, adding some pumpkin to their meals can help. Your dog doesn’t have to be under the weather to enjoy pumpkin though! We add pumpkin to Ollie’s turkey recipe for its health benefits and high fiber content.

6. Duck

While not one of the most common proteins found in dog food, duck is a suitable source of protein for dogs. It is also rich in iron. If you’re enjoying some duck breast this holiday season you can share it with your pup. Like turkey, avoid sharing the fatty bits and any sauces or gravy.

7. Oatmeal

Cooler weather might have you craving a warm, hearty breakfast. Did you know your dog can enjoy some oatmeal with you? Keep theirs plain or add some fresh berries for extra fiber. Just avoid anything overly sweetened as your pup doesn’t need the extra sugar.

8. Carrots

If you’re making a dish with carrots you can generally feel free to share these with your dog. Roasted carrots, carrots poached in bone broth, or carrots with light honey or maple syrup glaze are all fine to share with your pup. Some puppies (and even older dogs) appreciate the crunch of a raw carrot, so if you’re making a veggie and dip tray, you can offer your pup a carrot stick.

9. Popped corn

Plain, air-popped popcorn is a great treat for your dog. It’s low in calories and high in fiber. If you’re having a family movie night, its okay to allow your dog to join in and enjoy a snack with you. Avoid adding butter and extra salt to your pup’s popcorn as they don’t need it!

Fall foods your dog should avoid in all forms

While we know you want to enjoy sharing the season with your pup, it’s important to do so safely. The following fall foods are not safe for dogs to varying degrees, so you don’t necessarily need to panic if your pup got a bite of something that fell on the floor.

Onions

Onions and really anything in the allium family including garlic and chives should not be shared with dogs as it can make them sick. If you think (or know) your dog got into some food that had onions in it, call your vet’s office or Animal Poison Control ASAP for further instructions. They’ll likely ask how much you think your pup ate and when and tell you if you should continue to monitor them or seek care right away.

Raisins

Vets don’t know why raisins make some dogs so sick, but even one raisin can send some dogs to the hospital so if you’re cooking with them make sure to keep them far away from the dogs and off of the floor.

Caramel or chocolate

While these sweet treats are very popular among humans this time of year, they should not be shared with dogs. The sugar alone is enough to make dogs sick, and when it comes to chocolate, dogs don’t handle theobromine (the active compound in chocolate) or caffeine as well as we do.

Turkey skin or gravy

While turkey meat is a great thing to share with your dog, you should not offer them skin or any gravy. These items are too high in fat and can lead to vomiting or pancreatitis.

Pumpkin pie

The pumpkin pie on the human’s dessert table should be off-limits to your dog. It contains too much sugar and spices that can make your dog sick. If you want to share a pumpkin-based dessert with your dog, there are many pet-friendly recipes that are much safer!

Macadamia nuts

While peanuts and almonds might be okay to share with your pup, some nuts like macadamia nuts are toxic. So if you have some of your aunt’s beloved white chocolate macadamia cookies or a bowl of mixed nuts on the buffet watch your dog carefully and make sure your guests know not to share!

Sharing food with your dog can be a lot of fun, but if you’re concerned about weight gain or excessive begging, proceed with caution. You might want to avoid offering food directly from the table and only share by placing food for the dog in their dish or another place that isn’t directly from your plate. Give only small portions of special treats that make up no more than 10% of your dog’s overall diet.

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.