Christmas Foods Dangerous To Dogs

What to Avoid & Safe, Festive Treats They’ll Love

The festive season is a time of family celebration, indulgence, and sharing, but when it comes to our pups, not everything on the Christmas table is safe. While it’s tempting to slip your dog a little taste of holiday cheer, many traditional Christmas foods can pose serious health risks.

As a luxury pet brand, we're dedicated to the wellbeing of dogs and we’ve compiled professional veterinary advice to help you keep your fur family safe. Plus, we’ve included safe treat ideas and fun enrichment alternatives so your pup feels included in all the celebrations.

Christmas Foods That Are Toxic or Dangerous for Dogs

According to professional vets, the following foods are dangerous and potentially toxic for dogs. Many of these are common in Christmas dishes, so extra care is needed over the holiday period.

1. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are the most dangerous.

2. Grapes & Sultanas (including Christmas cake & pudding)

Even small amounts can cause kidney failure. Yes, many of our favourite Christmas foods contain raisins and sultanas with are toxic for our pups. Grapes are also toxic and shouldn't be left within their paw's reach. At Christmas time these foods are readily available in snacks or mixed into Christmas cakes, displays on charcuterie boards, etc. These are toxic for pets and can cause vomiting, and in more severe cases kidney failure. They are considered very toxic to our pets, so it is recommended to keep them well away from our furry friends. This includes raisins in fruit mince pies, fruitcake, and Christmas puddings.

3. Onions, Garlic, Leeks & Chives

These all belong to the allium family and can damage red blood cells, causing anaemia.

4. Cooked Bones

Turkey, chicken, and ham bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.

5. Alcohol

Even small quantities can lead to dangerous drops in blood sugar, coordination issues, seizures, or coma.

6. Xylitol (found in some lollies, peanut butters & baked goods)

This artificial sweetener can cause seizures, liver failure, and a rapid drop in blood sugar.

7. Macadamia Nuts

Common in festive desserts and cheese boards. These nuts are often disguised as chocolate coated, mixed, in cakes, roasted or simply on the ground after falling from Grandma’s tree. These nuts are highly poisonous to dogs. The signs of macadamia poisoning can be quite frightening and include vomiting, tremors, hyperthermia and in serious cases, the inability to walk and paralysis. It's not just the inside nut from the hard shell but also If they happen to eat a macadamia while still encased in its hard shell, it can pose a risk to their digestive system if it results in a blockage. It’s also worth mentioning that most nuts, including almonds, pecans and walnuts, contain high amounts of oils which may result in vomiting and diarrhoea. 

8. Fatty Meats, Skin & Pan Drippings

These can upset the pancreas, leading to pancreatitis – a painful, potentially life-threatening condition.

9. Blue Cheese & Mouldy Foods

Mould produces roquefortine C, a toxin that can cause vomiting, tremors, and seizures.

10. Uncooked Bread Dough

The yeast can expand in the stomach, causing painful bloating and alcohol poisoning from fermentation.

Safe & Healthy Christmas Treat Alternatives

You can absolutely treat your dog during the festive season—just choose dog-friendly options that are healthy, fresh, and satisfying.

Fresh Fruits (in moderation):

• Blueberries

• Apple slices (no seeds)

• Watermelon (seedless)

• Strawberries

• Banana pieces

Dog-Safe Fresh Meats:

• Plain cooked turkey (no skin or bones)

• Lean chicken

• Lean beef

• Cooked salmon (boneless)

Always serve without seasoning, onions, garlic, or sauces.

Vet-Approved Store-Bought Dog Treats

Choose premium, natural treats from trusted brands made specifically for pets. Choose high-quality chicken, duck, kangaroo, lamb or beef jerky, dental chews, or gourmet biscuits designed with canine health in mind.