Thanksgiving With a Dog: 8 Toys and Chews That Keep Them Out of the Turkey
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Every dog owner knows the moment: the turkey hits the table, everyone sits down, and your dog suddenly becomes very interested in dinner.
The easiest way to keep the peace is to give your dog their own job at exactly the same time. Here are eight toys and chews that do that, plus a simple plan for the day.
8 ways to keep a dog busy during Thanksgiving dinner
1Give them their own turkey: a turkey plush toy
A turkey-shaped squeaky toy gives your dog something festive that is actually theirs. Hand it over right before everyone sits down.
Pick the size for your dog and keep an eye on gentle plush toys with strong chewers.
2A lick mat prepared ahead of time
Spread a lick mat with something your dog already eats, freeze it the night before, and bring it out when dinner starts. Licking a frozen mat takes a while.
Use foods your dog normally eats, not leftovers from the holiday table.
3A puzzle toy with part of their dinner
Serve some of your dog's regular food in a puzzle toy at the same time you eat. It turns their meal into a job.
Start at an easy level so they stay interested.
4A durable chew toy
A tough rubber or nylon chew toy sized for your dog's weight is a good long-lasting option for strong chewers.
Check the size guide, and replace chew toys once they get worn down.
5A snuffle mat for sniffing out kibble
Scatter kibble into a snuffle mat and let your dog sniff it out. Sniffing is a natural way for dogs to stay busy.
Shake it out and wash it after use.
6A treat-dispensing ball
A ball that releases kibble as it rolls keeps a dog moving in another room while the table is busy.
Works best on hard floors with some open space.
7A pet gate for the kitchen or dining room
The simplest fix: a gate that keeps your dog out of the kitchen while food is out and guests are busy. Pair it with one of the toys above so your dog has something to do on their side.
Measure the doorway before you buy.
8A Thanksgiving bandana for the photos
Not a distraction, but a fun extra for the family photo. A fall-print bandana takes seconds to put on.
Take it off if your dog paws at it.
A simple Thanksgiving game plan
- Before guests arrive: take your dog for a longer walk or play session.
- When food comes out: bring out the frozen lick mat, puzzle toy or new turkey toy.
- During dinner: use a pet gate or a quiet room if your dog still tries to join in.
- After dinner: clear plates and trash quickly. Bones, foil and string are tempting.
What to look for
- Right size. Toys and chews should match your dog's size and chewing style.
- Washable. Lick mats and snuffle mats should be easy to clean.
- Familiar food only. Fill toys with food your dog already eats. If you have questions about holiday foods, ask your vet.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep a dog away from the table on Thanksgiving?
Give them something better to do at the same time you sit down (a frozen lick mat, a puzzle toy or a new chew), and use a pet gate or a quiet room if they still try to join the meal.
Can dogs have turkey bones?
Don't give dogs cooked turkey bones. Ask your vet which holiday foods, if any, are OK for your dog, and stick to their regular food and dog toys or chews instead.
What's a good Thanksgiving gift for a dog?
A turkey plush toy is the classic pick, and a lick mat or puzzle toy is useful long after the holiday.
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