The festive season is full of delicious treats, but not all holiday food is safe for your dog. With so much going on, it’s easy to accidentally let something slip from the table or for someone to give into those puppy dog eyes. But some of the foods we enjoy can be harmful, or even toxic for our dogs.
Foods to Avoid
Some of the most common holiday foods are toxic to dogs and some can have lasting consequences for your dogs. They include -
- Chocolate: chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause serious health issues like vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and in severe cases, death.
- Grapes and Raisins: often found in holiday treats like cakes or stuffing, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. It’s best to keep these out of their reach entirely.
- Onions and Garlic: common in many festive dishes, both onions and garlic (whether raw, cooked, or powdered) are harmful to dogs and can cause damage to their red blood cells, leading to anemia.
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Nuts: macadamia nuts, in particular, can cause vomiting, tremors, and weakness.
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Sweets: sweets that contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, commonly found in sugar-free gum and sweets, are also highly toxic to dogs and can lead to insulin shock.
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Alcohol: alcohol can be extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Keep all alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits, well out of reach. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs include lethargy, vomiting, tremors, and in severe cases, coma.
- Tomatoes: ripe tomatoes are generally safe for dogs, but green tomatoes and the leaves and stems contain solanine, which is toxic. It’s best to avoid unripe tomatoes and any part of the plant.
- Raw Potatoes: raw potatoes contain solanine, which is harmful to dogs. Cooked potatoes, baked or boiled without additives, are safe in small amounts but should only be given occasionally.
- Nutmeg and Cinnamon: nutmeg contains myristicin, which can cause hallucinations, vomiting, and severe reactions, especially in small dogs. Cinnamon isn’t toxic but may irritate your dog’s mouth and lower blood sugar levels, potentially leading to health issues.
- Apple, Apricot, Cherry, and Plum Pits: while the fruit flesh is safe, the seeds and pits contain cyanide, which can lead to vomiting, irregular heartbeat, seizures, or even death. Always remove seeds and pits before offering fruit to your dog.
- Avocado: avocados contain persin, a compound toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and fluid buildup in the chest and lungs, which may lead to difficulty breathing or even death.
This isn’t a complete list of foods to avoid, so it’s important to be cautious when sharing any human food with your dog. If you’re worried your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, it's best to speak to your vet for guidance.
Watch Out for High-Fat Foods
Rich, fatty foods like turkey skin, gravy, and sausages may sound like the ultimate treat for your dog, but because of the high fat content they can upset your dog’s stomach or even cause pancreatitis in the long term. Fatty foods are also high in calories, which can lead to weight gain if consumed in large quantities.
Bones Are a Big No
Turkey and other meats often contain bones, but these should never be given to dogs. Cooked bones can splinter, leading to serious injuries such as choking or puncturing the intestines. Always dispose of bones safely to prevent accidents.
Dog-Friendly Treats
If you’d like to include your dog in the holiday festivities, there are plenty of safe and tasty options they’ll love, free from harmful ingredients. Here are some dog-friendly holiday foods:
- Plain, Cooked Turkey: skinless, boneless, and unseasoned.
- Carrots: raw or cooked, without added butter or seasoning.
- Sweet Potatoes: cooked and plain, no marshmallows, butter, or syrup.
- Plain Mashed Potatoes: no butter, milk, garlic, or seasoning.
- Apples: fresh and seedless (core removed).
- Green Beans: plain, steamed or boiled, without seasoning.
- Plain, Unsweetened Cranberries: in small amounts.
For a festive treat, mix plain turkey with sweet potato or carrot, then freeze it in an ice cube tray for a seasonal snack. Just remember to practice portion control - while these foods are safe, even healthy treats can upset your dog’s stomach if given in excess.
