We all want to include our pets during the Christmas festivities and treating them to something special isn’t uncommon. Read below for guidance on safe, pet-friendly foods you can give your pet this Christmas.
What Christmas Foods Are Poisonous for Pets?
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are stimulants that dogs and cats metabolise much more slowly than humans. This means these compounds can build up to toxic levels in their system.
- Mince pies & Christmas pudding: These festive treats are packed with raisins, currants, and sultanas (all forms of grapes). Grapes and their dried forms are highly toxic to dogs, and cats, though feline cases are less commonly reported.
- Alcohol: Alcohol is highly toxic to pets, even in small amounts. Their livers cannot process it efficiently.
- Meat on the bone: While meat itself is generally fine (in moderation, without excessive fat or seasoning), cooked bones are a major choking hazard. Cooking makes bones brittle, causing them to splinter easily.
- Gravy: Gravy is typically very high in fat, salt, and often contains onions and garlic, which are also not pet-friendly.
- Onions and Garlic: is typically found in gravy and stuffing, which is also not pet-friendly.
- Nuts: Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, fever, and depression in dogs. Other nuts can pose a choking hazard or cause digestive upset due to high fat content. Black walnuts are also toxic, with English walnuts generally causing gastrointestinal issues due to fat content, but also prone to mould so should be avoided.
- Dairy Products: Many pets are lactose intolerant, and dairy can cause digestive upset like vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Spices: Spices such as nutmeg, clove and allspice can contain toxic ingredients which can cause symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal upset to seizures
Speak to your vet about the best diet for your pet
What Festive Treats Can I Give My Pet this Christmas?
While it’s tempting to share your Christmas feast with your pets, their digestive systems are much more sensitive than ours. Plain, cooked, skinless, and boneless white meat, like turkey or chicken, can be given in very small amounts as a special treat for both dogs and cats. However, it’s crucial to ensure it’s completely free of fat, salt, gravy, onions, garlic, or any other seasonings, as these can be harmful.
- Veg: sprouts, broccoli, carrots & parsnips, sweet potatoes, potatoes
- Meat: cooked salmon, turkey, chicken, sausage
- Cranberries: avoid cranberry sauce, but cranberries are pet-safe in moderation
- Peanut butter: in small amounts or in treat toys (because it’s also very sticky), is a delicious protein-packed treat for dogs. Ensure that the peanut butter does not contain xylitol (an artificial sweetner) which can be fatal.
Key Reminders for ALL Festive Food for Pets:
- Portion Control: Even safe foods should only be given in very small quantities as treats, not as a main meal replacement. Too much of a good thing can still lead to an upset stomach, especially with richer foods.
- Introduce Slowly: If your pet isn’t used to a particular fruit or vegetable, introduce a tiny amount first to see how they react.
- Plain is Best: Avoid all seasonings, salts, oils, butter, gravy, sauces, onions, garlic, and spices. These are common in human festive dishes but can be harmful to pets.
- No Bones (Cooked): Cooked bones splinter and are very dangerous.
- Consult Your Vet: If your pet has any health conditions, allergies, or sensitivities, always check with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods.
By focusing on these plain, wholesome options, you can safely include your beloved pets in the Christmas celebrations without compromising their health.
Speak to your vet about the best diet for your pet
What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Dangerous
If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these harmful foods, contact your veterinary surgeon immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. The sooner they receive veterinary attention, the better their prognosis. Have information ready about what your pet ate, approximately how much, and when. Call us for emergencies HERE.
Talk to Your Vet at Cherrydown for Pet Dietary Advice
Navigating the world of pet nutrition can be overwhelming, especially with so much conflicting information available online. While it’s great to be proactive about your pet’s diet, the best source for tailored dietary advice is always your veterinary surgeon. They have a comprehensive understanding of your pet’s specific breed, age, activity level, and any pre-existing health conditions, all of which play a crucial role in determining the ideal diet.
