“This is an excellent product. It has significantly improved my dog’s digestive comfort, and he readily accepts it when mixed with his food.”
Keeps everything consistent and predictable.
Dogs can eat an adapted version of Christmas dinner, but it must be plain, carefully prepared and fed in tiny portions.
Lean, skinless turkey and plain vegetables are the safest festive foods for dogs.
Many traditional Christmas foods are toxic to dogs, including chocolate, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, alcohol and cooked bones.
Always follow the 90/10 feeding rule: no more than 10% of daily calories should come from festive extras.
Digestive upset and pancreatitis are the most common Christmas-related health emergencies in dogs.
Non-food enrichment, such as toys, walks, and scent games, is a safer way to include dogs in Christmas celebrations.
If your dog eats a toxic festive food or shows worrying symptoms, contact your vet immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Christmas Dinner? The Truth Behind the Festive Feast
Christmas dinner is one of the most anticipated meals of the year, and our dogs certainly notice when the house fills with rich aromas of roast turkey, gravy and all the trimmings. It’s natural for owners to want their dog to feel included in the celebrations. However, while dogs can enjoy a Christmas dinner, it must be carefully adapted, not simply leftovers from the dinner table.
From a veterinary perspective, the problem with Christmas food isn’t the ingredients themselves, but how they are prepared. Our festive meals are packed with butter, oil, salt, seasoning, sauces and sugar, all of which place unnecessary strain on a dog’s digestive system. Sudden exposure to these rich foods is one of the most common causes of festive vet visits.
The safest approach is to think of your dog’s Christmas dinner as a small, plain celebration plate served alongside their regular food, rather than a replacement for it.
Jump Ahead
Can Dogs Eat Christmas Dinner? The Truth Behind the Festive Feast Why Christmas Food Can Be Risky for Dogs Dog-Safe Parts of a Traditional Christmas Dinner Christmas Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs Foods That Are Not Toxic but Still Unsafe How to Create a Dog-Safe Christmas Dinner How Much Christmas Dinner Can a Dog Have? Signs of Festive Food Poisoning or Digestive Distress When to Contact a Vet Immediately Non-Food Ways to Include Your Dog in Christmas Frequently Asked Questions
Why Christmas Food Can Be Risky for Dogs
Dogs digest food very differently from humans. Their digestive systems are designed for relatively simple, consistent diets. When that routine is disrupted with fatty, salty or heavily seasoned food, several problems can occur:
Gastrointestinal upset – vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating and wind.
Pancreatitis – a painful and potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas triggered by high-fat foods.
Dehydration – from salt-heavy foods such as gravy, processed meats and cured products.
Toxin exposure – from ingredients that are harmless to humans but dangerous to dogs.
Dogs at higher risk include puppies, senior dogs, small breeds, and any dog with existing liver, kidney, pancreatic or weight-related issues.
Dog-Safe Parts of a Traditional Christmas Dinner
When appropriately prepared and fed in moderation, some elements of a Christmas dinner can be safely shared with dogs.
Lean Turkey or Chicken (White Meat Only)
Plain, lean white turkey or chicken is the safest and most popular festive protein for dogs. It should always be fully cooked, completely unseasoned, skinless, and boneless.
Avoid dark meat, crispy skin, bacon-wrapped meat and fatty trimmings. These parts are much higher in fat and can easily trigger digestive upset or pancreatitis.
Plain Christmas Vegetables Dogs Can Eat
Several traditional vegetables are safe when boiled or steamed without oil, butter, herbs or salt:
Carrots
Parsnips
Brussels sprouts
Swede
Green beans
Peas
Broccoli
These provide fibre, vitamins and hydration. However, glazed vegetables, roasted in fat, or mixed with onion or garlic should be avoided. Feed in moderate portions, as excess fibre can cause gas and loose stools.
Plain Potatoes in Moderation
Dogs can eat plain boiled or mashed potatoes in small amounts. They must be unseasoned and free from butter, milk or cream. Roast potatoes, dauphinoise and buttery mash are far too rich for dogs and should be kept off their plates.
Small Portions of Certain Fruits
Some festive fruits may be offered as occasional treats, such as satsumas and oranges (peeled, no seeds), apples (no pips), and blueberries and raspberries. These should only be given in tiny portions due to natural sugar content.
Christmas Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs
Some festive favourites are genuinely dangerous and must never be fed to dogs.
Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most common causes of festive poisoning in dogs. It contains Theobromine, a stimulant that humans can metabolise quickly but dogs cannot. As theobromine builds up in a dog’s system, it can overstimulate the nervous system and heart. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, rapid heart rate, tremors and seizures. In severe cases, chocolate poisoning can be fatal.
