Safe Christmas Treats for Dogs: What They Can (and Can't) Eat

Safe Christmas Treats for Dogs: What They Can (and Can't) Eat

There's something about Christmas that makes us want to spoil everyone we love, and that definitely includes our furry friends! While your dog might give you those irresistible puppy eyes as you tuck into your festive feast, not everything on your plate is safe for them. But don't worry – there are plenty of ways to include your pup in the Christmas treat fun without putting their health at risk.

In this guide: Learn which Christmas foods are dangerous for dogs, discover safe festive alternatives, and find the best natural dog treats to make your pup's Christmas special.


Quick Reference: Christmas Foods Safety Chart for Dogs

Food Item Safe? Notes
Plain Turkey (white meat) ✅ Yes Remove skin, bones, and seasoning
Turkey Skin ❌ No Too fatty - risk of pancreatitis
Cooked Bones ❌ No Splinter risk - serious injury hazard
Plain Vegetables (carrot, green beans) ✅ Yes Unseasoned only
Roast Potatoes ❌ No Usually contain oil, butter, or garlic
Brussels Sprouts ✅ Yes (small amounts) Plain only - may cause gas
Stuffing ❌ No Contains onions and garlic - toxic
Gravy ❌ No High salt, often contains onions
Christmas Pudding ❌ No Raisins are highly toxic - fatal risk
Mince Pies ❌ No Raisins/sultanas - extremely dangerous
Chocolate (any form) ❌ No Highly toxic - emergency
Pigs in Blankets ❌ No High fat content, processed meat
Cheese ⚠️ Limited Small amounts only - high fat
Plain Pumpkin ✅ Yes Not pie filling - plain only
Cranberry Sauce ❌ No High sugar content


The Naughty List: Christmas Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs

High-Risk Christmas Foods

Let's start with what you absolutely should NOT share with your dog this Christmas, no matter how much they beg:

1. Chocolate 

All chocolate is toxic to dogs, but severity varies:

  • White Chocolate: Lowest toxicity (but still avoid)
  • Milk Chocolate: Moderately toxic
  • Dark Chocolate: Highly toxic
  • Baking Chocolate: Extremely dangerous

Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or death. Keep selection boxes, chocolate coins, and advent calendars completely out of reach.

Related: Check out our Christmas Dog Safety Guide for comprehensive information on toxic foods.

2. Christmas Pudding, Mince Pies & Fruit Cake 

The raisins, sultanas, and currants in these festive favourites can cause rapid kidney failure in dogs. Even crumbs are dangerous. This includes:

  • Christmas cake
  • Mince pies
  • Christmas pudding
  • Stollen
  • Fruit-filled cookies
  • Any baked goods with dried fruit

3. Onions, Garlic & Related Foods

Found in stuffing, gravy, and most side dishes, these damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. Avoid:

  • Stuffing
  • Gravy
  • Sage and onion dishes
  • Garlic bread
  • Any dish seasoned with onion or garlic powder

4. Alcohol

All alcoholic beverages are dangerous. Alcohol is dangerous for dogs primarily because they lack the necessary enzymes to metabolise ethanol efficiently, making them highly susceptible to alcohol poisoning. Their smaller body size means that even small amounts are highly toxic and can quickly lead to severe health issues, organ failure, or death. Avoid:

  • Wine and beer
  • Mulled wine
  • Eggnog with alcohol
  • Brandy butter
  • Rum-soaked desserts
  • Bailey's

5. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)

Xylitol causes rapid insulin release leading to liver failure. Check all labels! This sneaky ingredient appears in:

  • Sugar-free mince pies
  • Sugar-free chocolate
  • Some peanut butters
  • Sugar-free gum or sweets
  • Low-calorie desserts


6. Other Dangerous Christmas Foods

Food Why It's Dangerous
Cooked Bones Splinter and cause internal injuries
Fatty Foods Trigger pancreatitis (turkey skin, ham fat)
Macadamia Nuts Cause weakness, tremors, vomiting
Blue Cheese Contains roquefortine C - toxic to dogs
Nutmeg Found in eggnog and festive baking - causes seizures
Raw Dough Expands in stomach, alcohol from fermentation



Safe Christmas Treats Your Dog Can Enjoy

Dog-Friendly Christmas Foods

Good news! There ARE safe options to let your dog join in the festive feast:


Protein Options

  • Plain Cooked Turkey – White meat only, no skin, bones removed
  • Plain Cooked Chicken – Breast meat, unseasoned
  • Small Amount of Lean Ham – Occasional treat only (high salt)


Vegetables (All Plain, Unseasoned)

  • Carrots – Raw or cooked, great for teeth
  • Green Beans – Excellent low-calorie snack
  • Brussels Sprouts – Small amounts (may cause gas!)
  • Broccoli – Small portions only
  • Plain Sweet Potato – No butter 
  • Pumpkin – Plain only, not pie filling


Fruits (In Moderation)

  • Apple Slices – Remove seeds and core
  • Blueberries – Antioxidant-rich treat
  • Banana – Small pieces, high sugar

Shop Smart: For healthier alternatives, explore our dog treats collection featuring high-quality, safe options your dog will love!


