What Can Dogs Eat From a Christmas Dinner? Your Festive Food Safety Guide for Dogs.

Christmas is a time of celebration, family gatherings and indulgent festive food. But while we enjoy our Christmas dinner, it is important to understand which foods are safe for dogs and which common Christmas ingredients are dangerous or even toxic.

Owners often search for guidance on what dogs can eat from a Christmas dinner, and the truth is that many traditional foods contain hidden risks. This guide brings together everything you need to know to keep dogs safe at Christmas, based on expert nutritional knowledge and real veterinary advice.

Safe Christmas Foods for Dogs (Plain, Small Amounts Only)

Some parts of a Christmas dinner are safe for dogs, but only when served plain and in moderation. Seasonings, oils, butter, salt, glazes, herbs and dressings should always be avoided.

• Turkey: Plain cooked turkey breast is safe as long as all skin, fat and bones are removed. Seasoning, butter, garlic, onions and fatty skin can cause illness.
• Chicken: Plain cooked chicken is also safe for dogs when served without skin or bones.
• Beef: Plain, lean, cooked beef is fine for dogs, but trimming off fat is essential to prevent stomach upset.
• Salmon: Plain, cooked salmon (not smoked, salted or seasoned) is safe.
• Vegetables: Plain cooked vegetables such as carrots, sprouts, cabbage and parsnips are safe for dogs. They must be served without butter, fat, glaze, oil, seasoning or salt.
• Bread: Plain bread is generally safe for dogs in very small amounts, but offers little nutritional value.

Christmas Foods Dogs Should Approach With Caution

• Yorkshire Puddings: A very small amount is usually tolerated by dogs but these are high in fat and not recommended.
• Potatoes: Plain boiled or baked potatoes are safe. However, roast potatoes cooked in goose fat, oil, butter or seasoning should not be given.
• Pork: Christmas pork is usually seasoned, salted or fatty, so it is generally best avoided. A small piece of plain cooked pork may be tolerated, but it is not recommended.
• Cheese: Only small amounts of mild cheese should be given, if at all. Many dogs do not digest dairy easily. Blue cheese must never be given.
• Chestnuts: While not toxic, chestnuts can cause stomach upset or blockages if eaten in larger amounts.

Dangerous or Toxic Christmas Foods Dogs Must Never Eat

• Onions: Onions in any form, including cooked, raw, powdered or dehydrated, are toxic to dogs and can damage red blood cells, leading to haemolytic anaemia.
• Garlic: Garlic is even more dangerous than onion and is found in many Christmas dishes, including stuffing, gravy, vegetables and meat seasoning.
• Stuffing: Stuffing should never be given to dogs because it almost always contains onions, garlic, herbs, salt and fat.
• Pigs in Blankets: These are high in fat, salt and seasoning and can trigger pancreatitis in dogs.
• Gravy: Gravy contains onion, salt and stock concentrates, making it unsuitable for dogs.
• Roast Potatoes: These are typically cooked in oils, fats or goose fat and are unsafe for dogs.
• Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs even in small quantities. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures and, in severe cases, heart problems.
• Christmas Pudding, Christmas Cake and Mince Pies: These all contain raisins, sultanas and currants. Even a single raisin can cause kidney failure in some dogs. These foods are extremely dangerous.
• Blue Cheese: Blue cheeses contain roquefortine C, a natural toxin produced by mould which can cause tremors, vomiting and neurological problems in dogs.
• Alcohol: All alcoholic drinks are dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, low blood sugar, seizures, coma or death.
• Cooked Bones: Cooked bones from turkey, chicken or pork can splinter and cause choking or internal injury. They should never be fed to dogs.
• Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting and high temperature.
• Other Nuts: Walnuts and pecans are unsafe and can carry mould toxins. Salted nuts should never be given.
• Pickled Foods: Pickled onions and pickled beetroot contain salt and vinegar and are unsuitable for dogs.

What food can puppies eat at Christmas?

Puppies have far more sensitive digestive systems than adult dogs and should not be given most Christmas foods. Even foods that are normally safe for adult dogs, such as turkey or vegetables, should only be given in tiny amounts. Puppies are more at risk of stomach upset, pancreatitis and food-related illness.

For puppies, it is best to stick to their normal diet and a few puppy-safe festive treats.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats a Toxic Christmas Food

If you suspect that your dog has eaten raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, alcohol, blue cheese, macadamia nuts or any other harmful food, contact your vet immediately. Early treatment offers the best chance of recovery.

Safe Alternatives for Dogs at Christmas

To keep dogs safe while still helping them feel part of the celebration, it is better to offer dog-safe Christmas treats. Choosing a good quality dog food brand such as Dewkes ensures your dog enjoys natural ingredients with no harmful additives, and you can relax knowing their Christmas dinner is completely safe.

You can also offer Dewkes treats made specifically for dogs rather than sharing human food that may carry hidden risks.

Shop Dewkes range of dog food and treats

Conclusion

Christmas should be a joyful time for the entire family, including dogs. By understanding which Christmas foods are safe for dogs and which foods are dangerous or toxic, you can keep them safe and avoid unnecessary emergencies.

Stick to plain, natural options, avoid all foods containing onions, garlic, raisins, chocolate, alcohol or excessive fat, and choose dog-friendly alternatives for a safe and happy Christmas.

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