What Your Dog Can (and Cannot) Eat From a Christmas Dinner
Christmas dinner is one of the best meals of the year. If you are a dog guardian, you will probably have a pair of hopeful eyes watching every plate that reaches the table. Sharing a little festive food can be safe, but it is important to follow proper guidelines so your dog stays healthy throughout the holidays.
Below is a clear breakdown of what is safe, what is risky, and what should be avoided. This follows advice that vets and veterinary nutritionists commonly give.
Safe Christmas Foods for Dogs in Small Amounts
Plain Turkey (No Skin and No Bones)
Turkey is a good lean protein source for dogs. Remove the skin because it is too fatty and remove all bones because they can splinter.
Serve: Small, plain pieces with no seasoning, gravy, or butter.
Plain Vegetables
Many Christmas vegetables are safe when served plain.
-
Carrots
-
Green beans
-
Parsnips
-
Brussels sprouts (in moderation because they can cause gas)
-
Peas
Serve: Steamed or roasted without oil, butter, salt, onions, garlic, glaze, or seasoning.
Potatoes (Plain Only)
Boiled or mashed potatoes without butter, cream, milk, or salt can be safe.
Avoid: Roast potatoes because they are cooked in fat which can trigger pancreatitis.
Small Amounts of Plain Cooked Salmon
If salmon is part of your festive meal, a little plain and fully cooked salmon can be safe.
Avoid: Anything smoked, salty, spiced, or served with glaze or sauce.
Cranberry Sauce in Very Small Amounts
A very small taste can be fine, but many sauces contain added sugar. Some also contain raisins or currants which are toxic.
Serve: Only if you have checked the ingredients list.
Festive Foods Your Dog Should Not Eat
Turkey Skin, Gravy, and Stuffing
These foods contain high levels of fat, salt, herbs, onion, and garlic.
Onion and garlic are toxic to dogs.
Bones
Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injury.
Never give cooked bones.
Pigs in Blankets and Sausages
These foods are high in fat and salt. Fatty foods are a major cause of pancreatitis, which vets regularly see during Christmas.
Roast Potatoes
Usually cooked in goose fat, beef dripping, or oil. These are very high in fat and not safe for dogs.
Stuffing Balls and Sage and Onion Dishes
Onion, garlic, chives, and leeks are all toxic to dogs and can cause damage to red blood cells.
Gravy and Sauces
These often contain salt, onion, garlic, stock cubes, alcohol, or fat. Gravy is one of the most common causes of holiday stomach upset in dogs.
Chocolate
Chocolate is toxic to dogs, especially dark chocolate which is common in festive desserts.
Raisins, Sultanas, and Currants
These are found in mince pies, Christmas pudding, stollen, and fruit cake. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure.
These foods should be avoided completely.
Alcohol
Even small amounts are extremely dangerous for dogs.
You May Also Like
-
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.