Making Christmas Special: Creative Dog-Safe Treat Ideas


The Christmas Morning Breakfast Special

Make your dog feel included from the moment they wake up:


Recipe: Festive Breakfast Bowl

  • 1/4 cup plain scrambled egg
  • 2 tablespoons plain turkey (diced)
  • 1 tablespoon plain sweet potato (mashed)
  • Mix with regular kibble
  • Top with a Christmas-themed dog treat


Frozen Festive Treats

Perfect for dogs who need entertainment during present-opening:

Ice Cube Surprise

  • Use dog-safe chicken or beef stock
  • Freeze in ice cube trays with:
    • Small pieces of carrot
    • Blueberries
    • Tiny pieces of apple


The Special Christmas Dinner for Dogs

Create a dog-safe Christmas dinner:

Component Serving Size (Medium Dog) Preparation
Plain Turkey 2-3 tablespoons White meat, no skin or bones
Sweet Potato 1-2 tablespoons Cooked, mashed, no additions
Green Beans 1 tablespoon Steamed or boiled, plain
Carrots 1 tablespoon Cooked, diced
Plain Pumpkin 1 teaspoon Aids digestion

Mix with their regular food and serve at room temperature!


Shopping Smart: Choosing the Best Christmas Dog Treats


What to Look For in Dog Treats

When buying Christmas treats for your dog, prioritise:

✅ Natural Ingredients – Avoid artificial colours, flavours, preservatives
✅ Appropriate Size – Match to your dog's size to prevent choking
✅ Trusted Brands – Stick to reputable pet food manufacturers
✅ Nutritional Value – Look for protein-rich, healthy options
✅ Special Dietary Needs – Grain-free, hypoallergenic if required


Top Natural Christmas Treat Recommendations from ePAWS

For Long-Lasting Entertainment:

For Quick Rewards:

For Chewers:

Check out our 4 for 3 offers to stock up on treats for the festive season!

 

Portion Control: The Not-So-Festive Truth


How Many Treats Are Too Many?

Even safe treats should follow the 10% rule:

  • Treats = Maximum 10% of daily calorie intake
  • Regular food = 90% of daily calories


Example for a 20kg (44lb) dog:

  • Daily calories: ~1,000
  • Treat allowance: ~100 calories
  • Approximately: 2-3 small natural chews OR 10-15 small training treats


Risks of Overfeeding Treats

Issue Cause Solution
Weight Gain Too many treats Follow 10% rule, increase exercise
Upset Stomach New foods, overfeeding Introduce slowly, moderate portions
Fussy Eating Preferring treats to meals Limit treats, maintain meal schedule
Nutritional Imbalance Treats replacing balanced diet Ensure 90% nutrition from regular food


The Table Scraps Debate: Why You Should Say No


Problems with Feeding from the Table

Creates Bad Habits – Once started, very difficult to stop
Safety Risks – Can't control what falls on floor during busy dinner
Encourages Begging – Stressful for dog and annoying for guests
Guest Mistakes – Visitors may feed dangerous foods unknowingly
Digestive Issues – Rich, fatty foods cause stomach upsets


Better Alternative

Give treats away from the dining table:

  • In their bed or crate
  • In the kitchen or another room
  • Use puzzle toys or treat dispensers
  • Time it for when you sit down to eat

 

Warning Signs: When to Call the Vet


Symptoms of Food Poisoning in Dogs


Mild Symptoms (Monitor closely):

  • Mild vomiting (once or twice)
  • Slight diarrhoea
  • Reduced appetite
  • Mild lethargy


Emergency Symptoms (Call vet immediately):

  • 🚨 Repeated vomiting
  • 🚨 Bloody diarrhoea or vomit
  • 🚨 Severe lethargy or collapse
  • 🚨 Tremors or seizures
  • 🚨 Difficulty breathing
  • 🚨 Excessive drooling
  • 🚨 Swollen abdomen
  • 🚨 Unusual behaviour or disorientation

Emergency Action: Have your vet's emergency number saved in your phone. Many practices have different out-of-hours numbers during Christmas.

 

FAQs: Christmas Dog Treats

Q: Can dogs have Christmas pudding?
A: No, absolutely not. Christmas pudding contains raisins which are highly toxic to dogs and can cause fatal kidney failure.

Q: Are dog-friendly Christmas biscuits worth buying?
A: Yes, if from reputable brands with natural ingredients. Check our dog treats collection for quality options.

Q: How much turkey can I give my dog?
A: For a medium-sized dog (20kg), 2-3 tablespoons of plain white turkey meat is safe. Always adjust for your dog's size.

Q: Can dogs eat pigs in blankets?
A: No, these are high in fat and salt, plus processed meats aren't healthy for dogs. Risk of pancreatitis.

Q: What's the best Christmas treat for my dog?
A: Natural, protein-rich treats like beef pizzle or chicken feet are excellent, healthy choices.

 

Making It Special Without the Risk

The Best Gifts Don't Come from the Dinner Table

Remember, your dog doesn't know it's Christmas! What makes them truly happy:

🐾 Extra walks and playtime
🐾 New toys to play with
🐾 Quality time with their favourite humans
🐾 Cosy place to sleep after excitement
🐾 Safe, natural treats designed for dogs


Shop Natural Christmas Dog Treats at ePAWS

Make your dog's Christmas special with healthy, natural treats:

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