Even your dog will get into the holiday spirit this year since Christmas is such a joyous time for the whole family. Most pet parents want their canine companion to share in the holiday fun, but it’s crucial to know which dishes are off-limits. Please consult our advice to determine which holiday foods are safe for your dog to eat and which ones should be avoided.
The holidays are fun for everyone, and that includes Fido. It’s only natural to want to include your dog in the celebrations; you could purchase and wrap gifts for them, and you might even consider preparing a special Christmas meal for dogs.
If you want to make your dog a festive Christmas dinner, you should know that there are several items you should not include in his or her diet since they might cause problems ranging from stomach upset to death.
One common concern is whether or not dogs may safely consume Thanksgiving foods like turkey, stuffing, and gravy. Read on to learn what kinds of food are risk-free and what kinds you should never eat.
Foods often served at Christmas
The ideal Christmas meal consists of several components, only some of which are suitable for canine eating. So that you may offer your dog a healthy Christmas treat, we researched the most frequent foods:
Can a dog safely eat turkey?
Boneless, skinless turkey is OK for dogs to consume. Make sure you’ve taken the time to remove the skin, which is far too fatty for your dog, and the bones, which may cause internal harm, from the meat before serving it to your dog at Christmas. See our article “Can Dogs Eat Bones?” for clarification.
Will a dog like gravy?
Really, you shouldn’t. Even while your dog may be tempted by the human-favorite gravy, you should steer clear of it to prevent tummy troubles and health issues including vomiting and diarrhea. As a Christmas dog treat, you might try giving them a similar sensation with gravy dog food, which is made especially for canine consumption.
Can stuffing be given to dogs?
Contrary to popular belief, onions are not a part of traditional stuffing. Some spices and herbs, like onions, might be harmful to your dog’s health.
What do you say to some mince pies and Christmas pudding?
These two-holiday favorites are dangerous for your dog because they include currants, sultanas, and raisins, all of which are very poisonous and, in rare circumstances, may even induce serious renal failure.
Are pigs in blankets safe for dogs to eat?
While your dog will surely like bacon-wrapped sausages, the high salt and fat content make pigs in blankets unhealthy for them to eat. The only safe method to give a dog a pork product at Christmas is in the form of a lean cut that has been thoroughly cooked.
Different types of unhealthy food
Certain foods are very dangerous for your dog and should be avoided at all costs while preparing their Christmas meal. During the holiday season, keep the following items out of your pet’s reach:
Chocolate
Even a tiny bit of chocolate may be harmful for a dog. Theobromine, found in chocolate, may produce agitation, tremors, convulsions, hyperexcitability, and even cardiac issues if ingested in sufficient quantities. Interestingly, the theobromine content of chocolate increases as its darkness increases.
Because of this, dark chocolate is the most harmful kind. The Blue Cross recommends taking your dog to the doctor immediately if you suspect he or she has consumed more than 3.5 grams of plain or dark chocolate or 14 grams of milk chocolate.
Veggies of the onion, garlic, and bulb family
Alliums, the plant family to which these veggies belong, are very poisonous to canines. Red blood cell damage and perhaps anemia may arise from ingesting them.
Toasted macadamia with walnuts
Keep your dog away from these nuts, which are often eaten during Christmastime but may be dangerous if ingested. According to Wag the Dog UK, they are very poisonous because of the neurotoxin they contain.
Protein-rich dairy products
Cheese and cream are traditional holiday fare, but they shouldn’t be served to your dog. As lactose is poorly absorbed by canine digestive systems, feeding them in excess may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other health problems.
What to feed your dog for Christmas dinner that won’t make him sick
Lucky for dogs, there are several foods that may be given as holiday treats without worry. These items are OK to give your dog, but remember that table scraps should never replace a balanced diet.
Turkey with Cranberry Relish
Make sure the cranberry sauce your dog eats is nut-free and sugar-free. Avoid feeding your dog too much, but a dash on top of some turkey can make a delicious snack.
Potatoes
You may give your dog mashed or cooked potatoes, but only if you remove any extra fat or salt before serving them. Due to their high starch content, dogs should only be given a limited amount of this treat.
There are many more veggies that would be great additions to your dog’s Christmas feast. A variety of nutritious vegetables, including green beans, Brussel sprouts, parsnips, peas, and swede, may be offered as a snack. You should feed your dog some veggies, but only in moderation. If you give your dog too many vegetables, they may get gas or diarrhea.
Is mistletoe poisonous to dogs?
During the holiday season, it’s not only the food that has to be avoided because of the risk of poisoning your dog; there are also several plants that are dangerous to humans. Holly, ivy, and mistletoe are all plants that may cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs if they ingest any of their berries or leaves.
While Christmas trees themselves aren’t poisonous, they may nonetheless cause serious inside injuries if consumed. During the holiday season, make sure your dog doesn’t get into any of the plants by keeping them safely out of reach.
There’s no reason not to prepare your dog Christmas supper if you want to celebrate the holiday with him or her. Can dogs eat gravy or stuffing? The answer is no, but there are lots of other delicious foods that would make great Christmas treats for your dog.