CHRISTMAS Treats and Tails: Safe and unsafe foods for dogs this Christmas
CHRISTMAS TREATS AND TAILS
Safe and unsafe foods for dogs this festive season.
by Danni Murphy
The festive season is a time for joy, family, and plenty of delicious food — but for our four-legged friends, it can also be a time of hidden danger.
While you may feel the need to share your Christmas feast with your dog especially when they sit in front of you wide eyed and hopeful the temptation can be overwhelming, many traditional festive foods can be harmful, or even toxic, to them.
Here’s a quick guide to help keep your dog safe, happy, and healthy this Christmas
— plus what to do if the worst happens.
Foods That Are Safe for Dogs (in moderation)
There are a few festive treats your dog can enjoy safely, as long as they’re given in small portions and without added seasoning, fat, or sauces:
- Plain cooked turkey or chicken (no bones or skin)
- Plain boiled or mashed potatoes (no butter, cream, or salt)
- Carrots, peas, and green beans
- Small amounts of plain rice or pasta
- Dog-safe treats or specially made Christmas snacks for pets (Note that rawhide treats, which are popular this time of year, can be extremely dangerous. Instead choose a natural, safer alternative chew treat to avoid potential harm.)
These foods can be a great way to let your dog join in the celebrations without risking their health.
Foods to Avoid – Dangerous or Toxic to Dogs
Many festive favourites contain ingredients that are highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Keep these foods well out of reach:
- Raisins, currants, sultanas, and grapes – Found in Christmas pudding, fruit cake, mince pies, and stollen. Even a few can cause kidney failure.
- Chocolate – Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate is especially dangerous.
- Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives – Common in stuffing, gravy, and leftovers; can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia.
- Alcohol – Can cause vomiting, disorientation, tremors, and in severe cases, death.
- Macadamia nuts – Can cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors.
- Cooked bones – Especially turkey bones, which can splinter and cause choking or internal injury.
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener) – Found in some sweets, chewing gum, and peanut butter; can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure.
Even fatty leftovers like pigs in blankets or roast trimmings can cause pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Raisins, Currants, or Any Toxic Food…
If you think your dog has eaten something poisonous — even a small amount — act immediately. Time is critical.
- Call your vet right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Tell them exactly what your dog has eaten, when, and roughly how much.
- Do not try to make your dog vomit unless instructed by a vet. Some substances can cause more harm coming back up.
- If your vet is closed, call an emergency veterinary clinic or the Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) or Vetfone (0300 034 0750) for advice.
- Watch for symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, excessive thirst, loss of appetite, trembling, or seizures — but remember, by the time you notice these, serious damage may already have begun.
Early treatment gives your dog the best chance of a full recovery.
A Safe and Happy Christmas
The best way to keep your dog safe is simple — plan ahead. Keep tempting treats out of reach, brief your guests about what’s safe to share (and what’s not!), and have plenty of dog-friendly snacks on hand so your pet doesn’t miss out.
With a little care and awareness, you can make sure your Christmas celebrations are filled with joy, love, and wagging tails — not emergency vet visits.
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