The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the higher the risk. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate and cocoa powder contain particularly high levels of theobromine and are dangerous even in tiny amounts. While milk and white chocolate contain lower levels, they are still unsafe and can cause both toxicity and severe digestive upset. During Christmas, advent calendars, stockings, gift boxes and desserts dramatically increase the risk of accidental exposure, making extra vigilance crucial.
Raisins, Currants & Sultanas
These dried fruits are hazardous for dogs and are known to cause acute kidney failure. What makes raisins and sultanas particularly alarming is that there is no known safe dose. Some dogs may become critically ill after eating only a few, while others may show delayed symptoms.
They are commonly hidden in festive favourites such as Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, mince pies, panettone, fruit loaves and stuffing. Early signs of poisoning can include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite and abdominal pain, followed by a sudden decline in kidney function. Because kidney damage can be rapid and irreversible, any exposure requires immediate veterinary attention, even if your dog seems normal at first.
Onions, Garlic & the Allium Family
All members of the allium family, including onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives, are toxic to dogs. These foods damage red blood cells and can lead to haemolytic anaemia, a potentially fatal condition where oxygen cannot be adequately transported around the body.
What makes alliums especially dangerous at Christmas is how often they appear in hidden forms. They are frequently found in stuffing, gravy, soups, sauces, cooked vegetables, seasoning powders and even processed meats. Repeated small exposures can be just as dangerous as a single large dose. Symptoms may include weakness, pale gums, rapid breathing, lethargy and collapse, and can take several days to develop.
Xylitol (Sugar-Free Products)
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly used in sugar-free sweets, chewing gum, baked goods, desserts, toothpaste and some peanut butters. It is extremely toxic to dogs and triggers a rapid, powerful release of insulin, which causes a sudden and potentially fatal drop in blood sugar levels.
Within minutes to an hour, affected dogs may show signs such as vomiting, weakness, tremors, loss of coordination and seizures. In some cases, xylitol can also cause acute liver failure, which may be fatal even with treatment. During Christmas, sugar-free treats and baking ingredients dramatically increase the risk, making strict storage essential.
Alcohol and Yeast Dough
Alcohol is highly toxic to dogs and affects them much more severely than humans. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, breathing difficulties, abnormal heart rhythms, coma and death. Dogs are at risk not only from drinks such as wine, beer and spirits, but also from alcohol-containing desserts like trifle, Christmas pudding and liqueur chocolates.
Raw yeast dough presents a double danger. As it rises inside the warm stomach, it can cause painful bloating and gastric torsion. At the same time, the fermentation process produces alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning. This combination makes yeast dough a true festive emergency if consumed by a dog.
Foods That Are Not Toxic but Still Unsafe
Some festive foods are not classed as toxic in the strict medical sense, but that doesn’t mean they are suitable for dogs. Many Christmas dishes fall into a grey area where they are unlikely to cause poisoning, yet are still far too rich, salty, fatty or heavily processed for a dog’s digestive system to cope with comfortably. Feeding these foods may not lead to an emergency on the day, but they frequently cause stomach upsets, flare-ups of pancreatitis, dehydration, and long-term weight gain.
Pigs in Blankets and Sausages
These are extremely high in fat and salt, and often contain preservatives and flavourings that put strain on a dog’s pancreas. Even small amounts can trigger vomiting or diarrhoea, particularly in smaller dogs or those prone to sensitive digestion.
Yorkshire Puddings
May look harmless, but they are cooked in oil or fat and offer very little nutritional value for dogs. Their high fat content can lead to bloating, lethargy and digestive discomfort shortly after eating.
Cheese Sauces
Cheese sauces and cauliflower cheese combine two problem ingredients: dairy and added fat. While some dogs tolerate small amounts of plain cheese, creamy sauces are far richer and heavily salted. They commonly lead to diarrhoea, gas and abdominal pain, especially in dogs that are lactose-intolerant or have delicate stomachs.
Blue cheese deserves special caution. As well as being high in fat and salt, it contains specific moulds that can be harmful to dogs and may cause vomiting, tremors and digestive distress. Even a small cube is too risky to justify as a festive treat.
Bread and Stuffing
Bread on its own is not toxic, but it is very high in carbohydrates and offers no real nutritional benefit. Stuffing is far more problematic, as it typically contains onion, garlic, herbs, butter and fat, all of which increase the risk of stomach upset or toxicity.
Crisps and Salty Snacks
These should always be avoided. They are loaded with salt, artificial flavourings and sometimes onion or garlic powder. High salt intake can cause excessive thirst, dehydration and, in large amounts, more serious electrolyte imbalances.
