Naughty or Nice? A dog-friendly Christmas food guide
Posted 9 hours ago
Christmas is a time for eating, drinking, and celebrating with the ones we love – including our dogs. But while we may be tempted to share scraps from our festive feast with them, many traditional Christmas foods can be harmful to dogs, even in small amounts.
Every year, vets see a spike in emergencies over the festive season. Many of these incidents happen when dogs are given food out of love, without knowing the risks.
A festive feast your dog will love
With a little planning, your four-legged friend can enjoy a Christmas treat of their own made from safe, tasty ingredients. Serve it in a food-dispensing toy or on a lick mat to keep your dog busy, calm, and happy during the excitement of Christmas Day.
Ingredients
Dogs don’t need butter, gravy, or seasonings – simple, natural ingredients are safest and tastiest:
- Plain turkey or chicken: Fully cooked, with no bones, no skin, and no seasoning. A great lean protein source to help keep your dog strong and energised.
- Steamed carrots, green beans, or peas: Easy to digest, full of fibre, and rich in vitamins that support overall health.
- Plain potato or sweet potato: Cooked and cooled, with no butter, cream, or seasoning. A gentle source of energy and fibre.
How to assemble
For a food-dispensing toy:
- Spoon a small layer of mashed potato into the toy.
- Add shredded turkey or chicken and small pieces of vegetables.
- Top with more potato to seal.
- Freeze if you want it to last longer
For a lick mat:
- Spread mashed potato evenly over the mat.
- Press in shredded turkey or chicken and small pieces of vegetables.
- Chill for a few minutes to set before serving.
A little goes a long way: Serve in moderation, as a replacement to your dog’s usual meal, to avoid overfeeding.
Christmas foods that are toxic to dogs
Many popular seasonal dishes contain ingredients that can cause illness or poisoning. Keep the following foods well out of paws reach:
- Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Shallots and Chives: Toxic in any form, often found in stuffing, gravy, and roasted dishes.
- Rich, Fatty Foods: Turkey skin, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes cooked in oil, and creamy sauces can trigger upset stomach or pancreatitis.
- Sweet Treats: Mince pies, Christmas pudding, stollen, and baked goods often contain raisins or currants (highly toxic). Sugar-free treats may have xylitol, which is extremely dangerous, and some treats (like candy canes) can be choking hazards.
- Chocolate: From advent calendars to selection boxes, human chocolate contains theobromine which is highly toxic to dogs.
- Alcohol: Even tiny amounts can cause serious health issues.
- Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, tremors, stiffness, lethargy, and increased body temperature, even in small quantities.
Important: If you suspect your dog has eaten something unsafe, call your vet immediately – do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Make a festive snuffle mat
Not all dogs need festive food to enjoy Christmas. A snuffle mat turns their usual kibble into a rewarding game that keeps their mind active and helps them stay calm during the festive excitement.
Hide kibble or small treats and let your dog forage at their own pace – great way to entertain them without overfeeding. Even better, a DIY snuffle mat makes a perfect Christmas gift. Check out our guide to make your own!