What Holiday Foods Can Dogs Eat? A Comprehensive Guide for Pet Parents

Holiday feasts, family gatherings, and mountains of delicious food – it’s the most wonderful time of year! And who wouldn’t want to share a bite or two with their furry best friend? However, not all those tasty treats are safe for our canine companions.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore which holiday foods are safe for dogs to eat, which ones to avoid at all costs, and how to create a pet-friendly holiday meal that will have tails wagging.

Let’s dive in!

Thanksgiving Treats: What’s Safe and What’s Not

Thanksgiving is often centered around a bountiful meal, and with some careful consideration, your dog can enjoy certain dishes, too. Let’s break down common Thanksgiving foods and see what’s safe for your pup:

Turkey: The Main Event

Yes: White meat without skin and bones

No: Cooked bones, dark meat, or gravy

That irresistible aroma of roasting turkey has likely been tempting your pup all day. Good news – you can share some turkey with your dog, but just like with any treat, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Offer only white meat: White meat is leaner and easier for dogs to digest.

2. Remove all skin: The skin is high in fat and can cause digestive upset or even pancreatitis in some dogs.

3. Ensure there are no bones: Cooked bones are a big no-no as they can splinter and cause serious injury, including choking or internal punctures.

4. Skip the gravy: Gravy is often high in fat and may contain onions or garlic, which are toxic to dogs.

When sharing turkey with your dog, remember that it should be a small portion – think of it as a special treat rather than a full meal replacement. Too much of any new food, even if it’s safe, can upset your dog’s stomach.

Sides That Are Safe to Share

1. Green Beans

Yes: Plain sauteed or steamed

No: Green bean casserole

Plain sauteed or steamed green beans are an excellent low-calorie, nutrient-packed treat for dogs. They’re high in fibre and vitamins, making them a healthy addition to your dog’s holiday plate. However, avoid sharing green bean casserole, as it often contains onions and is high in fat from the creamy sauce and fried onion topping.

2. Sweet Potatoes

Yes: Plain baked or roasted

No: Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, nuts, or syrupy toppings

Plain baked or roasted sweet potatoes are a fibre-rich option your dog might enjoy. They’re also full of vitamins and can be a tasty treat. However, avoid versions with marshmallows, nuts, or syrupy toppings. These additions are too sugary and potentially dangerous (in the case of certain nuts) for your dog.

3. Mashed Potatoes

Yes: Plain potato

No: Butter, sour cream, bacon, or cheese

Before adding butter, cream, and salt to your mashed potatoes, set aside a small portion for your dog. Plain potatoes provide fibre and vitamins, making them an acceptable carbohydrate source for dogs. However, avoid giving your dog mashed potatoes that have been prepared with butter, milk, sour cream, or other fatty additions, as these can cause digestive upset.

4. Spinach

Yes: Sauteed or steamed

No: Creamed spinach

Sauteed or steamed spinach can be a healthy addition to your dog’s holiday plate. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals that can benefit your dog’s health. Most dogs prefer cooked spinach over raw, as it’s easier to eat and digest. However, avoid creamed spinach or any spinach dish prepared with lots of butter, cream, or cheese.

Holiday Appetizers: To Share or Not to Share?

1. Cheese Platter

Yes: Parmesan, Cheddar, Mozzarella

No: Triple Creme, Brie, Blue Cheese

If you’re putting out a cheese board, you can share some dog-friendly options. Stick to low-lactose, lower-fat cheeses like parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella. These cheeses are generally safe for dogs in small quantities and can be a good source of protein and calcium.

However, avoid high-fat cheeses like triple creme, brie, and blue cheese. These rich cheeses can be too much for your dog’s digestive system to handle. Also, steer clear of any cheese flavoured with garlic, onion, chives, or hot peppers, as these additions can be harmful to dogs.

2. Crudité

Yes, Fresh veggies

No: Dips and spreads

Your dog can enjoy some fresh veggies from the crudité platter. This is a great way to give your dog a low-calorie treat that will help them feel included in the festivities. Carrots and cucumbers are popular choices – many dogs love the crunch! But don’t be afraid to offer some variety. Adventurous pups might also like broccoli or sweet red pepper.