Nuts
Most nuts are a festive staple that are best kept away from dogs. While peanuts and cashews are not toxic in small quantities, they are very high in fat and can easily cause digestive upset. Macadamia nuts, however, are genuinely toxic to dogs and must never be given under any circumstances.
Although these foods may not cause immediate poisoning, they are strongly associated with:
Bloating and painful wind
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Dehydration from excess salt
Pancreatitis due to high-fat levels
Unwanted weight gain over the festive period
For your dog’s comfort and long-term health, it is far safer to stick with lean protein and plain vegetables, and to view rich, processed festive foods as strictly “for humans only”, no matter how convincing those puppy-dog eyes may be.
How to Create a Dog-Safe Christmas Dinner
A safe festive meal for your dog should always complement, not replace, their regular diet. Dogs thrive on routine and balanced nutrition, so their Christmas dinner should be viewed as a small celebratory addition rather than a full second meal. The goal is to let them feel included without disrupting their digestive system or upsetting their nutrient balance.
The safest approach is to build your dog’s Christmas dinner around their usual complete food, then add a few carefully chosen festive extras in tiny amounts. This ensures they still receive all the essential nutrients they need, while enjoying a seasonal treat.
A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Base: Their usual complete dog food
Start with your dog’s regular food as the foundation of the meal. This keeps the overall diet nutritionally balanced and reduces the risk of stomach upset caused by sudden food changes. If you plan to add festive extras, slightly reduce the base portion to prevent overfeeding.
Protein: Lean turkey or chicken
Add a small spoon of finely chopped, lean white turkey or chicken. It must be fully cooked, unseasoned, skinless and completely free from bones. Avoid dark meat, crispy skin, bacon wrapping or any meat cooked with herbs, butter, gravy or oil. Protein adds a special festive feel while remaining gentle on the stomach when served plainly.
Vegetables: One or two dog-safe sides
Choose one or two plain, boiled or steamed vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, green beans or swede. These provide fibre and gentle bulk without unnecessary fat. Make sure no salt, butter, cheese sauce, herbal seasoning or onion has been added during cooking.
Optional carbohydrate: Plain potato
If you wish to add a small carbohydrate element, a teaspoon of plain mashed or boiled potato may be included. It must be completely free from milk, butter, oil or cream. Roast potatoes and buttery mash should always be avoided, as they are far too rich.
Presentation: Make it festive without adding risk
Serving your dog’s Christmas dinner in a festive bowl, enrichment feeder or slow-feeding puzzle toy can make the experience feel special without increasing calories. This also encourages slower eating, reducing the risk of choking or bloating.
Important Safety Tips
Even with dog-safe ingredients, Christmas dinner should remain a small topping, not a full extra meal. Stick within the 90/10 guideline: no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories should come from treats or extras. Overfeeding, even with safe foods, is one of the most common causes of festive digestive upset and unwanted seasonal weight gain.
Always chop food into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
Never serve food directly from your own plate.
Avoid mixing dog food with any dishes that contain gravy, stuffing, sauces or seasoning.
Supervise your dog while they eat, especially if guests or children are present.
If your dog has any underlying health conditions (such as pancreatitis, diabetes, kidney disease, or food allergies), check with your vet before adding festive extras.
How Much Christmas Dinner Can a Dog Have?
Even when you are only offering dog-safe festive foods, portion control is essential. One of the most critical principles in canine nutrition is the 90/10 rule, which veterinary nutritionists widely recommend. This guideline states that 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from their usual complete and balanced dog food, and no more than 10% of daily calories should come from treats and extras, including Christmas food.
This rule exists because dogs rely on their regular diet for the precise balance of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. Festive extras, no matter how wholesome, are not nutritionally complete and should always remain a small addition, not a meal replacement.
Portion Guidance by Dog Size
While every dog’s calorie needs vary depending on age, breed, activity level and health, the following rough guide can help you visualise safe festive portions:
- Small dogs (under 10kg): 1–2 tablespoons of combined turkey and vegetables in total.
- Medium dogs (10–25kg): 2–4 tablespoons of combined festive extras.
- Large dogs (over 25kg): A small side portion only, think a modest scoop rather than a full bowl.
These portions should include all Christmas extras combined, not each ingredient separately. For example, a small dog should not receive two tablespoons of turkey plus two tablespoons of vegetables; the total festive topping should stay within that 1–2 tablespoon range.
Adjusting Regular Meals Safely
If you plan to give your dog a small festive topping, slightly reduce their regular meal size on that day to maintain overall calorie balance. This is particularly important for dogs that are prone to weight gain, less active during winter, and already on a weight management plan.
