Holiday Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat: A Safe Feast Guide for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year
Holiday Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat: A Safe Feast Guide for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year
The holidays are built around food, and your dog knows it. The smell of roasting turkey, the clink of plates and a dozen guests holding snacks at nose height make the season a lot of temptation for even the best behaved pup.
Some holiday foods are perfectly fine to share in small amounts. Others can make a dog seriously ill, and a few of the most dangerous ones show up in nearly every holiday kitchen. Many emergency vets say late November through early January is one of their busiest stretches of the year.
This guide covers exactly which holiday foods dogs can and can’t eat, why the risky ones are dangerous, how much to share, how to plan a dog friendly plate and what to do if your dog gets into something they shouldn’t.
What holiday foods can dogs eat?
Many classic holiday ingredients are safe for dogs when they are served plain. Plain cooked turkey breast with no skin, bones or seasoning is the most popular choice and a good source of lean protein. Plain cooked chicken works the same way.
Vegetables are some of the best shares. Plain green beans, carrots, peas, broccoli in small amounts and plain cooked sweet potato are all generally dog friendly. Steam or boil them before seasoning goes on, and cut them into bite size pieces for small dogs.
Plain canned pumpkin (100 percent pumpkin, not pie filling) is a holiday favorite that many dogs love. A spoonful mixed into a meal is plenty. Apple slices without the core or seeds, a few plain cranberries and a little plain rice are also fine for most dogs.
The key word is plain. Most holiday dishes become risky because of what gets added: butter, salt, onions, garlic, spices, sugar and sauces. Set aside a small portion for your dog before the seasoning goes in, and you have an easy way to include them in the meal.
What holiday foods are toxic to dogs?
A few holiday foods are known to be toxic to dogs and should never be shared. Chocolate is at the top of the list. It contains theobromine and caffeine, and dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Chocolate shows up in gifts, stockings, cookies and advent calendars all season long.
Grapes, raisins and currants can cause kidney injury in some dogs, and there is no known safe amount. Watch for them in fruitcake, stollen, mince pies, panettone, trail mix and cheese boards.
Onions, garlic, leeks, chives and shallots belong to the allium family and can damage a dog’s red blood cells. They hide in stuffing, gravy, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and most savory sauces. Cooked, raw and powdered forms are all a problem.
Xylitol, a sugar substitute, can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs. It is found in some sugar free gum, mints, baked goods, candies and even certain peanut butters. Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, vomiting and tremors, and are common in holiday cookies. Alcohol, raw yeast dough, coffee and caffeinated drinks round out the most important no list.
Why are fatty holiday scraps dangerous for dogs?
Even foods that are not toxic can make a dog sick when they are rich and fatty. Turkey skin, ham, gravy, drippings, butter, bacon, sausage and meat trimmings are common culprits. A sudden high fat meal can trigger stomach upset or pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas.
Pancreatitis signs include vomiting, a painful belly, a hunched posture, loss of appetite, diarrhea and low energy. Some dogs need hospital care. Small breeds, overweight dogs and dogs with a history of stomach issues may be more sensitive, so talk with your vet if your dog falls into one of those groups.
Ham and cured meats are also very salty, which can cause excessive thirst and stomach upset. Rich cheeses, cream sauces and buttery side dishes add up quickly too, especially when several guests each slip your dog just one bite.
The safest approach is to treat fatty scraps like you would a toxic food: they stay off the floor, out of the trash and away from your dog’s bowl.
Can dogs eat turkey bones or ham bones?
No. Cooked bones are not safe for dogs. Cooking makes bones brittle, so they can splinter into sharp pieces. Those pieces can cause choking, cut the mouth or throat, or create blockages or tears in the stomach and intestines.
This includes turkey bones, chicken bones, ham bones, rib bones and the wishbone. The turkey carcass is especially tempting because it smells amazing and often sits on the counter or in the trash after dinner.
Bag the carcass and bones right away and take them to an outdoor bin with a secure lid. Do the same with string, twine and the netting used on roasts, which smell like meat and can cause serious blockages if swallowed. Corn cobs are another hidden holiday risk for the same reason.
If you want to give your dog something to chew during the festivities, choose a dog safe chew sized for your dog and approved by your vet, and supervise while they enjoy it.
Can dogs eat holiday desserts?
Most holiday desserts are a poor choice for dogs. Pies, cookies, cakes and candies are high in sugar and fat, and many contain chocolate, raisins, nuts, xylitol or spices that are not good for dogs.
Pumpkin pie is not the same as plain pumpkin. The filling usually contains sugar, condensed milk and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Nutmeg in particular can upset a dog’s stomach and is risky in larger amounts. Share a spoonful of plain canned pumpkin instead.
