12 Festive foods that are safe to share with your dog this Christmas - and the items that could prove fatal
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As families across the country prepare to enjoy their Christmas celebrations, pet experts are offering a helping hand to ensure our four-legged friends stay happy and healthy.
While the festive season is a time for indulgence, our homes can be a busy place for a dog, with new scents, snacks, and decorations appearing overnight.
To help owners navigate the holiday period, Blue Cross has shared a guide on how to safely include your pet in the festivities without any unwanted trips to the vet over the festive period.
The good news for pampered pooches is that they don’t have to miss out on the family feast entirely, and there are 12 seasonal staples are perfectly safe to share in small amounts, provided they are served plain.
They include lean turkey meat (without skin or bones), salmon fillets, and lamb meat, which make excellent high-protein treats.
On the side, dogs can enjoy a healthy portion of vegetables, including Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots, peas, swede, and green beans. Potatoes are also back on the menu, whether they are mashed, new, or sweet potatoes—just ensure they haven’t been roasted in salt or butter.
While much of the Christmas plate is safe, some traditional ingredients are best kept for humans.
Onions, garlic, leeks, and shallots—common ingredients in stuffing and gravy—can be harmful to dogs in any form. Owners should also be mindful of the hidden sweetener Xylitol, which is found in many sugar-free sweets and candy canes.
The dessert trolley also requires a watchful eye - and not just around those who fancy ‘seconds’ this year; raisins, sultanas, and currants found in mince pies and Christmas puddings are toxic to dogs, as are macadamia nuts.
By keeping these specific treats out of "paws’ reach," owners can prevent a minor mishap from spoiling the big day.
12 items you can share with your dog this Christmas
- Turkey meat (no skin or bones)
- Salmon (fillets or cooked in spring water)
- Lamb meat (no bones or string)
- Green beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Parsnips
- Carrots
- Peas
- Swede
- Mashed potato (no butter/salt)
- New potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
The 11 items to avoid sharing with your dog this Christmas
- Chocolate
- Christmas pudding / Cake (due to dried fruits)
- Mince pies (due to dried fruits/grapes)
- Onions (including gravy/stuffing)
- Garlic
- Leeks / Shallots / Chives
- Alcohol
- Macadamia nuts
- Sweets containing Xylitol (like candy canes)
- Cooked bones (from the meat)
- Leftovers with "hidden" ingredients (like salt, fat, or mould)
Keeping your dog calm amidst the Christmas chaos
Beyond the menu, the Blue Cross reminds owners that the hustle and bustle of a busy house can be a lot for a dog to take in.
Sticking to your dog’s usual walking and feeding routine can go a long way in helping them feel secure.
Providing a "quiet zone" or a comfortable den away from the noise of guests allows your pet to decompress when the celebrations get a little too lively.
With a bit of forward planning and a close eye on the safe snack list, the whole family—pets included—can enjoy a peaceful and merry Christmas.
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