Tingley vet warns of rising risks from supermarket festive treat aisles and table scraps this Christmas

Shelves across supermarkets and pet stores are already stacked with advent calendars, rawhide candy canes and ‘turkey dinner’ biscuits.

Tingley-based Paws & Co Veterinary Centre in Yorkshire is warning that many of these Christmas products could be doing pets more harm than good.

“We always see a noticeable change in the types of pet products hitting the shelves in the run-up to Christmas,” says Veterinary Surgeon, Stefanos Kalli from Paws & Co Veterinary Centre.

“Over the years, there’s been a big increase in festive-themed treats, novelty chews and brightly packaged snacks, but many of them are high in fat, packed with additives or made from ingredients that aren’t safe or suitable for pets.

"Unfortunately, it’s not always easy for owners to spot what’s harmful - especially when the products are sold in mainstream supermarkets or online.”

Here, Stefanos shares his advice on what to watch out for this Christmas and why festive pet treats aren’t always what they seem.

The commercialisation of pet products and the hidden risks

Every December, pet treat aisles fill up with themed chews, biscuits and brightly coloured snacks. But beneath the festive packaging, many contain ingredients that can upset digestion or even cause harm.

Christmas pet products are often made for novelty value, not nutrition. We see things like rawhide chews shaped like candy canes, which are chemically treated and difficult to digest, or snacks high in fat, sugar and salt that can lead to upset stomachs for our pets or worse, pancreatitis. Even treats labelled ‘natural’ or ‘Christmas dinner flavoured’ can contain additives that aren’t ideal for pets.

The biggest problem is that the marketing is very clever - festive colours, gift packaging and even scents that appeal to owners - but what looks good under the tree isn’t always good for your pet’s stomach. Owners shouldn’t fall for the Christmas gift frenzy the same way they do for family members. Yes, your daughter may want a bright pink candy cane - but your pets health most definitely won’t thank you for it!

The secret under the table treats

It’s not just the products on sale that cause problems. Every Christmas, there is a risk of pets becoming ill after eating festive foods shared from the dinner table.

From turkey carcasses, Christmas pudding and mince pies to chocolate. There are so many tempting smells around the house at this time of year. The trouble is that a lot of these foods are too rich or contain toxic ingredients to pets like onions, garlic, raisins or alcohol. Even a small piece can make a pet very unwell.

How many times do we hear “oh, it’s Christmas” or “one won’t hurt” - but it’s this attitude that pet owners adopt that can turn a fun Christmas into a Boxing Day visit to the vets. It’s something we see every year, but it's important to remember that even small quantities of rich food can overwhelm a pet’s digestive system. Their bodies simply aren’t built for it.

So how do you make Christmas just as special without harming your pet?

The good news is that celebrating with your pet doesn’t have to mean putting their health at risk. It starts with choosing the right kind of treats, ones that are simple, natural and vet approved. Many novelty chews, especially those made from rawhide, are not only hard to digest but can cause serious internal issues if swallowed in large pieces. Instead, look for single-ingredient chews or trusted brands that prioritise quality over seasonal gimmicks.

It’s also worth taking a closer look at what’s on the label. Just like with human snacks, the ingredient list on pet treats can reveal a lot. Products high in fat, salt or sugar might smell tempting to your pet, but they can upset their stomach or trigger more serious conditions like pancreatitis, especially if given alongside extra under the table treats. To put it into perspective, just one pig in blanket can contain as much fat as over one full chicken breast (more than a whole meal’s worth of fat for many small dogs). Just like that, one ‘treat’ can quickly overload their system.

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges is managing the well-meaning intentions of family and friends. Many pet owners find that guests want to offer scraps (a way of buying the affection of the family pet), but even small amounts of stuffing, gravy or dessert can be dangerous if they contain onions, raisins, chocolate or alcohol. Taking a moment before your meal to gently ask guests not to feed your pet can prevent accidents and ensure everyone is on the same page.

And if you're worried about your pet feeling left out while the rest of the household enjoys their Christmas dinner or finger food, there are easy ways to include them without risk. Offering a safe, specially chosen treat or a new toy at the same time can help them feel part of the celebration. After all, for pets - it’s not about the food, it’s about attention, affection and being close to the people they love.