Fruitcake, stollen and mince pies often contain raisins, currants and sometimes alcohol, which makes them some of the most dangerous desserts on the table. Gingerbread may be sweetened with xylitol in sugar free recipes, and candy canes can contain it too.
If you want to include your dog, bake or buy a dog specific treat ahead of time. That way when everyone else is having dessert, your dog gets something of their own and nobody is tempted to share a bite of pie.
What holiday drinks are dangerous for dogs?
Alcohol is toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Eggnog with liquor, wine, beer, cocktails and punch are easy for a dog to lap up from a low table or a glass left on the floor. Signs can include vomiting, wobbliness, slowed breathing and low body temperature.
Raw yeast dough is related to this risk. If a dog eats unbaked bread or roll dough, it can expand in the stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments. Keep rising dough well out of reach, not on a low counter or near a warm floor vent.
Coffee, tea and energy drinks contain caffeine, which can cause restlessness, a racing heart and tremors. Watch spent coffee grounds and tea bags in the trash too.
At parties, ask guests to keep drinks on high surfaces and clear abandoned glasses quickly. A few minutes of tidying every hour or so goes a long way.
How much holiday food can I give my dog?
A widely used guideline is that treats and extras should make up no more than about 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories. For a small dog, that might be just a few bites of plain turkey. A large dog can have a little more, but it still adds up fast.
Sudden changes in diet can upset a dog’s stomach, even with safe foods. If your dog is not used to turkey or sweet potato, start with a very small amount and see how they handle it before offering more on another day.
Remember that every guest who shares one bite is adding to the total. One plain bite from five people is five bites. It helps to agree on one person who is in charge of your dog’s holiday plate.
Dogs on special diets, with food allergies, diabetes, kidney disease or a history of pancreatitis need extra care. Ask your vet before sharing any people food with these dogs, even plain options.
How do I make a dog friendly holiday plate?
A holiday plate for your dog can be simple and still feel special. Set aside the ingredients before you season them. Pull out a few pieces of turkey breast before it gets buttered or brined, and a handful of green beans or carrots before they are dressed.
A good dog friendly plate might include a few bite size pieces of plain turkey, a spoonful of plain sweet potato or pumpkin and a few plain green beans, served over or mixed into your dog’s regular food. Reduce their usual portion a bit to make room.
You can make it even more fun with a puzzle feeder or a lick mat. Spread a little plain pumpkin on a lick mat or stuff a toy with your dog’s regular kibble and a few turkey pieces. It keeps them busy and calm while you eat.
Serve your dog’s plate at their usual spot, at the same time your family eats. That gives them a reason to stay settled rather than hovering at the table.
How do I keep guests from feeding my dog?
Guests usually mean well, but they are the most common source of holiday scraps. Tell guests your dog’s food rules when they arrive. A friendly, simple message works best: our dog has their own treats, please don’t share from your plate.
Give guests a better option. Keep a small jar of your dog’s regular treats by the door or the living room so visitors can still enjoy giving your dog something. Kids especially love having a job, and handing out an approved treat for a sit is a great one.
Keep snack bowls, cheese boards and appetizer trays on high surfaces. Coffee tables are exactly nose height for most dogs. Remind guests not to leave plates on the floor or couch.
If your dog is a determined beggar or counter surfer, give them a break during the meal. A gated room or crate with a chew or puzzle toy keeps everyone relaxed and removes the temptation entirely.
How do I keep my dog safe in a busy holiday kitchen?
Holiday cooking means hot pans, dropped food and a lot of foot traffic. Use a baby gate or keep your dog in another room while you cook. This protects them from spills, burns and grabbed food, and protects the cook from tripping.
Clear the counters as you go. Big dogs can easily reach the back of a counter, and smart dogs learn that the holiday kitchen is full of rewards. Push food and ingredients to the back and never leave a resting roast near the edge.
Secure the trash. Holiday trash is one of the biggest risks in the house because it holds bones, fat, foil, string, plastic wrap and leftovers all in one place. Use a lidded can, keep it in a cabinet or take bags outside right away.
Teach or brush up on leave it, drop it and go to your mat in the weeks before the holiday. Practice with low value foods first, and reward generously. These cues can prevent a lot of emergencies.
Can dogs eat holiday leftovers?
Leftovers follow the same rules as the main meal. Plain turkey and plain vegetables are fine in small amounts, but anything that was cooked with butter, onion, garlic, gravy or spices should stay in the fridge for the humans.
Be careful with leftovers that sat out for hours. Food left at room temperature can grow bacteria that upset a dog’s stomach just like ours. If you would not eat it, do not share it.
