A Vet-Written Guide to Keeping Your Dog Safe This Festive Season
Christmas is full of irresistible food — not just for us, but for our dogs too. With plates of festive treats everywhere and plenty of tempting smells drifting around the house, it’s no surprise our pets want to get involved.
But while sharing your Christmas dinner with your dog might feel kind or festive, many traditional foods can actually be dangerous — and some are even toxic.
Here’s your complete vet-approved guide to Christmas foods dogs can’t eat, what to do if your dog eats something they shouldn’t, and safe options for a dog-friendly Christmas dinner.
Christmas Foods Dogs Should Avoid
1. Turkey Bones & Skin
Turkey is fine… but not the skin and definitely not the bones.
- Cooked bones splinter easily → choking risk or intestinal perforation
- Turkey skin is very fatty → can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition
Stick to plain turkey meat only.
2. Pigs in Blankets
High in salt. High in fat. Hard on a dog’s stomach.
They can lead to:
- Pancreatitis
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
Probably the most tempting item on the Christmas table — but firmly off the menu for dogs.
3. Stuffing & Gravy
Delicious for us, dangerous for dogs.
Stuffing and gravy often contain:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Leeks, chives or shallots
All are part of the onion family and can cause haemolytic anaemia — a serious condition where red blood cells become damaged.
This is toxic to both dogs and cats, even in small amounts.
4. Christmas Pudding, Mince Pies & Fruit Cake
These festive favourites contain raisins, sultanas and currants, all of which are toxic to dogs. Even tiny amounts can cause acute kidney failure.
Symptoms of grape/raisin toxicity:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Lethargy or weakness
- Increased thirst
- Changes in urination
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
If your dog eats any amount — even one mince pie — call your vet immediately.
5. Alcohol
Even a small amount of alcohol can cause:
- Disorientation
- Difficulty walking
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Respiratory problems
Keep glasses well out of reach and never offer alcoholic drinks “just for fun”.
(If you want them to join in the party, go for a pet-safe “dog beer” instead — in moderation!)
6. Nuts
Many mixed nuts are a problem for dogs.
Particular risks:
- Macadamia nuts → highly toxic; can cause weakness, tremors, hindlimb swelling
- Walnuts & pecans → hard to digest and can cause stomach upset
- Choking hazard from shells
Keep the nut bowl far away from opportunistic snouts.
7. Sweets & Candy Canes
Many festive sweets contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs.
Xylitol can cause:
- A rapid drop in blood sugar
- Collapsing
- Seizures
- Liver failure
- Even tiny amounts can be fatal.
8. Chocolate
A classic Christmas hazard.
Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs cannot process effectively.
Toxicity depends on:
- Type (dark chocolate is most dangerous)
- Amount
- Dog’s size
Symptoms include:
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
- Vomiting/diarrhoea
- Irregular heartbeat
- Restlessness
Keep selection boxes, advent calendars and chocolate coins out of reach.
What If Your Dog Eats Something They Shouldn’t?
Don’t wait for symptoms. Act immediately.
Call your vet or out-of-hours emergency service and be prepared to provide:
- What your dog ate
- How much
- When
- Your dog’s age, breed and weight
Do NOT make your dog vomit unless a vet specifically instructs you to. This can cause more harm, depending on the substance.
Signs Your Dog May Have Eaten Something Harmful
Look for:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Weakness or collapse
- Excessive thirst
- Changes in urination
- Restlessness
- Abdominal discomfort (hunched posture, whining, retching)
- Trust your instincts — if something feels “off,” call your vet.
Christmas Foods Dogs CAN Eat (In Moderation)
If you want your dog to enjoy a special Christmas dinner safely, here are dog-friendly options:
Safe Meats
- Turkey (no skin, no bones)
- Lamb (boneless)
- Lean beef
- Lean pork
- Salmon fillets (cooked, no seasoning)
Safe Veggies & Sides
- Boiled potatoes (not roasted with fat)
- Sweet potato
- Brussels sprouts
- Peas
- Swede
- Parsnips
- Carrots
- Introduce anything new gradually and keep portions small.
The Perfect Dog-Friendly Christmas Dinner
To avoid upset tummies, the safest option is to prepare a specific dog-friendly meal such as:
- Plain turkey
- Veg mix (carrot, sweet potato, peas)
- A dog-safe gravy (pet-specific)
- A couple of dog-friendly “pigs in blankets”
We have plenty of dog friendly christmas treats in our Christmas Shop such as Rosewood Cupid and Comet 12 days of Christmas Treats or what about some Turkey Drumstick treats?
Final Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe This Christmas
- Clear plates promptly
- Keep bins securely closed
- Store treats and sweets out of reach
- Buy your dog their own festive treats so they don’t feel left out
- If you’re ever unsure — don’t risk it
- Christmas is a time for celebration, and with a little care, your furry friend can enjoy the festivities safely.
Have a wonderful festive period with your furry friends! Dr Nicola Endersby MRCVS
Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash
