Christmas is a time for family, friends, and delicious feasts, but while you’re indulging in human foods and holiday treats, it’s important to know what food is safe to share with your furry companions.
Some festive favorites are pet-friendly, while others can be downright dangerous. Knowing the difference can make all the difference for keeping your pets safe and happy year-round.
Here’s a guide to help you make sure your pets stay happy and healthy this holiday season.
Christmas Foods for Cats and Dogs That Are Safe
When we're in the holiday gift-giving spirit, it can be tempting to share some of our delicious holiday treats with our pets. But before you do, make sure to check if they are safe for your furry friends.
Luckily, many traditional Christmas foods can be enjoyed by pets if prepared properly and served in moderation. These include:
Plain Turkey
Turkey is a Christmas dinner centerpiece that’s safe for pets if it’s plain, fully cooked, and boneless. Remove any skin, fat, and bones, as these can cause digestive issues or choking hazards.
Pro Tip: Set aside a plain portion before adding seasoning, stuffing, or gravy.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a holiday staple that’s great for pets when prepared simply. Skip common ingredients like butter, sugar, and marshmallows, and serve them plain or mashed.
Why They’re Great: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, making them a nutritious treat for pets.
Green Beans
Whether part of a green bean casserole or served on their own, green beans are a safe Christmas veggie for pets—as long as they’re plain. Avoid giving pets green beans prepared with cream, fried onions, or other rich ingredients.
Carrots
Carrots make a festive and healthy treat for pets, whether raw, steamed, or roasted. They’re naturally sweet, crunchy, and a great source of vitamins.
Holiday Twist: Chop carrots into fun shapes like stars or Christmas trees for a festive presentation.
Pumpkin (Plain)
If you’re making pumpkin pie this Christmas, set aside a bit of plain, canned pumpkin for your pet. It’s great for digestion and can be mixed into their meals.
Important: Avoid giving pets pumpkin pie or any spiced products.
Apples
Sliced apples (with the core and seeds removed) are a safe and crunchy treat for pets that is packed with vitamins and minerals.
Festive Serving Idea: Offer apple slices as a special Christmas snack or cut into small pieces and mix them with plain turkey for a fun holiday meal.
Cranberries (Plain)
Fresh or dried cranberries can be a safe holiday treat in small amounts. Avoid cranberry sauces that contain added sugar, alcohol, or other harmful ingredients.
Christmas Foods to Avoid
The last thing anyone wants is a sick pet during the holidays, so it’s important to know which foods to avoid giving to your furry friends. These Christmas favorites are not safe for pets:
Many holiday favorites are unsafe for pets due to toxic ingredients, high-fat content, dairy products, or harmful preparation methods.
Here are the top foods to watch out for:
Christmas Pudding and Fruitcake
These traditional desserts are loaded with raisins, currants, and sometimes alcohol, all of which are highly toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts can cause kidney failure or other severe health problems.
Stuffing
Stuffing is often made with onions, garlic, and herbs, which are toxic to pets. Onions and garlic can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
What to Do Instead: If you want to share a similar texture, offer plain cooked bread chunks or a bite of plain, unsalted bread.
Gravy
Gravy is rich and often contains ingredients like onions, garlic, or excessive salt, which are harmful to pets.
Why It’s Dangerous: High-fat foods like gravy can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
Ham
Ham may be a holiday favorite, but it’s too salty and fatty for pets. Excess salt can cause dehydration or sodium poisoning, especially in cats.
Chocolate and Candy Canes
Chocolate, a common Christmas treat, contains theobromine, which is toxic to pets. Candy canes and other sweets often contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s deadly to dogs.
Holiday Warning: Keep all desserts and candy out of reach of pets, as even small amounts can be harmful.
Alcohol and Eggnog
Alcohol and alcohol-based treats, like rum balls or spiked eggnog, are highly toxic to pets. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, disorientation, and in severe cases, coma or death.
Roast Potatoes or Vegetables with Seasonings
While plain, cooked potatoes or vegetables are safe, most Christmas recipes call for butter, oil, garlic, or onion, making them unsuitable for pets.
Nuts
Many nuts served during the holidays, like macadamia nuts and walnuts, are toxic to dogs and cats. Even non-toxic nuts are high in fat, which can lead to digestive upset.
Pet-Safe Christmas Feast Ideas
Want to include your furry friends in the holiday cheer? Here’s how to create a festive plate just for them:
- Main Course: A small portion of plain, cooked turkey or chicken.
- Sides: Mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, or a dollop of plain pumpkin.
- Festive Holiday Pet Treats: A few slices of apple or a sprinkle of plain cranberries.
Christmas Safety Tips for Pets
- Educate Guests: Let friends and family know not to feed pets table scraps or holiday treats.
- Secure the Trash: Dispose of leftovers and food packaging immediately to prevent pets from scavenging.
- Supervise Decorations: Keep Christmas decorations like tinsel, ornaments, and string lights out of reach, as they can pose choking or injury risks.
- Stock Safe Food for Pets: Keep pet-friendly holiday treats on hand to include them in the celebration safely.
When to Call the Vet
If your pet accidentally eats something harmful, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline immediately. Symptoms of food poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or seizures. Don’t wait for severe symptoms to develop before seeking help.
Christmas is a time for family, and that includes your pets! By sticking to safe, nutritious foods and avoiding harmful ingredients, you can ensure that your four-legged friends enjoy the holiday season just as much as you do.
Looking for festive, pet-safe treats or gifts? Visit Bark & Luv in Chandler, Arizona or shop our online store to view our holiday collection of pet goodies that are safe for dogs and cats, and let’s make this Christmas merry and bright for every member of the family!