Christmas Foods Your Dog Can and Can’t Eat

As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to festive meals filled with delicious treats. However, while you enjoy these special Christmas foods, you might consider what’s safe and what’s not for your dog. Some traditional holiday dishes can pose serious risks to your pet, while others are perfectly fine to share. Below we’ll dive into which Christmas foods your dog can and can’t eat to help you keep your furry friend safe and healthy throughout the celebrations.

Safe Christmas Foods for Your Dog

The good news is that there are several Christmas foods your dog can enjoy right along with you. These safe options can be a fun way to include your dog in the festivities, but be sure to serve them in moderation and without added ingredients that might be harmful.

Turkey (Without Skin and Bones)

Turkey is a staple on many Christmas tables and, fortunately, it’s also safe for dogs to eat. However, you should always remove the skin, which is high in fat and can upset your dog’s stomach. Bones should also be avoided as they can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Plain, cooked turkey meat can be a great protein-packed treat for your dog, as long as it’s free from any seasoning, butter, or gravy, which can contain harmful ingredients like garlic or onion.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. Serve them plain and cooked, without any added sugar, marshmallows, or spices that are common in holiday dishes. Mashed or cubed sweet potatoes can be a tasty treat that your dog will love.

Green Beans

Green beans are a low-calorie vegetable that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a healthy choice for your dog’s Christmas dinner. Serve them plain and cooked, without any added butter, salt, or seasoning. Avoid green bean casseroles, as they often contain onions, which are toxic to dogs.

Christmas Foods to Avoid for Your Dog

While it’s tempting to share all the delicious Christmas treats with your dog, there are certain foods that should be completely off-limits. These foods can cause a range of health issues, from mild stomach upset to life-threatening conditions, so ensure they are kept out of your dog’s reach.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that dogs metabolize much more slowly than humans, leading to potentially dangerous levels in their system. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous due to their higher levels of theobromine. Always keep chocolate and chocolate-containing foods away from your dog during the holidays.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins may seem like harmless snacks, but they can cause severe kidney damage in dogs. The exact substance in grapes and raisins that causes this toxicity is still unknown, but even a small amount can lead to kidney failure. Symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Keep these fruits out of reach and avoid giving your dog any foods that may contain them, such as fruitcakes or holiday bread.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are common ingredients in many holiday dishes, but they are both highly toxic to dogs. These foods contain compounds that can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia. Symptoms may not appear immediately but can include weakness, vomiting, and red or brown urine. Even cooked onions and garlic can be harmful, so it’s necessary to keep any foods containing these ingredients away from your dog.

Alcohol and Holiday Drinks

During Christmas gatherings, it’s common to see an array of festive beverages, but remember that alcohol is extremely dangerous for dogs. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause serious health problems, including vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, and in severe cases, coma or death. Holiday drinks like eggnog, which often contain alcohol, nutmeg, or dairy, should be kept away from your dog. Water is always the best option to keep your dog hydrated and safe during the holidays.

Holiday Sweets and Baked Goods

Christmas is often synonymous with sweets and baked goods, but these treats can be hazardous to your dog’s health. Sugary foods, especially those containing artificial sweeteners like xylitol, can be extremely toxic. Xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of coordination, and seizures. Additionally, many holiday treats contain ingredients like chocolate, raisins, or nuts, which are all harmful to dogs. It’s best to avoid sharing any baked goods with your pet.

Sugar-Free Treats

Sugar-free candies and baked goods are increasingly popular during the holiday season, but they pose a significant risk to dogs due to the presence of xylitol. Even a small amount of xylitol can be life-threatening for dogs, causing a rapid insulin release that leads to hypoglycemia. Always check ingredient labels carefully and keep sugar-free products out of your dog’s reach.

How to Handle Accidental Ingestion

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. If your dog accidentally ingests any of these dangerous Christmas foods, here’s what to do.

• Recognizing Symptoms: The first step is to recognize the symptoms of food poisoning in dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, and changes in behavior. If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog has eaten something potentially harmful, contact your veterinarian immediately.
• When to Call the Vet: If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Contact Kensoha Animal Hospital or your nearest emergency vet. Provide them with as much information as possible, including what your dog ate, how much, and when. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your dog’s recovery.

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, and by knowing which Christmas foods your dog can and can’t eat, you can ensure that your furry friend has a happy and healthy holiday season by your side. Offering safe treats in moderation and keeping harmful foods out of reach will help you avoid any unwanted trips to the vet. If you ever have any questions or concerns about your dog’s diet during the holidays, call Kensoha Animal Hospital at (262) 658-3533.