Festive Foods Dogs Must Avoid
Share
The holiday season is here, and for many of us, that means indulging in our favourite festive treats! It’s hard to resist those puppy-dog eyes for a little taste of Christmas dinner, and we’re all a bit guilty of sneaking them a treat or two. But while a nibble of turkey or a small piece of veggie won’t do much harm, some holiday foods can be toxic for our dogs. To keep your furry friend safe (and avoid any emergency trips to the vet!), here’s a quick guide on what to keep out of their reach.
FOODS TO AVOID:
Chocolate
One of the most common treats for us but dangerous for dogs! Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause serious health issues for dogs. Even small amounts can lead to symptoms like vomiting, increased heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures.
CHRISTMAS PUDDING
As delicious as it may be, Christmas pudding is packed with raisins and currants, which can lead to kidney failure in dogs. Add in the alcohol and spices, and this treat is definitely one to keep well away from curious noses.
MINCE PIES
Much like Christmas pudding, mince pies are filled with raisins and currants— both highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause severe illness, so make sure these sweet treats are out of paw’s reach.
STUFFING
Onions, garlic, and certain herbs found in stuffing can be harmful to dogs, potentially causing digestive issues or more severe conditions like anemia. Stick to plain turkey if you’re going to share anything with your pet.
GRAVY
Rich, fatty, and often seasoned with ingredients that can upset your dog’s stomach, gravy can cause pancreatitis in dogs if consumed in large amounts. Best to keep it off their plate altogether.
COOKED BONES
While raw bones can be a healthy treat, cooked bones (especially poultry) can splinter easily and pose a choking hazard or cause damage to your dog’s digestive system.
CANDY CANES (AND OTHER SUGARY TREATS)
Many holiday sweets, especially candy canes, contain xylitol—a sugar substitute that’s highly toxic to dogs. Xylitol can lead to liver failure and dangerously low blood sugar levels in dogs, so it’s best to keep all sweets out of their reach.
RAWHIDE
While they might be packaged in a cute bow or in the shape of a candy cane, they’re far from harmless. Rawhide is a byproduct of the leather industry and often treated with chemicals during processing. Once ingested, rawhide can swell in the stomach or intestines, causing blockages that may require surgery.
TURKEY SKIN
On its own, turkey skin isn’t inherently toxic to dogs and, in moderation, might seem like a tasty treat. However, the real danger lies in how it’s prepared.
The turkey skin likely carries remnants of spices and herbs used in your recipe. These can be toxic to dogs.
Turkey skin is rich in fat, which is tough for some dogs to digest. Overindulgence can lead to conditions like pancreatitis, which is characterised by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Keeping your dog safe doesn’t mean skipping out on festive fun! Be sure to check ingredient labels and choose dog-friendly treats for their Christmas stockings.