Remember to cut any veggies into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking. And while the veggies themselves are fine, skip the dips and spreads. Most dips are too high in fat or contain ingredients that aren’t good for dogs. A little plain cream cheese is usually okay if your dog tolerates dairy well, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep the veggies plain.

Christmas Treats: What’s Safe and What’s Not

As Christmas approaches, many families enjoy special meals and treats. Here’s how to include your dog in the festivities safely:

Main Course Options

1. Roasted Chicken

Yes: Plain chicken breast

No: Skin, cooked bones, dark meat, or gravy

If you’re serving roast chicken instead of turkey, the same rules apply. Offer your dog some plain white meat, avoiding skin, bones, and gravy. Chicken is an excellent source of protein for dogs and is often used in commercial dog foods. Just remember to keep portions small – this should be a treat, not a meal replacement.

2. Fish

Yes: Plain grilled or roasted salmon or whitefish

No: Fish cooked in creamy sauces or high-mercury fish like tuna

Fish can be a healthy protein option for dogs. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can benefit your dog’s skin, coat, and overall health. Stick to plain, cooked fish without rich sauces. Salmon and whitefish are excellent choices. You can even share plain oysters with your pup – they’re a good source of protein and minerals.

Avoid fish cooked in butter or creamy sauces, as the extra fat can upset your dog’s stomach. Also, steer clear of high-mercury fish like tuna, especially if given regularly.

Holiday Snacks and Sides

1. Popcorn

Yes: Plain air-popped popcorn

No: Popcorn with butter, salt, or other seasonings

Whether you’re stringing popcorn for decorations or having a family movie night, plain air-popped popcorn is a great low-calorie, high-fiber treat for dogs. Many dogs enjoy the light, crunchy texture. However, keep it plain – butter, salt, and other seasonings aren’t good for your pup.

Be sure to monitor your dog while they eat popcorn to ensure they don’t choke on any unpopped kernels. And as with any treat, moderation is key.

2. Fresh Fruit

Yes: Apples, berries, and melon

No: Grapes or raisins

Fresh fruit can be a sweet, healthy treat for dogs. Offer small pieces of apple (no seeds), berries, or melon. These fruits are packed with vitamins and can be a refreshing snack for your pup. Be sure to remove any seeds or pits, as these can be choking hazards or contain harmful compounds.

Never give your dog grapes or raisins, as they can be toxic even in small amounts. The exact substance in grapes that causes toxicity in some dogs is unknown, but even a single grape or raisin can potentially cause severe kidney damage.

Hanukkah Treats: What’s Safe and What’s Not

During Hanukkah, many traditional foods are unfortunately not suitable for dogs. Foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) are too high in fat and sugar for canine consumption. However, with some modifications, you can still include your pup in the celebration:

1. Bone Broth:

While traditional matzo ball soup isn’t pet-friendly due to onions and matzo meal, you can make a simple bone broth for your dog to enjoy. Bone broth is nutritious and can be very appealing to dogs. Here’s a simple recipe:

– Simmer beef or chicken bones in water for several hours

– Add some dog-friendly vegetables like carrots and celery

– Avoid adding any salt or seasonings

– Strain the broth and let it cool before serving

You can add some carrots from the soup-making process and fresh parsley for extra flavour and nutrition. This can be a warming, comforting treat for your dog during the cold Hanukkah nights.

2. Roasted Chicken

As mentioned earlier, plain white meat chicken is a safe option for dogs. Remember to remove skin and bones before sharing. You could prepare a small portion of chicken specifically for your dog without any of the seasonings or marinades you might use for the human version.

Kwanzaa Treats: What’s Safe and What’s Not

Kwanzaa celebrations often feature a variety of delicious dishes. Here are some dog-friendly options:

1. Yams

Yes: Plain roasted yam or sweet potato

No: Yams with spices or sauces

Roasted yams or sweet potatoes are an excellent treat for dogs. They’re high in fibre and packed with vitamins. Just keep your pup’s portion plain, without any spices or sweet glazes. You can mash them slightly to make them easier for your dog to eat.

Remember to cook the yams thoroughly – raw sweet potato can be difficult for dogs to digest. Also, avoid giving your dog the skin, as it can be tough and potentially cause digestive issues.