However, you should never skip meals entirely or drastically cut their regular food. Sudden deprivation can upset digestion just as much as overfeeding.
Why Overfeeding Is a Common Christmas Problem
During the festive period, many owners unintentionally “treat stack” throughout the day, sharing small bites at breakfast, lunch, dinner and during evening celebrations. While each bite may seem insignificant on its own, the total can quickly exceed safe limits.
The most common consequences of overfeeding at Christmas include:
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Bloating and painful wind
Lethargy and discomfort
Rapid seasonal weight gain
Increased risk of pancreatitis, particularly in smaller breeds
Keeping portions measured, rather than guessed, is one of the simplest ways to protect your dog’s health during the holidays.
Some dogs require even stricter portion control:
Puppies with immature digestion
Senior dogs
Dogs with a pancreatitis history
Dogs with diabetes or kidney disease
Dogs on prescription veterinary diets
If your dog falls into any of these categories, it is always best to consult your vet before introducing any festive foods.
By keeping festive portions small, adjusting regular meals sensibly, and avoiding “treat stacking”, you can let your dog enjoy a little Christmas indulgence without the risk of discomfort, sickness or long-term weight problems.
Signs of Festive Food Poisoning or Digestive Distress
Despite our best efforts, festive accidents do happen. Dogs are quick, curious and opportunistic, and a dropped mince pie or unattended plate can be all it takes. Knowing the early warning signs of food poisoning or digestive distress is essential for acting quickly and preventing complications.
The most common initial symptoms include vomiting or diarrhoea, which may occur within hours of eating something unsuitable. Excessive drooling can indicate nausea, mouth irritation or toxin exposure. Some dogs become unusually lethargic, withdrawn or weak, while others may appear restless, agitated or unable to settle.
Abdominal pain is another important red flag. Dogs experiencing discomfort may hunch their back, avoid being touched, stretch repeatedly, or show reluctance to move. In more serious cases, poisoning can affect the nervous system, leading to tremors, loss of coordination, wobbling, twitching or seizures.
Collapse, breathing difficulty, pale gums, or loss of consciousness indicate a medical emergency. These symptoms suggest significant systemic involvement and require immediate veterinary intervention.
It’s also important to understand that some toxins cause delayed symptoms. Foods such as raisins, xylitol, and certain mould toxins may not trigger immediate symptoms, yet can cause severe internal damage within 24 to 72 hours. Because of this delay, continued monitoring after any suspected exposure is just as important as the initial response.
Early recognition and rapid veterinary advice can make a critical difference in outcomes, even if your dog appears “almost normal” at first.
What to watch for:
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Excessive drooling
Lethargy or agitation
Abdominal pain
Tremors, wobbling or seizures
Collapse or breathing difficulty
When to Contact a Vet Immediately
Certain festive foods and symptoms should always be treated as urgent veterinary emergencies, even if your dog seems stable initially. You should contact your vet or an emergency out-of-hours clinic immediately if your dog eats any amount of the following:
Chocolate of any kind, especially dark or baking chocolate.
Christmas pudding, mince pies, Christmas cake or fruit-based desserts containing raisins, sultanas or currants.
Onions, garlic, leeks or stuffing that may contain allium ingredients.
Alcohol in any form, including liqueur desserts or fermented foods.
Xylitol-containing sweets, chewing gum, baked goods or sugar-free peanut butter.
Cooked bones from poultry, lamb or beef.
You should also seek immediate veterinary advice if your dog shows repeated vomiting, tremors, severe lethargy, seizures, collapse, abdominal swelling or breathing difficulties, regardless of what they may have eaten.
When calling your vet, be ready to provide:
Your dog’s breed, age and weight
What they ate (or what you suspect they ate)
The approximate quantity
The time of ingestion
Any symptoms already present
Do not attempt to induce vomiting or give home remedies unless instructed by a veterinary professional. Acting quickly and calmly gives your dog the best possible chance of a full recovery.
Non-Food Ways to Include Your Dog in Christmas
While food often takes centre stage at Christmas, dogs value time, interaction and enrichment more than extra treats. In fact, focusing solely on festive snacks can sometimes do more harm than good, leading to digestive upset, weight gain and overexcitement. Including your dog in the celebrations doesn’t need to revolve around food; there are many safer, equally rewarding ways to make the season memorable for them.
- A new toy or a long-lasting chew can be a wonderful Christmas surprise. Whether it’s a durable chew for quiet downtime or an interactive toy that encourages problem-solving, these gifts provide both mental stimulation and stress relief. Rotating toys or bringing out one that has been hidden for a while can feel just as exciting as something brand new.
