Festive Foods to Avoid: Keeping Your Dog Safe This Christmas

The holidays are here! 🎄 The tree is twinkling, the presents are wrapped, and the house smells like gingerbread and roast dinners. But while we’re busy indulging in festive treats, some of our Christmas favourites are a no-go for our four-legged family members. Let’s dive into the top festive foods that are off-limits for dogs—and what to give them instead to keep tails wagging all season long.

1. Chocolate: Sweet, but Deadly

• The Danger: Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs can’t process. Even a small amount can lead to vomiting, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures.
• What to Do:
  • Keep all chocolate treats well out of reach (those tree-hung choccies are sneaky dangers!).
  • Watch out for things like advent calendars and leftover hot chocolate mugs.
  • Opt for dog-safe carob treats if your pup’s giving you the “but why not me?” eyes.

2. Raisins, Grapes, and Mince Pies: A Festive No-No

• The Danger: Even tiny amounts of raisins or grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. And yes, that includes your Christmas cake and mince pies!
• What to Do:
  • Skip sharing anything fruity with your pup (no matter how much they beg).
  • Stick to dog-friendly biscuits instead.
  • If your dog sneaks a bite, call the vet immediately.

3. Onions and Garlic: Hidden Trouble in Leftovers

• The Danger: Found in stuffing, gravy, and lots of festive dishes, these alliums can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
• What to Do:
  • Avoid giving your dog any leftovers unless you’re 100% sure they’re dog-safe.
  • Make them their own pup-friendly Christmas dinner with plain, cooked meat and veggies.

4. Alcohol: Not for Fido

• The Danger: Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even alcohol poisoning in dogs. No Baileys or Christmas punch for your furry friend!
• What to Do:
  • Keep glasses out of reach—those sneaky noses can sniff out the good stuff.
  • Instead, treat them to dog-friendly “beer” or bone broth. Cheers to that!

5. Cooked Bones: Looks Fun, But Dangerous

• The Danger: Cooked bones can splinter easily, causing blockages or tears in your dog’s digestive system. Ouch!
• What to Do:
  • Skip the turkey leftovers and go for a sturdy, vet-approved chew toy instead.
  • Raw bones are a safer alternative—but always supervise your dog while they’re enjoying one.

6. Xylitol: The Sneaky Sweetener

• The Danger: Found in sugar-free gum, sweets, and even some peanut butter, xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in your dog’s blood sugar levels.
• What to Do:
  • Check labels before sharing any human food.
  • Stick to treats specifically made for dogs—they’ll love you for it!

7. Dairy: Not Every Dog’s Cup of Eggnog

• The Danger: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning cheese, cream, and that dollop of custard could leave them with an upset tummy.
• What to Do:
  • Use dairy-free dog treats as a festive alternative.
  • If you really want to share a snack, plain boiled chicken or veggies are a winner.

8. Macadamia Nuts: Festive but Forbidden

• The Danger: These nuts can cause weakness, tremors, and overheating in dogs. They’re a hard no for festive sharing.
• What to Do:
  • Keep bowls of nuts out of reach.
  • Offer crunchy carrots or dog-safe chews instead.

9. Christmas Pudding and Cake: Nope, Nope, Nope

• The Danger: Packed with raisins, alcohol, and spices, these holiday classics are a triple threat for dogs.
• What to Do:
  • Keep pudding far away from curious noses.
  • Bake your dog a festive treat with safe ingredients like peanut butter and oats.

10. Fatty Foods: Tempting, But Risky

• The Danger: Rich foods like bacon, skin from roasts, or buttery dishes can upset your dog’s stomach and even lead to pancreatitis.
• What to Do:
  • Keep festive meals simple for your pup: plain turkey or veggies are perfect.
  • Avoid sharing scraps under the table, no matter how persuasive those puppy eyes are!

Celebrate Safely: Festive Treats Your Dog CAN Enjoy

Want to include your dog in the holiday fun without the risks? Here are some safe (and yummy) alternatives:

• Dog-safe Christmas cookies: Try recipes with peanut butter, oats, and pumpkin.
• Plain turkey: No seasoning or skin, just simple and delicious.
• Veggie treats: Carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes are always a hit.

Final Woof of Wisdom

Christmas is all about sharing joy—but some things are better left unshared when it comes to your dog. Stick to safe treats, keep an eye on sneaky paws, and enjoy a festive season full of wagging tails and happy barks.

Have you got a festive recipe or a cute holiday snap of your pup? Tag us on Instagram @adogpersonstore—we’d love to see your furry festivities! 🎅🐾