As Christmas celebrations center around delicious food, many dog owners may be tempted to include their furry companions in the festive feast. However, experts warn that offering dogs special treats during the holidays could lead to digestive issues and other health concerns.
Joe Inglis, Head of Veterinary Science and Nutrition at Biome9, advises against giving dogs special holiday treats. He explains that while many owners enjoy slipping their pets leftover tidbits under the table, dogs may struggle to digest unfamiliar foods. “Dogs who eat the same foods every day can react badly if you give them a treat. Some people give their dogs a turkey dinner on Christmas, but they’ve never had it before. Some dogs are not very good at digesting foods like this,” Inglis notes.
Certain holiday foods can be particularly dangerous for dogs. Foods like chocolate, Christmas cake, raisins, dried fruit, mushrooms, garlic, and onions can cause harmful effects, such as digestive upset or poisoning. “It’s all down to knowing your dog. I know my dog would be fine, but it could cause a diarrhea episode that you don’t want to be clearing up on Boxing Day,” Inglis adds.
However, not all foods are off-limits for dogs during Christmas. Turkey meat, a lean protein source, can be a healthy addition to your dog’s meal. Just be sure to avoid fatty parts, as well as high-salt foods like sausages and gravy. “You can create a Christmas dinner for your dog with similar foods that you might eat yourself. Mash up the Christmas veg and turkey and add it to their dinner,” advises Inglis.
Leftovers, especially if fatty or greasy, should be avoided. While dogs may enjoy cleaning up the plate after a Christmas dinner, these foods are not ideal for their health.
Beyond the food, other holiday hazards for dogs include decorations and toys. “Be careful of plastic toys lying around and decorations on the tree,” says Inglis. Additionally, when introducing dogs to young children or babies, extra caution is needed, as the presence of unfamiliar people, particularly toddlers, can lead to unexpected behavior.
The key message: enjoy the festivities with your dog, but be mindful of their health and safety by sticking to familiar, dog-friendly foods and keeping an eye on potential dangers.
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