What Not To Feed Your Dog At Christmas Dinner

The festive season tends to bring busy kitchens, full plates and plenty of tempting smells. Dogs are very good at being under the table at the exact moment a roast potato drops. They are also very good at convincing guests that they have never eaten before. Christmas dinner can feel like one long opportunity for them to ask for extra snacks. While it is nice to share the celebration, the truth is that many classic Christmas dishes can be unsafe for dogs.

This guide explains what not to feed your dog at Christmas dinner and why certain ingredients can cause problems. It follows a simple and steady approach, similar to early puppy training. The aim is to give you confidence, not concern. Once you know which foods to avoid, it becomes much easier to manage the day calmly and keep everyone comfortable.

Christmas should be enjoyable for you and your dog. With some planning and a little patience, you can avoid unnecessary stress and keep the celebration safe.

Why Christmas Food Can Be Tricky For Dogs

There is a lot of excitement in the house when people are cooking and talking, and dogs can pick up on all of it. Christmas meals also tend to be richer, saltier and far heavier than normal meals. Dogs do not digest food the same way humans do, and even small portions of certain items can upset their stomachs. Some ingredients are genuinely dangerous and can make them unwell very quickly.

Many hazards come from ingredients that seem harmless to us. Others come from seasonings, leftovers or extra flavours added during cooking. Even foods that dogs can eat in plain form can become unsafe once they are covered in butter, cooked with onions or served with gravy. This is why it helps to know exactly which items to keep out of reach.

Once you understand the risks, you can make confident decisions during the meal. You will also find it easier to explain to guests why certain foods are off limits.

Turkey And Meat: Safe Parts And Unsafe Parts

Turkey is usually the main event at Christmas dinner, and plenty of people want to share a little of it with their dog. Plain, cooked turkey meat without skin or seasoning is safe in small amounts. The trouble begins when the turkey is prepared with extras that your dog should not have.

Turkey skin contains a lot of fat and can be difficult for dogs to handle. Too much fat in one go may lead to stomach pain or a more serious condition like pancreatitis. This can develop after a rich meal and may require a vet visit. It is best to keep the skin away from them entirely.

Seasoning is another issue. Many turkeys are cooked with garlic, onions or strong herbs. Garlic and onions can affect a dog’s red blood cells. Even a small amount can be enough to cause problems over time. If the turkey is heavily seasoned, it is better to avoid giving any pieces altogether.

Bones are one of the biggest hazards. Cooked bones can splinter when chewed. They may get stuck in the throat, stomach or intestines. This can be painful and dangerous. Raw bones are not suitable either. The safest option is simple. Skip the bones and only offer a tiny piece of plain meat if you want to share something.

Stuffing And Accompaniments

Stuffing is a firm favourite at Christmas dinner, but it is not suitable for dogs. Nearly all stuffing recipes include onions, garlic or both. These ingredients can irritate the gut and cause more serious issues if eaten regularly. Some stuffing mixes also contain dried fruit or strong herbs, which only adds to the risk.

Bread sauce is another item that might seem harmless but is often prepared with onion or extra seasoning. The same rule applies here. If it contains onion or garlic, do not let your dog near it.

Gravy is usually the biggest temptation. It smells rich and warm, and dogs notice that instantly. Most gravy contains high levels of salt and fat. Some also include onion or stock cubes with concentrated seasoning. If your dog drinks too much of it, they can develop stomach upset or dehydration from the salt. Keep the gravy boat out of reach and avoid pouring any over your dog’s food.

Vegetables Your Dog Should Avoid

Christmas dinner often includes a selection of vegetables, and not all of them are suitable for dogs. The most important vegetables to avoid are onions, garlic and leeks. These sit in the same plant group and can cause problems for dogs if eaten. They may be in sauces, sides or mixed in with other vegetables. It is important to check what has been added before offering even a small piece.

Brussels sprouts are safe in plain form, although they may cause wind. The difficulty is that Christmas sprouts are rarely plain. They are often cooked with butter, pancetta, chestnuts or rich glazes. Dogs may struggle with the extra fat or salt, so it is usually better to avoid giving any from the table.

Carrots, parsnips and green beans are safe in simple form, but the Christmas versions are often roasted with oils or honey. Sweet glazes are not suitable for dogs because of the sugar content. Roasting oils can also make some dogs sick. Plain steamed vegetables are fine, but Christmas vegetables rarely come plain.

Potatoes And Yorkshire Puddings

Roast potatoes are crisp, tasty and drenched in fat. This is exactly why they should not be shared with your dog. The oil used to roast them can be far too heavy for dogs to digest comfortably. Even one potato can cause issues if the dog has a sensitive stomach.

Mashed potatoes can be risky if they contain butter, salt or cream. Dogs do not need dairy in their diet, and too much can lead to stomach discomfort. If the mash contains garlic powder or onion, it is unsafe.

