Christmas Foods Dogs Should Not Eat

Christmas is a time for celebration and family gatherings, often centered around a delicious feast. However, while we enjoy the variety of foods on the table, many of these dishes are harmful to our dogs. It’s important to be mindful of what they consume during this festive season to avoid health issues. In this blog, we’ll explore Christmas foods dogs should not eat, helping you protect your pet during the holiday. If you’re ever in doubt about your dog’s health or suspect they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t, call Animal Ark Animal Hospital at (615) 778-0880 or schedule an appointment online.

Why Certain Christmas Foods Are Dangerous for Dogs

Christmas meals often include ingredients that are perfectly fine for humans but toxic to dogs. Many foods contain ingredients like onions, garlic, butter, or spices that can cause upset stomachs or more severe reactions. While it’s tempting to share your meal with your dog, keeping them safe means understanding which foods pose the biggest risks. Let’s break down some of the most common Christmas foods dogs should not eat.

Common Christmas Foods Dogs Should Avoid

Christmas meals are full of rich, flavorful dishes that aren’t safe for pets. Here’s a closer look at some common foods your dog should steer clear of during the holiday.

Turkey and Bones

While plain turkey meat might seem safe, many Christmas turkeys are prepared with garlic, onions, butter, and spices, which can lead to digestive issues for dogs. In addition, turkey skin is high in fat and difficult for dogs to digest, potentially causing pancreatitis. Another danger comes from turkey bones, which can splinter easily and pose choking hazards or cause internal injuries if swallowed. If your dog gets into the turkey, watch for signs of discomfort, including vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. 

Stuffing and Gravy

Stuffing is often made with ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, including onions, garlic, and rich seasonings. Even a small amount of stuffing could lead to gastrointestinal distress or worse, depending on the recipe. Gravy is another high-fat food that can cause inflammation of the pancreas in dogs. The combination of fatty foods and toxic seasonings makes stuffing and gravy two of the top Christmas foods dogs should not eat.

Safer Alternatives to Stuffing and Gravy

If you want to treat your dog on Christmas, consider plain mashed sweet potatoes or pumpkin, both of which are healthy options. These alternatives provide a festive touch without the risk of harmful ingredients.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes themselves may seem harmless, but they’re often made with butter, cream, and garlic, all of which can be problematic for dogs. High-fat foods like these can lead to digestive upset and, in severe cases, pancreatitis. Even plain mashed potatoes should only be given sparingly to avoid weight gain or further health issues.

Desserts and Sweet Treats to Avoid

Christmas desserts are often packed with sugar, spices, and artificial sweeteners, all of which are unhealthy for dogs. Here are a few popular treats that your dog should avoid:

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin itself is good for dogs in small amounts, but pumpkin pie is a different story. The spices and sugar in pumpkin pie can cause stomach upset, and in some cases, certain spices like nutmeg are toxic to dogs. It’s best to stick to plain, cooked pumpkin if you want to share a little of the holiday spirit with your pet.

Chocolate Desserts

Chocolate is one of the most well-known toxic foods for dogs, and Christmas desserts often contain this ingredient. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous because they contain higher concentrations of theobromine, the compound that is toxic to dogs. Always keep chocolate desserts out of reach of pets.

Xylitol and Artificial Sweeteners

Many desserts and baked goods include artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which can be incredibly toxic to dogs. Xylitol causes a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Even a small amount can result in vomiting, seizures, and liver failure. Avoid giving your dog any sweets unless you are absolutely certain they do not contain harmful ingredients like xylitol.

Sides and Other Foods Dogs Should Not Eat

Many Christmas side dishes contain hidden dangers for dogs. While they may look harmless, ingredients like butter, salt, and spices can cause more harm than good.

Green Bean Casserole

Green beans themselves are healthy for dogs, but green bean casserole is not The dish is typically made with ingredients like cream of mushroom soup, onions, and fried toppings, all of which can cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs. Onions and garlic are particularly toxic and should never be given to pets in any form.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries in small amounts aren’t toxic to dogs, but cranberry sauce is often full of sugar and sometimes includes raisins, which are highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount of raisins can lead to kidney failure. To be safe, keep the cranberry sauce off your dog’s Christmas plate.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Something They Shouldn’t

If your dog accidentally eats any of these Christmas foods, monitor them closely for signs of illness. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or excessive drooling could indicate a problem. In more severe cases, such as when a dog consumes chocolate, raisins, or cooked bones, immediate veterinary attention may be required.

It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your dog’s health. If you suspect your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, contact Animal Ark Animal Hospital right away for guidance.

A Safe and Merry Christmas for Your Dog

Christmas should be a time of joy for both you and your dog. By being mindful of what foods to keep out of your dog’s reach, you can ensure a healthy and happy holiday for everyone. Stick to safe treats like plain pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or green beans, and make sure your dog enjoys the festivities without any health risks. If you have any questions about your dog’s diet or what to do in case of accidental ingestion, call Animal Ark Animal Hospital at (615) 778-0880 or schedule an appointment online.