2. Bananas

Yes: Plain bananas

No: Banana peels, banana fritters, or bananas with sugary sauces or glazes

Plain bananas are safe and healthy for dogs in moderation. They’re a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Many dogs enjoy the sweet taste and soft texture of bananas. You can offer small slices as a treat or mash a little banana and stuff it into a Kong toy for a longer-lasting snack.

Avoid sharing any fried or sweetened banana dishes, like banana fritters. The added fat and sugar in these dishes aren’t good for your dog. Also, never give your dog banana peels – while not toxic, they’re difficult to digest and could cause blockages.

Foods to Avoid Across All Holidays

While we’ve covered many safe options, it’s crucial to know which foods are absolutely off-limits for dogs during the holidays (and always):

1. Chocolate and Candy: This includes chocolate gelt coins, Christmas cookies, and any candy containing xylitol. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs, and xylitol can cause rapid blood sugar drops and liver failure in dogs.

2. Grapes and Raisins: These can be toxic to dogs even in small amounts, potentially causing kidney failure.

3. Onions and Garlic: These are harmful to dogs and are often present in stuffing, gravies, and many savoury dishes. They can cause damage to a dog’s red blood cells, potentially leading to anaemia.

4. Alcohol: Keep all alcoholic beverages away from your pet. Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous for dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, and even death.

5. Rich, Fatty Foods: Items like ham, brisket, or heavily buttered dishes can cause digestive issues or even pancreatitis in dogs. Pancreatitis is a serious condition that can be life-threatening.

6. Nuts: Especially macadamia nuts, which are toxic to dogs. Other nuts, while not necessarily toxic, are high in fat and can cause digestive upset or choking.

7. Bread Dough: Unbaked bread dough can continue to rise in your dog’s warm stomach, potentially causing bloat or even alcohol poisoning from the fermenting yeast.

8. Stuffing: Often contains onions, garlic, and other ingredients that aren’t safe for dogs. It’s best to avoid sharing stuffing altogether.

Creating a Pet-Friendly Holiday Plate

Now that we know what’s safe and what’s not, let’s put together a festive plate for your furry friend:

1. A small portion of plain white meat turkey or chicken (about 1-2 tablespoons for a medium-sized dog)

2. A spoonful of plain mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes

3. Some steamed green beans or carrots (2-3 small pieces)

4. A few pieces of plain air-popped popcorn

5. A slice of apple or a few blueberries for dessert

Remember, these are treats and should be given in moderation. Your dog’s regular food should still make up the majority of their diet, even during the holidays. A good rule of thumb is that treats (including these holiday goodies) should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

Keeping Your Dog Safe During Holiday Meals

While it’s fun to include your dog in holiday celebrations, it’s essential to keep their safety in mind:

1. Inform Guests: Make sure all your guests know not to feed your dog from the table, especially foods that might be harmful. Even well-meaning guests might not know what’s safe for dogs.

2. Secure the Trash: Holiday meal preparation often results in a lot of tempting scraps. Keep your trash secure to prevent your dog from getting into potentially dangerous food waste. This includes things like turkey bones, fatty meat trimmings, and packaging that might have food residue.

3. Create a Safe Space: If your dog gets overwhelmed with too many people or too much activity, set up a quiet area where they can retreat. This could be a bedroom or a crate in a calm part of the house, equipped with their bed, water, and some toys.

4. Use Puzzle Toys: To keep your dog occupied during meal times, consider using puzzle toys filled with dog-safe treats. This can prevent begging and keep them entertained while you enjoy your meal. You could even prepare some special holiday-themed treats to stuff into the toys, like a mixture of plain turkey, sweet potato, and green beans.

5. Watch for Signs of Distress: If your dog does manage to eat something they shouldn’t, watch for signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or unusual behaviour. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms.

6. Maintain Routine: Try to stick to your dog’s regular feeding and walking schedule as much as possible. The holidays can be stressful for pets with all the changes in routine, so maintaining some normalcy can help keep them calm and comfortable.

7. Exercise: Don’t forget to give your dog plenty of exercise during the holiday season. A tired dog is less likely to beg for food or get into mischief during holiday gatherings.

Final Words

While it’s wonderful to include your dog in holiday celebrations, remember that moderation is key. Even safe foods can cause upset stomachs if given in large quantities or if your dog isn’t used to them. Always introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts.

If you’re unsure about whether a particular food is safe for your dog, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid it. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice based on your dog’s specific health needs and dietary requirements.