The holiday table is full of tempting smells, and most dogs will do everything they can to score a “just one bite” moment. Sharing a little festive food can be a sweet way to include your pet in the celebration, but Christmas dishes also hide ingredients that are risky for dogs. The key is knowing what should never be offered, and what can be served safely with a bit of care. With a few simple swaps, your dog can enjoy a special treat without turning the day into a worry.
Some classic seasonal desserts are a hard no. Christmas pudding and many cakes can contain raisins, nuts, and extra sugar, which are not dog friendly. A Blue Cross expert has warned that grapes and raisins, including currants, can lead to serious kidney failure if eaten. Even if a dog seems fine at first, it is not worth the gamble.
Certain snacks can cause trouble even in small amounts. Macadamia nuts are one of the biggest concerns, because they have been linked to tiredness, weakness in the back legs, fever, shaking, and stiffness. Chocolate is another well known danger that should stay completely out of reach, even in tiny pieces. During busy gatherings, it helps to keep desserts and snack bowls away from curious noses.
Not everyone realizes that some savoury ingredients are also toxic. Onion, garlic, leek, shallot, and chives all belong to the Allium family, and they can be harmful whether they are raw or cooked. That means leftovers like stuffing, gravy, and seasoned sauces can be risky even if they look harmless. If a dish was cooked with these flavours, it is better to skip it.
Even foods that are not technically toxic may still be a poor choice. Cranberry sauce, for example, is not usually considered poisonous to dogs, but it often contains a lot of sugar, which can be especially problematic for pets with diabetes or other conditions sensitive to sugar. This is a good reminder that “safe” does not always mean “healthy,” especially when holiday portions creep up. When in doubt, a plain bite is better than a sweet or heavily seasoned one.
The good news is that dogs can join in with parts of the main meal. Turkey can be fine if it is served without skin and without bones, according to Purina’s dog experts. Skin is too fatty for many dogs, and bones can cause internal damage, so careful prep matters. Think plain, small pieces, and keep the seasonings off.
Sides can also be dog friendly when they are kept basic. Roasted potatoes are not a great idea, but boiled potato or plain mashed potato can be offered as long as you skip butter and go easy on salt. Purina also notes that potato is starchy and can be harder for dogs to digest, so small portions are important. For vegetables, options like green beans, Brussels sprouts, parsnip, peas, and turnip can be a nice addition, though too much may lead to gas or diarrhea.
What Christmas foods have you safely shared with your dog, and which ones do you avoid at all costs? Share your tips in the comments.
