Our services
Our Services:
Can Dogs Eat Christmas Dinner? Safe & Unsafe Festive Foods for Dogs
Questions
- What Christmas dinner can dogs eat?
- How to prepare Christmas dinner for your dog
- Can dogs eat Christmas pudding?
- What can dogs eat at Christmas?
- Tips for keeping your dog safe during Christmas
- Dog-friendly Christmas treat ideas
- Key takeaways
- Frequently asked questions
As you sit down to enjoy your Christmas dinner, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll feel a pair of hopeful eyes watching your every move. With the irresistible smells of roast turkey, gravy, and all the trimmings filling the air, it’s no wonder your dog wants to be part of the festivities too.
Sharing is a lovely part of the season, but it’s important to know which Christmas foods are safe for dogs and which should stay firmly on the human plates. Many festive dishes contain ingredients that can be harmful to pets, so a little knowledge goes a long way in keeping your dog happy and healthy.
This guide walks you through what your dog can enjoy from Christmas dinner, what foods to avoid, and how to prepare safe, dog-friendly festive treats so your pup can join in the celebration without risk.
What Christmas dinner can dogs eat?
The good news is that dogs can enjoy some of the same foods we do at Christmas, provided they’re served correctly. Here are some dog-safe festive favourites to offer in moderation.
Safe Christmas foods for dogs
● Turkey: Plain, cooked turkey breast without bones, skin, salt, or seasoning is a brilliant high-protein treat.
● Chicken: Just like turkey, plain cooked chicken (no skin, no bones) is safe and tasty.
● Salmon: A small piece of plain, boneless cooked salmon is fine and full of healthy omega-3s.
● Carrots: Raw or cooked, they make a crunchy, low-calorie snack.
● Green beans: Steamed or boiled, these are packed with nutrients.
● Peas: A small spoonful is perfectly safe.
● Brussels sprouts: Whether you love them or not, your dog can enjoy one or two plain, cooked sprouts.
● Swede and parsnips: Cooked and mashed (with no butter or seasoning) are gentle and dog-friendly in small amounts.
● Potatoes: Plain, boiled or mashed potatoes are fine in tiny portions. Avoid roast potatoes, as they’re cooked in fats and oils that aren’t safe for dogs.
How to prepare Christmas dinner for your dog
If you’d like to give your dog a little festive plate of their own, here are a few simple rules to keep things safe:
● Keep it plain: No salt, no butter, no oil, no seasonings. Dogs don’t need the extras.
● Remove all bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause serious injuries, so always double-check before serving.
● Think small: Christmas treats should be just that: treats. A few small pieces of meat and a spoonful of veg is more than enough.
Can dogs eat Christmas pudding?
Sadly, no, dogs cannot eat Christmas pudding. This festive favourite may be a treat for us, but it’s extremely dangerous for dogs and should always be kept well out of their reach.
Traditional Christmas pudding contains several ingredients that are toxic to dogs, including:
● Raisins, sultanas, and currants: Even tiny amounts can cause kidney failure.
● Alcohol: Spirits such as brandy or sherry are highly poisonous to dogs.
● Sugar: The high sugar content can upset your dog’s stomach and contribute to weight gain.
● Spices: Nutmeg, a common ingredient, is toxic and can lead to serious health problems.
If you’d like your dog to enjoy a festive dessert, opt for a safe, dog-friendly alternative. You can whip up a simple homemade treat using dog-safe ingredients, or browse our range of tasty Christmas dog treats designed especially for the occasion.
What can dogs eat at Christmas?
Beyond the main meal, Christmas often brings a whole host of tempting snacks and nibbles. Knowing what’s safe and what’s not, will help you keep your dog safe throughout the festive season.
Christmas foods to avoid
Make sure your dog avoids the following at all times:
● Chocolate: Extremely toxic to dogs.
● Mince pies: Packed with raisins and sometimes alcohol.
● Christmas cake: Contains raisins, sultanas, currants, and often alcohol.
● Onions, garlic, leeks, and shallots: Poisonous to dogs, whether raw or cooked, meaning no stuffing or onion gravy.
● Gravy: Often high in salt and fat, and may include onion powder.
● Nuts: Macadamia nuts are especially toxic. Most nuts are high in fat and pose a choking risk.
● Grapes: Just as dangerous as raisins.
● Xylitol: A sweetener found in some sweets and peanut butters. It’s extremely toxic, even in small amounts.
Quick reference: Safe vs. unsafe Christmas foods
Tips for keeping your dog safe during Christmas
The festive season is fun but can also be a little chaotic, and that’s when curious dogs often get themselves into trouble. A few simple precautions can make all the difference.
● Avoid temptation: Try not to leave food unattended on tables or worktops. If it smells good, your dog will do their best to get to it!
● Inform your guests: Let visitors know not to slip your dog any treats from their plate, no matter how charming the begging eyes may be.
● Watch for scavengers: Some dogs can’t resist searching for dropped leftovers or raiding the bin. If your dog is a known scavenger, a muzzle can be a helpful tool during busy family gatherings.
● Offer their own treats: Keep them happy and distracted with festive chews, long-lasting treats, or a puzzle toy filled with dog-safe snacks.
● Know the signs of poisoning: Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or restlessness can indicate your dog has eaten something harmful. If you’re concerned, contact your vet straight away.
Dog-friendly Christmas treat ideas
Why not give your dog their very own festive goodies? Here’s a simple and safe recipe to try at home.
Peanut butter & carrot biscuits
Ingredients:
● 150g wholemeal flour
● 1 grated carrot
● 1 tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter
● 1 egg
● A splash of water
Method:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan).
Mix all the ingredients together until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough and cut out shapes with festive cutters.
Transfer to a baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.
Allow to cool completely before serving.
For even more treat inspiration, explore the wide range of tasty dog snacks and chews available at Jollyes.
Key takeaways
With a bit of care and planning, your dog can enjoy the magic of Christmas right alongside you.
● Stick to plain, cooked meats and vegetables and only small portions.
● Keep your dog away from all toxic foods, especially chocolate, onions, raisins, and alcohol.
● Offer safe treats and fun enrichment toys to keep them busy.
By following these tips, you can make the festive season enjoyable and stress-free for every member of the family, including your four-legged friend. Visit Jollyes for festive dog treats, supplements, toys, and more.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat chocolate at Christmas?
No, dogs should never eat chocolate. It contains theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs and can lead to serious illness or even death. Keep all chocolate, including advent calendars and tree treats, well out of reach.
Are mince pies safe for dogs?
No, mince pies are unsafe. They contain raisins, which are highly toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
Can dogs eat Christmas cake?
No. Like mince pies and Christmas pudding, Christmas cake contains raisins, sultanas, and often alcohol, all of which are dangerous for dogs.