What can Dogs Eat at Christmas Dinner? Safe & Dangerous Foods.

The holidays are time of year where most people indulge in the delights of the festive season. Ham, turkey, stuffing, gravy, pudding and chocolate are tempting treats for pets and people alike. Some of our favourite festive foods can be very harmful to our pets.

It is common for pet parents and their friends to want to share their food with family pets. Make sure you know which foods are safe and which foods are dangerous to feed to your dog.

Safe Foods for Dogs at Christmas

If you’d like to include your dog in the festive fun, stick to these dog-safe options:

●      Plain Turkey Meat

Dogs can enjoy plain, skinless, boneless turkey in small quantities. Avoid giving them skin, gravy, or stuffing, which often contain harmful ingredients like onion and garlic.

●      Vegetables

Carrots, green beans, and plain peas are great low-fat treats. Ensure they’re not seasoned or cooked with butter.

●      Potatoes

A small amount of plain, boiled, or mashed potato (without butter, cream, or seasoning) can be a festive snack.

●      Dog-Friendly Christmas Treats

Many pet stores offer holiday-themed dog treats designed to be safe and enjoyable for your furry friend.

What Dogs Should Not Eat at Christmas

Certain festive foods can pose serious health risks for dogs. Make sure you keep the following items off your dog’s plate:

1. Christmas Ham

Christmas ham is a no go for your dog this Christmas. Ham is high in fat and salts, which can cause dehydration, gastrointestinal upsets, pancreatitis and affect kidney or cardiovascular function. This can be potentially life-threatening in severe cases. The seasonings and glazes often used on Christmas ham, such as honey or cloves, can also upset your dog’s stomach.

2. Christmas Cake, Pudding, and Mince Pies

Can dogs eat Christmas cake or pudding? Definitely not. These desserts often contain raisins, sultanas, currants, and other dried fruits,  which are toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or, in severe cases, kidney failure. Christmas puddings may also contain alcohol, and other harmful ingredients such as nutmeg..

3. Stuffing and Gravy

Stuffing is a festive favourite but for dogs it’s a hidden danger. Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, and leeks, all part of the allium family, which are  toxic to dogs. Allium toxicity causes damage to your pets red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Symptoms may include lethargy, pale gums, rapid breathing, bloody urine or vomiting. Gravy also poses a risk because it is usually high in fat and salt and may also contain ingredients like onions, making it doubly dangerous.

4. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is toxic to dogs. Even a small amount of dark or cooking chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive urination, and hyperactivity. Severe cases may result in irregular heartbeat, seizures, or even death. White chocolate contains less theobromine but still isn’t safe due to its high sugar and fat content. Ingestion of the packaging that chocolates come in can also cause gastrointestinal obstructions. Always keep chocolate well out of your dog’s reach, and remind guests to do the same

5. Cooked Bones

Cooked bones are a common table scrap, but they can splinter easily and cause choking, blockages, or perforations in your dog’s digestive tract. This can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery. If you want to give your dog a bone, always consult your vet for safer options. However feeding raw bones carry risks, so it’s best to stick with vet-approved chew toys or treats.

6. Alcohol

Dogs and alcohol don’t mix. Even a small sip of beer, wine, or spirits can lead to alcohol poisoning in dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, disorientation, breathing difficulties, and, in severe cases, coma or death. Desserts like rum balls or trifles that contain alcohol are also dangerous, so keep these well out of reach. Cats, too, may be tempted by cream-based cocktails like eggnog, which can be equally harmful.

7. Nutmeg

Nutmeg’s rich, spicy scent can attract curious dogs, but it contains a compound called myristicin, which is toxic to pets. Consuming nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, increased heart rate, and disorientation. It’s found in many Christmas desserts, so keep dishes like eggnog, cakes, and cookies (especially gingerbread) away from your dog.

8. Avocado and Stone Fruits

Avocados contain persin, a substance that is toxic to dogs in large quantities. The seed (pit) is especially dangerous, as it poses a choking hazard or can cause an intestinal blockage. Similarly, the seeds of stone fruits like cherries, peaches, and plums are toxic and can also become lodged in your dog’s throat or digestive system.

How to Prevent Begging at Christmas Dinner

Dogs are natural beggars, especially when there’s a feast nearby. Here are some tips to manage their behaviour:

• Feed Them First: Offer your dog a balanced meal before your guests arrive to reduce their interest in table scraps.
• Provide Distractions: Keep your dog entertained with chew toys or safe treats during mealtime. A lick mat with dog safe foods that has been frozen for a few hours is a great way to distract your pet for a longer period of time, while also cooling them down during summer.
• Set Boundaries: Remind your family and guests not to share their food with your dog, no matter how tempting their puppy eyes may be.
• Be Careful: Place all food items in locations that your pet cannot easily reach or consider placing them in a safe place (such as a crate) away from the danger, especially if you cannot supervise them when the food is out.
• Remove left over food from the tablet and empty kitchen bins as soon as possible to avoid your pet finding and consuming them

What to Do in an Emergency

If your dog eats something they shouldn’t, contact your local Greencross Vets immediately. Symptoms to watch for include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or any changes in their normal behaviour. In emergencies, a quick response can make all the difference.

Celebrating a Pet-Friendly Christmas

Including your dog in your Christmas celebrations is a wonderful way to make them feel part of the family. By sticking to safe foods and avoiding harmful treats, you can ensure your furry friend has a merry and healthy holiday season.

For any concerns, Greencross Vets offers advice, 24/7 WebVet consultations  or find your closest emergency vet.to keep your pet safe and happy during the festive season.