With Christmas dinners, party platters, and festive treats filling our homes, it can be tempting to let your dog enjoy a nibble as well. But while some foods are safe in moderation, many common Christmas favourites can be dangerous for dogs. Here are the key foods you should never share with your furry friends.
Chocolate
An obvious one, but worth repeating! Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs cannot process. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, and in severe cases, seizures.
Grapes and raisins
Found in Christmas cake, mince pies, and festive puddings, grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs. They can cause sudden kidney failure, so keep all dried-fruit Christmas treats out of reach.
Onions, garlic, and leeks
These all fall under the Allium family and appear in numerous Christmas dishes, including stuffing, gravy, and roast vegetables. Even a small amount can damage a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
Bones
Turkey and ham bones may seem like a classic dog treat, but cooked bones splinter easily. They can cause choking, internal punctures, or blockages. Always make sure to carefully dispose of them.
Alcohol
Christmas cocktails, mulled wine, and boozy desserts should never be shared with pets. Alcohol affects dogs far more severely than humans, leading to dangerously low blood sugar and breathing difficulties.
Rich or fatty foods
Pigs in blankets, roast potatoes soaked in fat, crackling, and gravy may all cause stomach upsets. In some cases, they can trigger pancreatitis, which is a painful and serious condition.
Do not fall for puppy eyes and share carefully to keep everyone safe this Christmas season!
