Holiday Food Safety for Dogs. What You Should and Should Not Share

The holidays bring family, food, and celebration. They also bring a higher risk of emergency vet visits for dogs.

Many holiday foods and household items are dangerous for dogs. Some are toxic. Others cause blockages, pancreatitis, or severe stomach upset.

If you are unsure, do not share. Dogs do not need holiday table scraps to feel included.

Unsafe Holiday Foods for Dogs

These foods should never be given to dogs. Even small amounts can be dangerous.

Common unsafe holiday foods include:

• Chocolate of any kind

• Candy or gum containing xylitol

• Grapes, raisins, and currants

• Cooked bones including turkey, chicken, or ham

• Fatty foods, skin, grease, or gravy

• Stuffing or dressing that contains onion, garlic, or raisins

• Onion, garlic, or chives in any form

• Alcohol

• Macadamia nuts

• Salty foods like ham, cured meats, and chips

Fatty foods are one of the biggest causes of holiday pancreatitis in dogs. This often requires emergency veterinary care.

Food is not the only risk. Holiday clutter creates serious choking and obstruction hazards.

Common holiday dangers include:

• Foil, plastic wrap, and parchment paper

• String, twine, ribbon, bows, and gift tags

• Skewers and toothpicks

• Napkins and paper towels

• Dropped food during gatherings

• Scented candles and essential oil diffusers

• Potpourri

• Holiday plants like poinsettia, mistletoe, and holly

• Decorations or ornaments that can be chewed or swallowed

Many of these items cause intestinal blockages. Surgery is often required.

Safe Holiday Treat Options for Dogs.

Only in Moderation Even safe foods can upset your dog’s stomach if introduced too quickly. Always offer new foods slowly and in small portions.

Safer treat options include:

• Plain cooked turkey or chicken with no seasoning, skin, or bones

• Carrots, raw or cooked

• Plain green beans

• Plain pumpkin. Not pie filling

• Sweet potatoes or yams, cooked and plain

• Apple slices with no seeds or core

• Blueberries

• Cucumber slices

• Plain rice or plain oatmeal

• Enrichment toys like Buster Cubes, lick mats with plain Greek yogurt, or a stuffed Kong

Food should never replace structure, exercise, or rest.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Something Unsafe

If you believe your dog has eaten something dangerous, act fast. Contact your veterinarian immediately or go to an emergency clinic. Early action can prevent serious complications and save your dog’s life.

Use management.

Leashes inside the home, gates, crates, and supervision matter more than training during busy gatherings.

Dogzies Pet Services provides professional dog training in Kelowna and the Okanagan. We help families build structure, safety, and calm behavior year-round.