Key Takeaways
- Include your dog in the Christmas dinner, but be cautious of certain foods that can be harmful.
- Turkey is safe in small amounts, but avoid giving gravy, skin, and bones due to health risks.
- Some vegetables are acceptable, but keep portions small and avoid additives like salt.
- Sweets, chocolate, onions, garlic, and certain fruits, such as grapes, are toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs.
- Always consult a vet if you’re unsure about a specific food for your dog during Christmas dinner.
Christmas is a time for fun, family and food, and it is no surprise that those of us with dogs want to include our four-legged pals in the seasonal festivities, especially the central point of the day – Christmas dinner. During all the excitement, it is easy to become complacent about potentially harmful food items for your dog; therefore, we have compiled a brief guide to help you remain vigilant.
Not all human food is toxic to dogs or has adverse effects on them, but it should be given in moderation.
Turkey
Feeding your dog a little bit of the Christmas turkey is safe. However, do not be tempted to add gravy; it is an unnecessary carrier of fat and salt, and you won’t know the difference. It is best to avoid giving turkey or chicken skin, as it is too fatty for canines. Too much fat can cause pancreatitis.
Pigs in Blankets
Although these smell delicious (and in my view are), don’t be tempted to give one or two to your dog. They are far too fatty and salty and will give your pet a poor tummy upset.
Bones
We tend to cook a lot more meat joints at Christmas. Bones, whether cooked or not, are a choking hazard for your dog; if the bone splinters, there is also a high risk of perforation. You may think you have it covered by keeping bones away from your dog at the dinner table, but be wary of leaving rubbish bags open and within reach of your pet. They will find it hard to resist the smell!
Vegetables
Small amounts of vegetables are acceptable for your dog, including carrots, parsnips, green beans, courgettes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli florets (very small amount only), peas, spinach, and cauliflower. When preparing their portion, do not add any salt, butter or type of fat. Potatoes can be either mashed or boiled, but again, avoid adding unnecessary extras and keep the portion small, as too much starch can be painful.
Related article: dog-friendly vegetables
Sweets and Desserts
Although we find these delicious, they are far too sugary for your pet. Even sugar-free ones may contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s very dangerous for your pooch. So avoid mince pies and cream
Seeds and nuts
It’s not recommended that you give your dog any walnuts or macadamia nuts. However, tiny amounts of almonds and cashews can be given safely. Your dog will love these as a special treat.
Fruit
Grapes can cause serious harm to your canine pal, whether it is a few or many. Currants, raisins and sultanas have a similar impact because they all come from the same family of foods. Subsequently, do not share with your dog Christmas pudding, Christmas cake or mince pies. Other fruits can be given in moderation, as long as any pits/stones are removed first. If rhubarb is on the menu, make sure it doesn’t have any, as the plant is very dangerous for them.
Onions, garlic and other bulb vegetables
(e.g. chives, leeks, shallots) – Avoid at all costs, including variants such as onion powder. Garlic does not pose an immediate threat to dogs, but its cumulative effects are harmful when given consistently.
Chocolate
We have many more cocoa products available at this time of the year, but they should be kept well out of reach of dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be deadly for your pet. Please also avoid caffeine or alcohol for your dog. Clear away any leftover cups or glasses and make sure they are out of our dog’s reach. Follow these simple rules for a trouble-free, peaceful Christmas.
Remember, if in doubt, always seek advice from a veterinarian
Related article Chocolate and dogs
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