Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and of course, good food. But for people living with chronic kidney disease, traditional holiday dishes can be tricky. Many favorites are loaded with sodium, potassium, or phosphorus, which can put extra stress on your kidneys.

The good news? With a few simple swaps and mindful choices, you can still enjoy a delicious, kidney-friendly Thanksgiving meal that keeps your health on track.

Turkey: The Main Event

Turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving tables—but not all turkeys are created equal. Many whole birds are pre-brined or injected with sodium or phosphate additives, which can be harmful in excess for people with CKD.

To keep your meal kidney-friendly:

• Choose fresh or unseasoned cuts (such as breasts, thighs, or legs) instead of pre-brined whole turkeys.
• Roast or slow-cook your turkey with herbs and salt-free seasonings like pepper, thyme, rosemary, or Mrs. Dash.
• Skip added salt and let natural flavors shine through.

Soup and Gravy Smarts

Store-bought gravies, powdered mixes, and canned soups are often packed with sodium and phosphorus. Making them from scratch gives you more control.

• For gravy, use plain flour (not self-rising), skim off extra fat, and season lightly.
• For soup, start with a low-sodium or homemade broth and fresh, low-potassium vegetables.

Homemade versions not only taste better—they’re much better for your kidneys.

Potatoes: A Careful Favorite

Potatoes and sweet potatoes are naturally high in potassium, but you don’t have to skip them completely. You can lower their potassium content by:

• Cutting and soaking peeled potatoes in water for several hours (or overnight).
• Boiling potatoes instead of baking or frying.

Stick to small portions—about ½ cup—and you can still enjoy this comfort food safely.

Stuffing: Make It from Scratch

Traditional boxed or instant stuffings, like Stove Top, are high in sodium and phosphorus. A homemade version is your best bet.

Try this approach:

• Use low-sodium bread, salt-free butter or broth, and flavorful herbs like sage, onion, and celery.
• For a twist, consider a rice-based stuffing, such as a wild rice or cranberry rice pilaf.

Homemade stuffing lets you enjoy the same comforting flavor—without the kidney strain.

Cranberries: A Festive Win

Cranberries are naturally low in potassium, making them a great fruit choice for CKD-friendly meals. Just avoid canned cranberry sauces or those with added sugar or preservatives.

Instead, try:

• Fresh cranberry relish or salsa
• Cranberry cabbage slaw
• A homemade cranberry sauce with a touch of orange zest or cinnamon

They add color, flavor, and kidney-friendly nutrition to your plate.

Desserts: Sweet and Safe Options

While traditional pumpkin and pecan pies are holiday staples, they’re not the best choices for kidney health—pumpkin is high in potassium and pecans are high in phosphorus.

Better options include:

• Apple or berry-based desserts like crisps, cobblers, or pies
• A light whipped topping or sugar-free ice cream on the side

You can satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your meal kidney-safe.

Other Kidney-Friendly Foods & Drinks

Here are a few more foods and beverages that are generally safe for people with CKD:

Foods:

• Rice, white bread, yeast rolls, or plain cornbread (not self-rising)
• Non-starchy vegetables like green beans, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, peppers, and broccoli
• Leafy greens such as turnip greens—in moderation

Drinks:

• Water, coffee, tea, lemonade, or sugar-free flavored drinks
• Wine or liquor in moderation (if approved by your doctor)

If you’re also managing diabetes, choose diet or sugar-free versions of drinks like lemon-lime soda or ginger ale, and enjoy desserts made with apples or berries in small portions.

Foods to Avoid or Limit

To protect your kidneys, it’s best to limit or skip foods that are high in sodium, potassium, or phosphorus.

High in Sodium:

• Canned soups, boxed stuffings, and pre-seasoned mixes
• Ham and other processed meats
• Self-rising or canned biscuit mixes

High in Potassium:

• Sweet potatoes, yams, acorn squash, and tomatoes (in large amounts)
• Pumpkin pie and chocolate drinks
• Excess dairy products

High in Phosphorus:

• Pecan pie, cola drinks, beer, and hot chocolate
• Ice cream (beyond your daily dairy limit)
• Packaged foods with phosphate additives

A Final Tip

With a little preparation, you can enjoy a flavorful, kidney-friendly Thanksgiving that leaves you feeling good—not deprived. Focus on balance, fresh ingredients, and homemade dishes, and your holiday table will be both healthy and delicious.

Adapted from: Colman, S. (2018, Nov. 21). Thanksgiving Throw-Back: Kidney-Friendly Thanksgiving Meal Suggestions. DaVita Kidney Care.