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Nutrition

Thanksgiving-Inspired Meals for Your Pet the Nulo Way

October 30, 2025

Thanksgiving is about gratitude, togetherness, and celebrating the ones who make our lives better. And our pets are at the top of that list. They're our loyal companions on morning runs, our cheerleaders after tough workouts, and our constant source of unconditional love. This year, why not include them in the feasting festivities?

That doesn't mean sharing your traditional Thanksgiving plate with your pet is the answer. Between the buttery side dishes, heavily seasoned turkey, and sugar-packed desserts, most holiday staples aren't doing your pet any favors.

You can still create wholesome, balanced Thanksgiving-inspired meals that are truly worthy of your pet's bowl and safe for them to enjoy!

Your Pet’s Wholesome, Balanced Meals Don't Have to Be Boring

There's a misconception that "healthy" equals "bland," whether we're talking about our own plates or our pets' bowls. But nutrition and flavor aren't mutually exclusive. They can be teammates working toward the same goal: 

Optimal performance. 💪

If you were fueling up for a big game or race, you’d avoid processed foods and choose ingredients that work hard for your body, like lean proteins, fiber-rich vegetables, and clean, whole foods that translate to sustained energy. Your pet needs the same intentionality in their nutrition.

Thanksgiving-inspired meals for pets are an opportunity to get creative with ingredients that serve a purpose. Every component can still contribute to their health, whether it's supporting lean muscle mass, promoting digestive wellness, or providing steady energy for all their Thanksgiving day zoomies. You can approach their meals with the same performance-driven mindset you apply to your own nutrition.

Start with a Lean Protein Base

In the world of athletic nutrition, protein is a non-negotiable. It builds and repairs muscle, supports recovery, and provides the foundation for strength and endurance. The same principles apply to your pet. Whether your pet is a three-year-old Border Collie who lives for frisbee or a senior cat who still has plenty of playful energy, high-quality animal-based protein should be the star of their meal.

For a Thanksgiving-inspired dish, consider these lean protein options:

Turkey is the obvious choice, and for good reason. It's packed with protein, naturally lean, and easy to digest. Stick with plain, cooked turkey breast or thigh meat—no skin, no bones, and no seasoning. The salt, butter, herbs, and spices that make your Thanksgiving turkey delicious are unnecessary and potentially harmful for pets. Keep it clean, simple, and effective.

📍 Our recommendations for Nulo turkey recipes to incorporate:

Salmon is another excellent option, especially because all pets benefit from omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats support joint health, reduce inflammation, and promote a shiny, healthy coat. Bake or poach the salmon without any oils, seasonings, or sauces. It's a rich, flavorful protein that brings variety to your pet's holiday meal while delivering serious nutritional benefits.

📍 Our recommendations for Nulo salmon recipes to incorporate:

Lamb offers an ideal choice for pets with sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef. Like turkey and salmon, lamb should be cooked thoroughly and served plain. Remove any excess fat, skip the seasonings, and let the natural taste of the meat shine through.

📍 Our recommendations for Nulo lamb recipes to incorporate:

The goal is to provide your pet with a protein source that supports their muscle health and energy levels. Lean, animal-based proteins are the fuel that powers every jump, sprint, and after dinner play session.

Which Nutrient-Dense Sides are Safe to Add to My Pet's Thanksgiving Dinner?

Protein gets the spotlight, but the supporting cast of vegetables and nutrient-rich sides is where meals become truly balanced.  

Some people prefer to build their whole Thanksgiving meal with side dishes, and your pet will appreciate them just as much! These ingredients bring fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the table, which are essential components that support digestion, immune function, and sustained energy.

Pumpkin is a Thanksgiving staple that happens to be a nutritional powerhouse for pets. Rich in fiber, it supports healthy digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, which is critical for keeping your pet's energy consistent throughout the day. Consider this a key ingredient for DIY healthy Thanksgiving meals for your pets.

Whether you use plain, cooked pumpkin or canned pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling, which is loaded with sugar and spices), this ingredient is a winner. It's especially beneficial for pets with sensitive stomachs or those managing their weight.

At Nulo, we recognize pumpkin for the functional ingredient it is. That's why we've incorporated it into recipes across our lineup, making it easy to give your pet the benefits of pumpkin whether you're serving their main meal or a special seasonal treat.