- Enrichment puzzles and interactive feeders are another excellent option, particularly during busy festive periods when routines change. These keep your dog mentally occupied, help prevent boredom, and encourage slower, more controlled eating if used with part of their regular food.
- Extra playtime and gentle winter walks give dogs something they crave even more than treats - shared experiences with their people. A slightly longer walk, a new walking route, or a short family play session in the garden can be the highlight of their day. Physical activity also supports digestive health and helps offset the reduced physical activity many dogs experience in winter.
- With guests coming and going, it’s equally essential to provide calm rest spaces. A quiet room with their bed, favourite blanket and water bowl allows them to retreat if the household becomes overwhelming. This helps prevent stress-related behaviours and ensures they remain relaxed and comfortable.
- Scent games and interactive feeding activities are great for mental well-being. Hiding small portions of their regular food around the house, using snuffle mats or scatter-feeding in the garden taps into natural foraging instincts and provides valuable enrichment without adding extra calories.
By prioritising play, comfort and enrichment over extra food, you protect both your dog’s mental wellbeing and their digestive health, ensuring Christmas is joyful without being overwhelming for their system.
A Happy & Safe Christmas for Dogs
So, can dogs eat Christmas dinner? Yes, when it’s planned with their health in mind. A little bit of plain turkey and vegetables can let your dog feel part of the celebrations without unnecessary risk.
At PetAmaze, we believe festive joy should never come at the cost of well-being. With thoughtful preparation, sensible portions and knowledge of festive dangers, you can ensure your dog enjoys Christmas just as safely as the rest of the family.
A calm, well-fed dog enjoying your company is the greatest Christmas gift of all.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for personalised guidance regarding your pet's health. We are not responsible for any decisions or actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat Christmas dinner leftovers?
Dogs should not eat Christmas dinner leftovers because they often contain gravy, fat, cooked bones, seasoning, onions, garlic and sauces that can cause digestive upset or poisoning. Even small amounts of these ingredients can trigger vomiting, diarrhoea or pancreatitis. If you want to include your dog in the festivities, always prepare a separate, plain dog-safe portion instead of sharing leftovers.
Can dogs eat turkey skin at Christmas?
No, dogs should never eat turkey skin. Turkey skin is extremely high in fat and is one of the most common triggers of pancreatitis in dogs, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. Even a small piece of skin can cause severe vomiting, abdominal pain and hospitalisation.
Can puppies eat Christmas dinner?
Puppies can have only tiny amounts of dog-safe Christmas food, and only if it is plain, unseasoned, and introduced slowly. Puppies have sensitive digestive systems and are much more likely to develop diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration from rich festive foods. In most cases, it is safest for puppies to stick to their regular diet only during Christmas.
Can diabetic dogs have Christmas food?
Dogs with diabetes should not be given Christmas food without veterinary guidance. Festive foods can cause dangerous blood sugar fluctuations due to changes in fat, sugar and carbohydrate intake. Even dog-safe foods like turkey and vegetables can disrupt carefully controlled diabetic management plans. Always consult your vet before offering any festive extras.
Can dogs eat gravy at Christmas?
Dogs should not eat human gravy. Most gravies are very high in salt and fat and often contain onions or garlic, which are toxic to dogs. Gravy can lead to dehydration, stomach upset and in some cases anaemia from allium exposure. If you want to moisten your dog’s food, use warm water or dog-safe bone broth instead.
What should I do if my dog steals Christmas food without me knowing?
If your dog steals Christmas food, first identify exactly what was eaten, how much, and when. Check for high-risk ingredients such as chocolate, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, alcohol or cooked bones. If any of these may be involved, or if your dog shows vomiting, tremors, lethargy or seizures, contact your vet immediately, even if symptoms seem mild at first.
Can dogs eat mince pies or Christmas cake?
No, dogs must never eat mince pies, Christmas cake or Christmas pudding. These desserts contain raisins, currants, alcohol, sugar and spices, all of which are dangerous for dogs and can cause kidney failure, poisoning or severe digestive distress.
Is it safe for dogs to eat pigs in blankets?
No, pigs in blankets are too fatty and salty for dogs and are a common cause of festive pancreatitis. They often contain seasoning, preservatives and onion powder, which further increases the risk of illness.
What is the safest Christmas dinner for a dog?
The safest Christmas dinner for a dog is:
Their normal complete dog food - the main meal
Topped with a small portion of plain, skinless turkey
With one or two boiled, unseasoned vegetables
No gravy, stuffing, fat, bones or seasoning
This approach allows dogs to enjoy Christmas without risking their health.
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