Christmas Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat

Holiday tables are full of delicious food… and curious dogs begging for a taste. This guide explains which Christmas foods are safer to share in tiny amounts, which ones to avoid, and how to keep your dog safe during the celebrations.

It’s completely normal to want to share a bit of your Christmas dinner with your dog, but not everything on the table is safe for them. Some foods may only cause mild stomach upset, while others can be toxic or very dangerous.

This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your dog has any health condition (pancreatitis, kidney disease, allergies, etc.), always talk to your vet before offering any new food.

Quick general rules

Avoid heavy seasoning, sauces, fried and very fatty foods.
No cooked bones, alcohol, chocolate, grapes or raisins.
The safest option: small amounts of simple foods with no extra salt or sauces.

Christmas foods dogs can eat (in small amounts)

We’re talking about small treats, not full meals, and only for healthy dogs. Christmas should not be the time to completely change their diet.

Plain turkey or chicken, no skin and no bones

No skin, no bones, no stuffing, no gravy.
Avoid very fatty pieces or burnt bits.

Simple cooked vegetables

Carrots (cooked or raw, in small pieces).
Green beans, steamed, with no butter or garlic.
Zucchini, broccoli or cauliflower in tiny amounts.

Plain mashed potatoes

Only plain potato, no butter, cream, garlic or onions.
Very small portions as a one-time treat.

Dog-safe fruits

Apple slices with no seeds or core.
A bit of banana.
Small amounts of pear or berries, if your dog has had them before.

If you really want to spoil your dog, the best idea is to make Christmas recipes designed just for dogs. You can link this article to your recipes hub: dog recipes.

Christmas foods dogs should NOT eat

Some festive foods are just “too rich”, but others can be toxic or very dangerous. Here are the main ones:

1. Grapes, raisins and desserts containing them

They can cause serious kidney problems in dogs.
This includes fresh grapes, raisins in desserts and fruit cakes.

2. Chocolate and chocolate desserts

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic for dogs.
The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.

3. Onions, garlic, leeks and chives

Many sauces, gravies and stuffings contain these ingredients.
They can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.

4. Cooked bones (turkey, chicken, ham, ribs)

They can splinter and cause choking, blockages or perforations.
No cooked bone is truly safe.

5. Very fatty or heavily seasoned foods

Fatty meats, gravy, skin, bacon, sausages, etc.
These can trigger vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis.

6. Alcohol and festive drinks

Beer, wine, spiked punch, cocktails.
Even small amounts can be dangerous.

7. Rich desserts and sweet treats

Cakes, pastries, fruit cakes and candies.
Some products contain xylitol, which is highly toxic for dogs.

If your dog has eaten any of these foods and is vomiting, has diarrhea, is shaking, seems disoriented or is acting strangely, call your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic right away.

Handling leftovers and “well-meaning” family members

Talk to your family before dinner: explain what your dog can’t eat.
Prepare a small, dog-safe plate just for them (for example, plain turkey + veggies).
Keep your dog away from trash bags and low tables with food.
If your dog gets very anxious, offer a safe chew or a food puzzle toy in a quiet room.

Your dog doesn’t know it’s a holiday, but they do understand routines and boundaries. Clear rules around the table keep them safe.

Sharing Christmas with your dog doesn’t have to mean sharing everything on your plate. A few safe treats, plenty of love, playtime and a calm place to rest are more than enough for them to enjoy the holidays.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can prepare simple homemade Christmas treats made just for dogs and avoid any risk.