Christmas is fast approaching and we all want that seasonal feast with all the goodies on the table so what Christmas food dogs can’t eat? It could be an afterthought, but there are certain human foods that are not suitable for dogs.
So as much as we want to share our food with our loveable doggy, it will be safer for them not to. Find out all you need to know about harmful ingredients to your dog before the Christmas meal.
Christmas food dogs can’t eat
Every Christmas dinner comes with specific meals, many of which look like they could be good for your dog. You should take a closer look at some of the ingredients in each meal. They can have harmful, even toxic ingredients to your dog.
Can a dog eat a turkey crown?
Turkey crown is a common staple Christmas food for many households, and being meat we may assume dogs can have some. Fairly straightforward, and indeed turkey is generally ok to give your dog, provided there are not any bones or skin.
Most herbs used to spice up a turkey are fine, such as basil, sages, or rosemary. What you should keep in mind, however, is the salt content. It’s not a good idea to feed your dog food with too much salt.
Can dogs eat gravy or stuffing?
Gravy is one of those fatty, salty parts of the Christmas meal that is better to avoid giving to your dog. Your pet can have digestive issues, upset stomach, and even diarrhea. The same goes for stuffing, as it usually contains onions which are toxic to dogs.
Other Christmas food dogs can’t eat
There are a number of sweets that are present at the Christmas diner table, so are there any safe options for your dog?
Can dogs eat chocolate?
While hot chocolate may go well in the winter season, chocolate in general is not good for dogs, at all. It’s very toxic to dogs and should especially be avoided. Chocolate contains a substance known as theobromine and that is what can affect your dog.
Veggies from Christmas meals
Of course, there will also be some type of veggies as side dishes, so where do they fall under? Potatoes, stir-fries, or anything similar may be a part of your meals, but to know if they are dog friendly you would need to know what other ingredients it contains.
Onions, garlic, or even chili are to be avoided at all costs. They are toxic and can cause damage to red blood cells. Anemia is one health issue that can arise, but it’s not unusual to exhibit even more harmful effects.
Another favorite pairing with turkey is Brussels sprouts, but can dogs eat Brussels sprouts? Depending on how it’s cooked this little veggie is not going to cause much harm. Boiled and garnished with a little salt and oil will be safe enough for your dog.
Similar to Brussels sprouts, green beans, peas, and other such veggies, is also safe for dogs to eat on the Christmas meal. But moderation is key with every type of food you choose, as Brussels sprouts may cause some upset stomachs and flatulence.
Nuts
In many Christmas dishes, garnishing with walnuts, macadamia or walnuts adds an extra crunch. But these are not particularly great to feed your dog. So choose not to use them in your dog’s portion and they should be just fine.
Alcohol
Yes, it seems odd to include this, but don’t give your dog alcohol. This also means avoiding anything that may contain alcohol, like desserts, or pudding. It’s not good for your dog and it can have lasting effects.
Christmas pudding
Dry fruits and raisins are toxic to dogs, and Christmas pudding usually contains heaps of them. It is also soaked in alcohol so it’s a harmful bomb for your dog. If you want to feed them something sweet as a treat it may be easier to grab a slice of apple.
Christmas food dogs can’t eat generally
During the Christmas season, it’s important to be aware of your dog’s well-being when it comes to food. As a rule of thumb, avoid too much sweetness, too much saltiness, fats, spices, and bulbous veggies like onions, as well as dry fruit.
What Christmas foods are safe for your dog to eat?
It may seem very hit or miss with what you can feed your dog as there are many Christmas food dogs can’t eat. But luckily there are some exceptions.
Cranberry sauce
No, seriously, cranberry sauce is actually one of the only Christmas-specific foods your dog can actually eat. If you don’t sweeten it and don’t add any nuts, it’s perfect. Of course, like with everything, feed your dog cranberry sauce in moderation.
Potatoes
Uncooked potatoes are a no-go for dogs, but boiled or mashed is a good choice. Just make sure there aren’t any added salt, butter, or onion-flavored spices. The starch content is the only thing to worry about, but in small quantities and as a treat it should be ok.
Turkey flavored water
It may not be the whole meal, but if you really want your dog to indulge in something tasty for Christmas, flavor their water with turkey. It’s festive and it will hydrate them better.
Just make sure to use less fatty parts such as some turkey crown pieces, and just boil in water and let cool. Use the boiled turkey pieces to offer as small treats on Christmas day.
Conclusions
It can be hard to find a balance for both you and your dog on Christmas day, but a little creativity and research go a long way. Who says you can’t include your dog in the festive Christmas meal?
Prepare something in advance for them and make sure to avoid everything that can be harmful. Some ingredients can surprise you as they don’t all seem like they could pose an issue. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially around the holidays.
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