This post lists eight holiday foods that are safe to share with your dog, along with another eight that are not.
Dog-Safe Holiday Foods
With the scent of holiday dinners in the air, I’m sure we’re not the only ones drooling. If you’ve got a dog anything like mine, they are surely eager to sneak a taste of anything you’re cooking up this holiday season. Check out these dog-friendly holiday foods below and remember the general rules that 1) treats should always be fed in moderation and 2) bland (seasoning/oil/butter-free) is best. If you have any questions or concerns about feeding your dog new foods, give your veterinarian a call.
Turkey
Fully cooked turkey without skin or bones is a safe food to give to your dog. Only share turkey in small quantities since it can be quite high in fat. To avoid accidentally feeding your pup toxic herbs or seasonings, stick to feeding them the bland pieces. Light and dark meat are both safe, just avoid pieces of the neck.
Green Beans
Fresh, plain green beans are not only safe but a healthy treat for dogs! Stay away from salted, canned green beans since they are loaded with sodium. Also avoid sharing green beans that have been cooked in oil, spices or with onion or garlic, which can turn an otherwise innocent snack toxic.
Carrots
Carrots are a crunchy, healthy snack that you can safely share with your dog. Feeding carrots raw, frozen or cooked are all fair game. If you have a small dog, consider chopping crunchy carrots into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
Cranberries
Fresh, dried or cooked plain cranberries are not toxic to dogs, although many dogs just don’t like them (have you ever tried a raw cranberry?). Just be super careful about what the cranberries are cooked with or mixed into. Some dried cranberries are mixed with raisins, which are toxic to dogs. Cranberry sauces are often very high in sugar and should be avoided altogether. Cranberry dessert fillings may include grape juice, which is dangerous, so check the label.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a safe, healthy treat for dogs. In fact, dogs may benefit from a few blueberries now and then the same way humans do! They are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants that help fight free radicals responsible for cell damage and may even prevent cancer. Both frozen and raw are safe, as long as they are plain and not mixed with other potentially harmful foods.
Pumpkin
Canned and fresh pumpkin are both safe for your pooch but don’t mistake pumpkin pie filling for canned pumpkin. Small amounts of canned pumpkin puree can be effective in treating stomach upset. To spread the holiday cheer with your dog, consider filling their Kong with some plain pumpkin puree and freezing it for a tasty treat.
It’s important that you do NOT feed your pup pumpkin pie filling. It likely includes added sugar, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon, which can make your dog sick.
Salmon
Cooked salmon is definitely a food you can safely share with your dog. In fact, you can even set a piece of unseasoned salmon aside when you’re baking some just for your dog! It’s packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids that support immune system function, reduce inflammation and promote a shiny coat. Just keep them away from raw salmon, as it can contain parasites that will make them sick (NO ONE wants worms).
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious food that can be enjoyed by both humans and dogs. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, which can help support a healthy digestive system. Additionally, sweet potatoes are low in calories and can be a great alternative to high-fat treats. When feeding sweet potatoes to your dog, it’s important to make sure they are cooked and cut into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
Holiday Foods UNSAFE for Dogs
If you’re concerned your dog may have eaten any of the foods below, especially in large amounts, contact your local vet or an emergency vet right away. Better safe than sorry!
As much as we love to share our food with our doggos, it’s important to remember that not all human foods are safe for dogs to eat. Certain foods can be toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues, such as stomach upset, pancreatitis, or even death. The list below contains common holiday foods that you should avoid giving to your dog. By knowing which foods to avoid, you can help keep your furry friend safe and healthy during the holiday season.
Cooked Bones
While it might seem like a tasty treat for your dog, cooked chicken bones can be extremely dangerous. Unlike raw chicken bones, which are soft and pliable, cooked chicken bones can become brittle and splinter easily. Swallowing a splintered chicken bone can cause serious internal damage, such as a punctured stomach or intestines. This can lead to severe pain, vomiting and even death. Additionally, cooked chicken bones can be a choking hazard for dogs.
Garlic & Onions
While garlic and onions might add a punch of flavor to our favorite holiday foods, they can be very toxic to dogs. Garlic and onions belong to the Allium family of plants, known to be toxic to dogs. When ingested, garlic and onions can cause a condition called hemolytic anemia, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms of garlic and onion toxicity in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and difficulty breathing. To stay on the safe side, avoid sharing any foods cooked in onion or garlic.
Pumpkin Spice: Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Cloves
Pumpkin spice is a popular flavor during the holidays, but it’s important to remember that it can be harmful to dogs. This popular blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which can be toxic to dogs. In small amounts, these spices can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. In large amounts, they can cause more serious symptoms, such as tremors, seizures, and even liver damage.
If you want to share the classic pumpkin experience with your dog, stick to raw pumpkin or plain canned pumpkin puree.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are a tasty heart-healthy snack for people, but should not be fed to dogs. These nuts contain a compound that can cause scary symptoms such as tremors, hyperthermia, vomiting, and elevated heart rate in dogs. In severe cases, ingestion of macadamia nuts can even lead to death. Nuts are also a choking hazard for small dogs.
Chocolate
Chocolate is not safe to share with your dog in any quantity. The danger lies in the stimulants found in chocolate, theobromine and caffeine. Dogs process chocolate differently from people. After consuming small amounts, they may experience hyperactivity and increased heart rate. Higher amounts can lead to seizures, coma or death.
Avocado
Unfortunately for dogs, guacamole is a no-go. Avocados contain a toxin called persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. In large amounts, persin can also cause more serious symptoms, such as breathing difficulties and fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen, and heart. This food should be avoided in any quantity.
Food Allergies
Keep in mind that even though a food may be safe for most dogs, your dog may react differently. If you’ve received the green light from your veterinarian for your dog to try a new food and you still want to be cautious, start them off with a very small amount. Keep an eye out for:
- Sudden itchiness
- Sneezing or coughing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Or any other behavior that seems unusual
The symptoms above could point to a food allergy. After a small bite or two, if your dog seems perfectly normal, share a little more. Sometimes food allergies can take a while to develop, so sensitive dogs would benefit from very slow introductions (think days, not minutes) to new foods.
When in doubt, talk to your vet.
Read More: 13 Essentials for Your New Puppy Survival Kit
For a ton more resources on the foods that are and are not safe to share with your dog, check out this library of articles from the AKC.
Many traditional holiday dishes contain ingredients that can be toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, poultry bones and onions. By familiarizing yourself with these foods and keeping them away from your dog, you can help keep your fur babies safe and healthy during the holidays (and the rest of the year too!). Stick to dog-friendly treats, such as cooked turkey or sweet potatoes to enjoy the flavors of the season together.
Happy Holidays!
Leave a Reply