Spread any safe extras over several days rather than one big bowl. A few pieces of plain turkey on top of breakfast is a nice treat. A heaping plate of everything that was left on the table is a recipe for an upset stomach or worse.
Store leftovers in sealed containers on a high fridge shelf, and remember that guests may take home plates or bags of food. Make sure those bags do not sit on the floor by the door, where a curious nose will find them first.
What about stockings, gifts and treats under the tree?
Wrapped food gifts are a real holiday risk. Dogs can smell chocolate, nuts and cookies through wrapping paper, and many emergency visits start with a gift box under the tree. Keep edible gifts on a high shelf until they are opened.
Check stockings and advent calendars too. Chocolate coins, candy canes and sugar free gum are common stocking stuffers that are dangerous for dogs. Hang stockings well out of reach or fill them on the morning they are opened.
Ask guests to let you know if they brought food gifts, and put purses and coats in a closed room. Bags often hold gum, mints, medications and snacks.
If you want your dog to have a gift to open, wrap a dog safe toy or a treat made for dogs in plain paper without ribbon. Supervise the unwrapping and pick up the paper when they are done.
What should I do if my dog eats something toxic?
Stay calm and act fast. Call your vet, the nearest emergency clinic or an animal poison control service such as ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426 4435 or Pet Poison Helpline. A consultation fee may apply, but quick advice can make a huge difference.
Have this information ready: what your dog ate, how much, when it happened, your dog’s weight and any packaging or labels. For chocolate, the type matters, so note whether it was milk, dark or baking chocolate.
Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Some substances cause more harm coming back up, and home remedies like salt or hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
Watch for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, restlessness, shaking, a racing heart, weakness, wobbliness, a painful belly or collapse. Some toxins, like grapes and xylitol, can cause serious problems before clear symptoms appear, so call even if your dog seems fine.
What is the easiest holiday food safety checklist for dogs?
Before the big day, run through this quick list. Save your vet’s number, your nearest 24 hour emergency clinic and an animal poison control number in your phone, and check holiday hours since many clinics change their schedules.
Prep your dog’s plate in advance: plain turkey, a few vegetables and their own treats. Put out a treat jar for guests and tell everyone the house rules when they arrive.
Set up a safe space with water, a bed and a chew or puzzle toy, so your dog can relax away from the table. Use a gate during cooking and the meal if needed.
Clean as you go: bag bones and the carcass immediately, keep the trash lidded or outside, clear plates and glasses from low tables and check the floor after guests leave. Then enjoy the leftovers, and save a little plain turkey for tomorrow’s dog friendly treat.
- Plain is the rule. Skip butter, salt, gravy, garlic and onion on anything you share.
- Chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol and onions are the holiday foods most likely to cause a vet emergency.
- Fatty scraps and cooked bones can cause pancreatitis, choking or blockages.
- Keep shares tiny. Treats should stay around 10 percent of daily calories.
- Brief your guests and secure the trash, counters and coffee table.
A happy holiday is a safe holiday
Your dog does not need a feast to feel part of the celebration. A few bites of plain turkey, a special treat and time with the people they love are more than enough.
Keep the dangerous foods out of reach, keep the portions small and keep emergency numbers handy, and you can relax and enjoy the meal.
From all of us at Happy Yay, here’s to a delicious, safe and very waggy holiday season.
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Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat turkey?
Yes, in small amounts. Plain, cooked, skinless turkey breast with no bones, seasoning, butter or gravy is generally safe for most dogs. Avoid turkey skin, fatty pieces and all cooked bones.
Can dogs eat ham?
Ham is not a good choice for dogs. It is high in salt and fat and can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis. Ham bones are also dangerous because they can splinter.
Can dogs eat mashed potatoes?
Plain boiled potato in a small amount is fine for most dogs, but holiday mashed potatoes usually contain butter, milk, salt and sometimes garlic or onion, which make them a poor choice.
Can dogs eat stuffing?
No. Stuffing usually contains onions, garlic, herbs, butter and sometimes raisins or nuts, which can be harmful to dogs.
What should I do if my dog ate chocolate?
Call your vet or an animal poison control service right away. Note the type of chocolate, how much your dog ate and when, and your dog’s weight. Dark and baking chocolate are the most dangerous.
Can dogs eat cranberry sauce?
A few plain, fresh or cooked cranberries are generally fine. Cranberry sauce is usually high in sugar and sometimes contains grapes, raisins or alcohol, so it is best to skip it.
How much turkey can I give my dog?
Keep all treats, including turkey, to about 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories. For most dogs that means a few small bite size pieces. Ask your vet if your dog has health conditions.