Your cat would enjoy Nulo Cat & Kitten Minced Tuna with Pumpkin Recipe as their main dish or a protein and hydration-packed side. Top your dog’s feast with MedalSeries Tasty Toppers with added pumpkin, and follow up their main meal with a crunchy, delicious Nulo Functional Granola Bar with added pumpkin to support digestive health.

Explore all of Nulo's pumpkin-enhanced recipes here for complete, balanced nutrition that celebrates this fall favorite all year long.

Green beans are another excellent choice. Low in calories and high in fiber, they add bulk and nutrition without unnecessary carbs. Steam or lightly cook fresh green beans—no canned varieties with added salt or seasonings. They're a simple, effective way to round out a meal while supporting digestive health.

Nulo favorites with green beans:

Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and a dose of vitamins A & C, both of which support immune function and vision health. Bake or steam them plain with no butter, no marshmallows, and no brown sugar. This type of ingredient is essential when building a Thanksgiving meal plan for pets with sensitive stomachs.

Nulo favorites with sweet potatoes:

Carrots are an additional option that offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Cook them simply and avoid any added fats or seasonings. These vegetables pack a nutritional punch that complements your protein base perfectly.

Nulo favorites with carrots:

The key with all of these sides is intentionality. You’re choosing ingredients that will benefit your pet’s health, and that’s something to be thankful for.

How Should I Manage Food Portions for My Pet's Thanksgiving Meal?

Even the healthiest ingredients need to be served in appropriate amounts. You might know the feeling of overeating at Thanksgiving dinner, and want to avoid that same feeling for your pet.

Proper portion control keeps their diet balanced and prevents digestive upset from sudden dietary changes. A few spoonfuls of turkey and vegetables can feel like a feast to your pet without disrupting their system. If you’re utilizing Nulo’s Thanksgiving favorites, be sure to follow the feeding instructions on the packaging.

What Food Ingredients Should I Absolutely Avoid Giving My Pet?

Thanksgiving tables are full of foods that are delicious for humans but dangerous for pets. As their advocates, it's our responsibility to know the difference so we can make smart choices about how they celebrate the holiday by our side.

  • Salt and butter might make your mashed potatoes irresistible, but they’re not good for your pet. Excess sodium can lead to dehydration, elevated blood pressure, and in severe cases, sodium ion poisoning. Butter and other high-fat additions can cause digestive upset and, over time, contribute to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
  • Onions and garlic are staples in many Thanksgiving dishes, but they're toxic to both dogs and cats. These ingredients damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts can be harmful, so keep anything containing onions, garlic, or related ingredients (like chives or leeks) far away from your pet's bowl.
  • Spices and seasonings like sage, nutmeg, and even black pepper can irritate your pet's digestive system or contain compounds that are outright toxic. Nutmeg, for example, contains myristicin, which can cause neurological symptoms in pets.
  • Bones might seem like a natural treat, but cooked bones, especially poultry bones, can splinter and cause choking, blockages, or internal injuries. Skip the bones entirely and stick with boneless, thoroughly cooked meat.
  • Processed toppings like fried onions, gravies, and creamy sauces contain fats, salts, and additives that have no place in your pet's diet. What tastes indulgent to us translates to unnecessary risks for them.
  • Desserts and sweets are a no-go. Chocolate, xylitol (a common sweetener), raisins, and grapes are all toxic to pets. Even sugar-free or "healthy" desserts often contain ingredients that can cause serious harm.

When in doubt, leave it out. Your pet doesn't need the bells and whistles of a traditional Thanksgiving spread. They need clean, purposeful nutrition that supports their health and longevity. That's their real feast!

If your pet does consume something potentially harmful, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Quick action can make all the difference. Keep these numbers accessible during the holiday when things get hectic.

Your Pet’s Thanksgiving Fuel

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the relationships that matter most, and for many of us, that includes your four-legged family members who make every day better. Creating a Thanksgiving-inspired meal should honor their health and showcase your love through intentional, performance-driven nutrition.

Start with a lean protein base, add nutrient-dense sides that serve a purpose, and avoid the ingredients that do more harm than good. Pair your homemade creations with Nulo's complete and balanced recipes to ensure your pet is getting everything they need for a wholesome and balanced meal.

Your pet doesn't know it's Thanksgiving. They don't need the holiday to feel grateful for you—they show it every day. But you can still create lasting memories with your pet while showing them some extra gratitude with intentional meals that matter.

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