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Paws and Plates: Keeping Your Dog Safe This Christmas
The holiday season is a whirlwind of twinkling lights, festive carols, and—most importantly—an incredible spread of food on your plate. While it’s tempting to let your furry best friend join in on the feast, many of our favorite holiday staples can be dangerous for dogs.
To ensure your Christmas stays merry and bright (and free of emergency vet visits), here is your guide to the “Naughty” and “Nice” list of holiday foods on your plate for dogs.
🛑 The Naughty List: Keep These Away from the Plate!
Many common Christmas ingredients are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Be sure to keep these out of reach and off the plate:
Chocolate & Cocoa: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
Onions, Garlic, and Leeks: These are staples in stuffing and gravies, but they can cause damage to a dog’s red blood cells.
Grapes & Raisins: Found in Christmas puddings and fruitcakes, these can cause sudden kidney failure.
Xylitol (Birch Sugar): Often found in sugar-free baked goods and some peanut butters. It is extremely toxic and can cause life-threatening low blood sugar.
Cooked Bones: Turkey or ham bones become brittle when cooked. They can splinter and cause internal punctures or choking.
Alcohol: Even a small amount of festive punch or beer can lead to serious ethanol poisoning in pets.
✅ The Nice List: Safe Treats to Share
If you want to make a special “doggy plate,” stick to these plain, unseasoned options:
Food Item
Why It’s Okay
Preparation Tip
Turkey Meat
High in protein
Skinless, boneless, and white meat only.
Carrots
Great crunch and fiber
Raw or steamed, but skip the honey glaze.
Green Beans
Low calorie and filling
Fresh or steamed; no butter or salt.
Sweet Potato
Good for digestion
Plain and mashed (no marshmallows or sugar!).
Apples
Sweet and vitamin-rich
Slices only; remove all seeds and the core.
Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Feast
Educate Your Guests: Friends and family might think they’re being kind by “slipping a treat” under the table. Politely ask them not to feed your dog scraps.
The “Doggy Bag” Rule: If you want your dog to participate, set aside their safe portions before you add butter, salt, or onions to the dishes.
Secure the Trash: A turkey carcass in the bin is a goldmine for a dog, but it’s a major choking hazard. Ensure your trash cans have secure lids.
Special Toys: Give your dog a frozen Kong or a new chew toy while the humans are eating to keep them occupied and away from the table.
Pro Tip: If you suspect your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, call your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. It’s always better to be safe!
Wishing you and your four-legged family members a safe, happy, and delicious Christmas!
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