🦃 Thanksgiving Foods Cavachon Owners Should Avoid Sharing

Thanksgiving brings delicious food, full hearts — and a few hidden dangers for your Cavachon.

When Thanksgiving rolls around, it’s hard to resist those pleading eyes under the table — especially when your Cavachon looks like a walking ball of charm. But while sharing “just a little” of your holiday meal feels harmless, some Thanksgiving staples can trigger major health issues for your Cavachon.

Cavachon’s tend to be more prone to food sensitivities than larger breeds. Rich, fatty, or seasoned dishes can quickly lead to stomach upset, pancreatitis, or worse. So before you pass a bite from your plate, take a quick look at what should stay off your dog’s menu this holiday season.

🚫 Foods to Keep Away From Your Cavachon

🦴 Turkey Skin, Bones & Gravy

Why not: Fatty turkey skin and rich gravy can overload a Cavachon’s pancreas, leading to vomiting or painful inflammation. Cooked bones splinter easily and can block or tear the intestines.
Better choice: A few bites of plain, skinless turkey breast.

🧅 Stuffing & Seasoned Side Dishes

Why not: Stuffing, casseroles, and mashed potatoes are often filled with onions, garlic, butter, cream, and salt — all irritants or toxins to dogs. Even a small amount of onion or garlic can damage red blood cells.
Better choice: Plain mashed or baked sweet potato without butter, sugar, or seasoning.

🍇 Grapes & Raisins

Why not: Even one or two can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. These are commonly hidden in stuffing, salads, and desserts.

🍫 Chocolate & Sweets (Especially with Xylitol)

Why not: Chocolate toxicity is serious for all dogs, and Xylitol (found in sugar-free pies, gum, and candies) can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure.
Better choice: Offer a dog-safe treat made from pumpkin, peanut butter (dog safe and no Xylitol), or plain yogurt.

🍞 Raw Dough or Yeast Bread

Why not: Unbaked dough can expand inside your dog’s stomach and the yeast produces alcohol as it ferments — a painful, potentially fatal combination.

🥧 Pumpkin or Pecan Pie

Why not: Spices like nutmeg, sugar, and butter can upset digestion. Pecan pie adds heavy fats and nuts that are difficult for small dogs to process.
Better choice: A spoonful of plain pumpkin purée — it’s great for digestion.

☕️ Alcohol, Coffee & Caffeinated Drinks

Why not: Even small amounts can cause vomiting, tremors, and seizures in Cavachon’s due to their low body weight.

🍁 Quick Recap: Foods to Avoid at a Glance

🚫 Turkey skin, bones & gravy
🚫 Stuffing, onions & garlic
🚫 Grapes & raisins
🚫 Chocolate & xylitol
🚫 Raw dough & nuts
🚫 Pumpkin or pecan pie
🚫 Alcohol & caffeine

🐾 A Cavachon-Friendly Thanksgiving Plate

You can still make your Cavachon feel included! Try creating a small “dog-safe plate” before dinner:

✅ Plain turkey breast (no skin or seasoning)
✅ Steamed green beans
✅ Plain mashed sweet potato or pumpkin purée
✅ A dollop of plain Greek yogurt for dessert

Your pup will feel spoiled without any risk — and you’ll avoid the post-feast vet visit.

🧭 Pro Tips for a Safe Holiday

• Train guests early: Remind them not to feed table scraps. One small “aww” moment can turn into a big vet bill.
• Guard the trash: Keep leftovers and bones out of reach. 
• Stick to routine: Maintain feeding and potty times as normal to keep your Cavachon calm amid the chaos.
• Keep them close but safe: If you’re hosting, set up a quiet “retreat spot” with their bed and a toy.

🚨 What to Do If Your Cavachon Eats Something Unsafe

If your Cavachon accidentally eats something on the “do not feed” list:

• Don’t wait — contact your vet or call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) immediately.
• Bring the food label or ingredient list if possible.
• Avoid inducing vomiting unless directed by your vet — some foods can cause more damage coming back up.

💬 Final Thought

Cavachon’s thrive on love and routine — not rich gravy and stuffing. Keeping their meals clean and consistent will help avoid tummy troubles and let them enjoy Thanksgiving safely by your side (ideally snuggled on the couch after dinner).