The holiday season is all about good food, laughter, and spending time with loved ones—including your furry family members! 🎄🐾 But amidst all the festive treats, it’s easy to forget that some of our favourite holiday foods can be harmful—even dangerous—for dogs.
To help keep your dog safe and happy, here’s a guide to the most common foods to avoid, plus practical tips to manage mealtime and keep your dog healthy during the festivities.
Toxic Foods to Watch Out For
Some ingredients that are staples on our holiday tables can wreak havoc on your dog’s health. Here are the top offenders:
1. Chocolate
A holiday classic for us, but a dangerous toxin for dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heartbeat, and even seizures in dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is.
2. Grapes and Raisins
Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in some dogs. Be extra careful with fruitcakes, mince pies, or platters with these ingredients.
3. Cooked Bones
While it’s tempting to hand over a turkey bone, cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or digestive blockages. Opt for raw bones instead. (see more about safely feeding your dog bones here)
4. Onions
Onions are a well-known danger for dogs, as they contain large amounts of thiosulfate, (unlike garlic which contains only very small amounts and is safe for most dogs in moderation) This includes all forms of onion—raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated.
5. Alcohol
Dogs process alcohol very differently from humans. Even small amounts (like in desserts or spilled drinks) can cause vomiting, loss of coordination, or worse.
Surprising Foods to Avoid
Some seemingly harmless items can be harmful too:
Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts are the one type of nut dogs should avoid, as even small amounts can cause significant digestive upset and other adverse reactions.
Pavlova or Meringue Desserts: High in sugar and often contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener toxic to dogs.
Fatty Meats and Skin: Ham, turkey skin, and other fatty foods can be hard for dogs to digest and may lead to tummy troubles, such as an upset stomach or, in some severe cases, pancreatitis.
Pro Tip: To keep your dog happy over the festive season, it’s best to stick to lean, dog-friendly treats during the holidays.
Management Tips for a Safe Festive Season
Holidays can get hectic, but a little planning can go a long way in keeping your dog safe.
Create Boundaries - set up physical barriers, like baby gates, to keep your dog out of the kitchen or dining area. This prevents sneaky snacking and keeps them safe from spills.
Offer Dog-Friendly Alternatives - keep your dog happy with safe, festive snacks like: frozen kongs, carrot sticks, apple slices or Busy Pawz Premium Treats These treats will help keep your dog occupied and feeling included during meals and parties.
Introduce New Toys - Bring out a few new toys during the holidays to keep your dog mentally stimulated. Puzzle toys, chew toys, or snuffle mats can redirect their energy away from holiday craziness!
These strategies ensure your dog is happily entertained, while you enjoy the festivities stress-free!
Game to Try: 'Leave It'
Teaching your dog Leave It is a lifesaver, especially during the holidays when tempting foods are everywhere. This game helps your dog understand that leaving something alone is rewarding, and it can be applied to food, objects, or even certain behaviours.
How to Play:
Start Small: Hold a treat in your hand and let your dog sniff it.
Close Your Hand: When they try to grab it, close your hand and say, “Leave it.”
Wait and Reward: Wait until your dog backs off or loses interest, then say, “Good!” and give them a different treat from your other hand.
Practice with Other Items: Gradually introduce non-food items and increase the challenge by placing the item on the floor.
Advance to Real-Life Situations: Practice during mealtime or when there are distractions around.
This game is a fun way to build impulse control and keep your dog safe from potentially harmful foods or objects.
Read More Helpful Articles
Looking for more food tips to keep your dog in tip-top shape? Check out my other food blogs: Ginger for Motion Sickness and Nausea in Dogs
Don’t forget to check out our range of premium training treats and handmade dog gear for the perfect gift for your furry pal this Christmas!
Final Thought
Sharing the holidays with your dog can be a joyful experience, and keeping them safe around food is an essential part of that. With these tips, you’ll enjoy a stress-free season filled with happy tails and wagging tails!
Thanks for reading! I hope you found this post helpful. Don’t forget to throw your dog a treat from all of us 🐶
Got a question or topic you’d like us to cover? Let me know in the comments or send me a message!
Deb & the Busy Pawz Crew
Comments