Table trimmings to avoid giving your pet this Christmas
When Christmas Day arrives, many of us are lucky enough to enjoy a delicious festive meal surrounded by loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a lively family dinner or keeping things quiet and cosy, there’s one thing most pet owners have in common – the temptation to share a few table scraps with their furry family members.
But while it might feel like a treat, many festive foods can be harmful (and even toxic) to dogs and cats. To help you keep your pets healthy and happy this Christmas, we’ve updated our guide with the latest advice from vets and pet nutrition experts – covering which foods to avoid, what to do if accidents happen, and how to include your pet safely in the festivities.
Bones from meat
Roast turkey, chicken, or goose might smell irresistible to your pet, but cooked bones are a serious hazard.
Cooked bones can easily splinter and cause choking, internal injuries, or blockages in your pet’s digestive system. Even small fragments can lead to severe complications.
If your pet accidentally swallows bones, contact your vet immediately and monitor for symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, or difficulty passing stools.
Pet-safe alternatives like dehydrated “mock bones” or long-lasting dental chews are a great way to give your dog something satisfying to gnaw on without the risk. Alternatively, you could try something like a filled shank bone, which is 100% natural and safe for dogs to consume.
Garlic, onions & their family
Many festive vegetables are cooked in onion, garlic, shallots, or leeks – all part of the allium family, which can damage red blood cells in dogs and cats.
Even small amounts can cause vomiting, lethargy, or anaemia over time, so avoid sharing anything seasoned or sauced.
That means steering clear of:
- Gravy
- Stuffing
- Bread sauce
- Onion rings or vegetable sides
Watch out for pre-made gravies and stock cubes too – these often contain onion or garlic powder, salt, and fat, all of which are unsafe for pets.
Alcohol
From champagne to mulled wine, Christmas is full of celebratory drinks, but alcohol is toxic for both dogs and cats.
Even a teaspoon can cause vomiting, confusion, difficulty breathing, or, in severe cases, liver and kidney failure. Ensure that drinks, spillages, and desserts made with alcohol (such as trifle or rum cake) are kept well out of reach.
Keep an eye on alcohol-infused chocolates or desserts; even small amounts can be harmful. Opt for pet-safe “pawsecco” or “doggy beer” if you want your pet to join in the toasts safely!
Sweet treats
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without mince pies, puddings, or a few chocolates, but these can spell trouble for your pet.
- Raisins, currants, and sultanas (found in puddings, fruitcakes, and mince pies) can cause acute kidney failure in dogs.
- Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that dogs and cats can’t process, leading to vomiting, seizures, and even heart failure.
- Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugar-free sweets and some peanut butters, is extremely toxic, causing rapid insulin release and hypoglycaemia.
Be cautious with advent calendars, panettone, and luxury gift hampers; many now include raisins, nuts, or chocolate, so store them well away from curious paws.
Rich, fatty or salty foods
Roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, and buttery stuffing might be delicious for us, but the fat and salt content can wreak havoc on your pet’s stomach.
Greasy or seasoned foods can cause pancreatitis, a painful and dangerous condition, and lead to long-term weight gain.
Even vegan and plant-based dishes can be risky if they include onions, garlic, spices, or salty gravy substitutes. Always double-check ingredients before sharing.
Nuts – Especially Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are particularly toxic to dogs, causing weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. Other nuts, like walnuts and pecans, are also high in fat and can cause digestive upset.
Avoid offering your pet any snacks from the nut bowl, and make sure dropped pieces are picked up quickly.
What To Do If Your Pet Eats Something They Shouldn’t
Accidents happen; a quick paw swipe or an eager toddler feeding the dog under the table can catch anyone off guard.
If your pet eats something potentially harmful:
- Stay calm.
- Make a note of what and how much they’ve eaten.
- Contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
Do not try to make your pet vomit without professional guidance. This can sometimes do more harm than good.
Many vets now offer 24/7 video consultations, so even if it’s late on Christmas Day, you can get advice quickly.
Prevention is better than cure
The best way to avoid Christmas food mishaps is to plan ahead:
- Occupy your pet during Christmas dinner with a dog treat, puzzle toy, or long-lasting chew.
- Make sure everyone at the table knows the “no scraps” rule, especially young children.
- Keep bins secure and leftovers out of reach.
Try giving your dog their own “Christmas dinner” – safe foods like cooked turkey breast, sweet potato, and green beans make for a delicious, pet-friendly festive plate.
Support your pets digestion all year round
If your pet tends to have a sensitive tummy, consider a vet-approved digestive supplement to help maintain gut health before and after the festive season.
Probiotics, prebiotics, and natural ingredients like pumpkin or seaweed can help soothe digestion and support overall wellness, especially when indulgence becomes a little too prevalent around Christmas.
Phil’s top tips for a pet-safe Christmas:
- 🎁 Keep pets busy with their own festive toys or treats during mealtime.
- 🧑🍳 Avoid table scraps entirely – even a small portion can cause harm.
- 🚫 Store toxic foods safely and clean up spills quickly.
- 💬 Communicate clearly with guests about what pets can and can’t have.
- ❤️ When in doubt, leave it out. It’s always safer to skip sharing your food.
Final Thoughts
Christmas is a time for family, and that includes our pets. With a bit of awareness and planning, you can make sure your dog or cat enjoys a safe, happy, and healthy festive season alongside you.
So this Christmas, let’s raise a (pet-safe) toast to keeping tails wagging, paws happy, and tummies healthy all season long. 🎄🐶🐱