The holiday season brings with it multiple platters of delicious foods, but not everything on our festive tables is suitable for our four-legged attendees. While we indulge in Christmas feasts, it’s crucial to be mindful of what foods are safe and unsafe for our dogs. Let’s unwrap the dos and don’ts of holiday foods for your furry friend.

 

❌ Unsafe Christmas Foods for Dogs ❌

Chocolate:

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and severe complications.

Xylitol:

This sweetener is often found in sugar-free baked goods and candies. Xylitol can cause insulin release in dogs, leading to liver failure.

Onions and Garlic:

These common ingredients can destroy a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. This is true for cooked, raw, or powdered forms.

Grapes and Raisins:

Even in small amounts, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Alcohol:

Never give your dog alcohol. It can lead to intoxication, coma, and in severe cases, death.

Cooked Bones:

Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or serious damage to your dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines.

Rich, Fatty Foods:

Foods high in fat, like ham, can cause pancreatitis in dogs, a painful and potentially dangerous condition.

 

✅ Safe Christmas Treats for Dogs (in limited quantities!) ✅ 

• Turkey and Chicken (lean, cooked and unseasoned)
• Carrots and Green Beans:
• Pumpkin and Sweet Potatoes
• Apples (no seeds)
• Plain Peas
• Broccoli

If you are ever not quite sure whether you can feed your dog something, it’s always best to ere on the side of caution and resist the urge to feed it to them – better safe than sorry!

 

Tips for a Dog-Friendly Festive Season

• Stick to Regular Diet. The safest choice is always to keep your dog on their regular diet. Even safe human foods should only be given in moderation.
• Create a Doggy Plate. If you want to treat your dog, prepare a small plate of dog-safe foods from the list above.
• Watch the Table. Keep an eye on your dog to ensure they don’t snag any unsafe foods, and inform your guests about what they can and cannot feed your dog.
• Immediate Care. If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your vet immediately.

 

Celebrating the holidays with your dog can be fun and safe when you’re aware of the dietary dangers. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your furry family member enjoys the festive season without any health risks. Here’s to a safe and happy holiday with your pup!