The tree is twinkling, the turkey is roasting, and your furry best friend is giving you those eyes from under the dinner table. It’s Christmas time – a season of love, joy, and way too much food. But while you may be tempted to let your dog join in on the holiday feast, not everything on the table is safe for your pup.
To keep your dog happy and healthy this holiday season, here’s a guide to what your dog can and can’t eat during Christmas.
Safe Christmas Foods for Dogs
These festive treats can be shared in moderation – just make sure they’re plain and free from added seasoning, sugar, or sauces!
- Turkey (Plain, No Bones or Skin) – Lean white meat is great for dogs! Just remove the skin (too fatty) and never give cooked bones – they can splinter and cause serious harm.
- Carrots & Green Beans – Crunchy and healthy! Both are low in calories and rich in nutrients. Serve them raw or steamed with no butter or seasoning.
- Pumpkin (Plain, Cooked or Pureed) – Great for digestion. Make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling, which often contains nutmeg and sugar.
- Sweet Potato (Cooked, No Sugar) – A Christmas classic! Serve it mashed or cubed, but skip the sugary toppings.
- Apples (Sliced, No Seeds or Core) – Fresh apple slices make a sweet and crunchy treat. Just avoid the core and seeds, which contain cyanide.
- Peanut Butter (Xylitol-Free) – Use as a treat or to stuff a Kong toy. Make sure it’s natural and doesn’t contain xylitol – a common sweetener that’s toxic to dogs.
Christmas Foods That Are TOXIC or Dangerous to Dogs
Some holiday favorites are downright harmful to your dog – even in small amounts. Keep these foods far away from those curious paws!
- Chocolate – A big no-no. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to dogs – especially dark and baking chocolate.
- Stuffing – Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, leeks, and herbs – all of which are toxic to dogs.
- Grapes & Raisins (Including Christmas Pudding & Mince Pies) – Even a small number of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. This means traditional Christmas puddings, fruitcakes, and mince pies are off the menu.
- Alcohol – It might seem obvious, but dogs should never have alcohol – even in small amounts. Keep drinks and alcohol-infused foods well out of reach.
- Macadamia Nuts – These are toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors.
- Onions, Garlic & Chives – These can damage your dog’s red blood cells and lead to serious illness – whether raw, cooked, or powdered.
- Cooked Bones – Turkey or chicken bones can splinter and cause choking or internal damage. Never give your dog cooked bones!
IMPORTANT – If your dog has ingested any of these and you are worried, please contact your vet or the Animal Poison Line on 01202 509000
Festive Tips for a Dog-Safe Christmas
- Create a Dog-Friendly Christmas Plate: Prepare a small plate with plain turkey, steamed veggies (like carrots and green beans), and a spoonful of plain sweet potato.
- Keep Food Out of Reach: Dogs are crafty when it comes to food. Keep platters, snacks, and bins secured and supervised.
- Watch the Decorations: Tinsel, chocolate ornaments, and stringy ribbon can be tempting and dangerous if swallowed.
- Make Your Own Dog Treats: Whip up some homemade dog biscuits shaped like stars or trees. Your pup will love them, and you’ll know exactly what’s inside.
Sharing the holidays with your dog is one of life’s little joys. With a bit of planning and a lot of love, you can include your pup in the Christmas fun safely.
Remember: when in doubt, leave it out – or check with your vet before offering anything new.
From our furry friends to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy (and healthy) New Year!