Yorkshire puddings are full of fat, salt and plain flour. While one small piece may not cause immediate trouble for most dogs, it adds no nutritional value and can easily upset their stomach. If someone tries to give your dog a Yorkshire pudding as a treat, it is better to say no.

Foods Containing Grapes Or Raisins

This is one of the most important sections. Grapes, raisins and sultanas are highly toxic to dogs. No one knows why some dogs react more strongly than others. The safest approach is to avoid any exposure at all. Even a small amount can cause serious illness.

Many classic Christmas dishes contain raisins. This includes Christmas pudding, mince pies, stollen, fruit loaf and some sauces. Dogs do not need to eat much for it to become a problem. Even licking a dropped piece can be risky. Keep these foods well out of reach and do not allow them near your dog.

Chocolate And Sweet Treats

Chocolate is a common danger around Christmas. Boxes of chocolates are often left on tables or sideboards. Dogs can smell chocolate through packaging and may be tempted to investigate. The ingredient that makes chocolate unsafe is theobromine, which dogs process very slowly. Dark chocolate contains the highest levels, but all chocolate products carry a risk.

Chocolate coins wrapped in foil are particularly problematic. Dogs do not understand that the shiny wrapper is not food. If swallowed, the wrapper may cause digestive issues or blockages.

Other Christmas sweets such as toffees, fudge or nougat are not toxic in the same way but contain high levels of sugar and fat. These can still make a dog sick. Sugar-free sweets may contain xylitol, a sweetener that is dangerous for dogs even in tiny amounts. Always check packaging before leaving anything within reach.

Alcohol, Cream And Other Table Drinks

Dogs should never consume alcohol. Even a small amount of a beer spill or a sip of mulled wine can affect them. Alcohol can make dogs drowsy, disoriented or sick. It is best to clean up spills quickly and keep drinks off the floor.

Cream liqueurs are especially tempting because they smell sweet. Dogs may be drawn to glasses left on low tables. These drinks contain both alcohol and dairy, which makes them doubly unsuitable.

Plain dairy is not as dangerous but can still upset some dogs. Cream, custard, brandy butter and trifle layers are all too heavy and sugary. Do not offer any of these, even in tiny tastes.

Nuts And Snack Trays

Christmas snack bowls often include nuts. Some nuts are safe for dogs in plain form, but Christmas varieties are salted, roasted or flavoured. These coatings make them unsuitable.

Macadamia nuts are the most dangerous and should be avoided completely. Even a few can cause weakness, tremors or stiffness in dogs. It is not worth taking the risk.

Other snacks such as crisps or crackers are full of salt. Dogs do not need extra salt and can become unwell if they have too much. Placing snack trays away from the edge of the table is a simple and helpful precaution.

Leftovers And The Temptation To Share

Leftovers can feel like they are made for dogs, but most Christmas leftovers are too rich. The combination of fat, seasoning and mixed ingredients can cause stomach upset. Even well meaning decisions can have consequences.

It is much safer to prepare a small portion of dog friendly food in advance. Plain turkey breast, cooked carrot or a little plain potato (not mashed with extras) can be used if you want them to feel included. Keep the portion small and only give it once you have checked the ingredients.

Explain to guests that your dog has their own meal and should not be given anything from their plates. Most people understand once you give a clear reason.

How To Keep Your Dog Safe During Christmas Dinner

One of the simplest ways to prevent accidents is to set clear boundaries early in the day. If your dog knows where they should settle during meals, it makes everything easier. Place their bed nearby but not under the table. Give them something to chew or a puzzle toy to keep them occupied.

Ask guests to keep plates and glasses away from floor level. Keep bin bags outside or in cupboards so your dog cannot sniff their way into leftovers.

If you drop food on the floor, pick it up straight away. Dogs can be faster than you expect when something falls from a chopping board.

Preparing a safe dog meal in advance is a good way to reduce temptation. It can help them feel included without taking any risks.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Something Unsafe

If your dog manages to eat something from the Christmas table, try not to panic. Take note of what they ate, how much and when. Check the ingredients for anything dangerous such as raisins, chocolate or onion.

If you suspect they have eaten something toxic or you are unsure, call your vet or an emergency clinic. They can guide you through the next steps. Acting quickly is important and can make a real difference.

Do not try to make your dog sick at home. Always speak to a vet first.

Conclusion

Christmas dinner is full of tempting smells and flavours, and dogs pick up on all of it. The good news is that a little preparation can make the whole day easier. Once you know which foods are unsafe, you can relax and enjoy the celebration without worrying about what your dog might sneak from the table.

Keep festive dishes out of reach. Give your dog a safe alternative. Ask guests to respect your rules. These simple steps help create a calm and enjoyable Christmas for everyone.

Your dog will enjoy the attention, the routine and the comfort far more than any rich leftovers.