Which holiday foods are safe for dogs to eat?

For many of us, a big part of the holiday season is the food. From Thanksgiving feasts to annual holiday parties, there areusually plenty of treats to choose from. And since our pets are family, it’s natural to want to include them in the celebration — but many of our favorite holiday dishes contain ingredients that are actually dangerous for dogs.

We know you want to treat your pet safely, so we’re breaking down which popular holiday foods are safe for dogs to eat and what foods are off-limits. Remember: even safe foods should only be given in moderation. A general guideline is that treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Keep the rest of your dog’s diet (the other 90%) to their regular, well-balanced food.

“The 10% rule is a good guide for all treats, including safe human foods, because we want to avoid upsetting the nutritional balance of a dog’s regular diet,” explains Fetch Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Aliya McCullough. “Too many extra calories or a sudden change in richness can quickly lead to weight gain or gastrointestinal issues.”

Popular holiday foods that are safe for dogs

You can safely share several delicious items with your pup, as long as you adhere to three rules: plain, cooked and boneless. The key to safely sharing is setting aside a small portion of these ingredients before you add any seasonings, fat, or extra ingredients for the human meal.

• Plain turkey and chicken: Offer your pup a small, fully cooked piece of lean, white meat. Remove all skin, fat and bones, as the high-fat content of skin can cause digestive upset and cooked bones are a choking hazard.
• Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and vitamins. Serve them boiled or baked and peeled. Skip the butter, sugar, spices or marshmallows that often accompany this dish.
• Pumpkin puree: Plain, 100% pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) is rich in fiber and a great digestive aid. You can add a spoonful to your dog’s regular food for a festive, healthy boost.
• Carrots: These crunchy vegetables are safe whether raw or lightly steamed. Just make sure they are plain — no butter, cream or added seasonings.
• White potatoes: If cooked thoroughly and served plain, without butter, milk, or salt, a small amount of white potato is safe for your dog.
• ‍Corn (off the cob): Cooked corn kernels are safe in moderation. You must always remove the kernels from the cob, as the cob itself poses a major choking and intestinal blockage risk.

Ingredients in holiday foods that are not safe for dogs

The biggest risks during the holiday season are usually the seasonings and additions we use to make the food taste so good to us.

High-risk ingredients

Never let your dog consume the following:

• Onions and garlic: Found in stuffing, gravy and vegetable roasts, all members of the Allium family (onions, garlic, chives, leeks) are toxic to dogs and can cause anemia.
• Grapes and raisins: These are highly toxic and can lead to acute kidney failure, even in small amounts. Be careful with fruit-laden side dishes, stuffing and baked goods.
• Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is often found in sugar-free desserts and baked goods and is highly poisonous to dogs, causing a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure.
• Cooked bones and fat: Cooked bones splinter easily and can cause blockages or punctures. High-fat trimmings, like turkey skin or bacon grease, can trigger severe stomach distress or pancreatitis.
• Chocolate: Any item containing chocolate is poisonous to dogs due to the presence of theobromine. Darker and baking chocolate is especially dangerous.
• Pecans and almonds: Pecans contain a compound called juglone that is harmful to dogs and are highly susceptible to toxic molds. Almonds are not toxic, but their high-fat content and shape can cause stomach upset or lead to pancreatitis. 

“A common issue we see during the holidays is a dog getting into rich, fatty foods like gravy, turkey skin or butter-laden casseroles,” Dr. McCullough shares. “These sudden, high-fat additions can cause gastroenteritis or pancreatitis, which can require emergency veterinary care. It’s best to keep all rich holiday scraps out of reach.”

Keeping your pet safe during holiday meals

Preventing an emergency is often as simple as planning ahead. Instead of giving your pup scraps from your plate — which are likely seasoned — set aside a few small, plain bites before you start preparing the human dishes. This ensures your dog gets a tasty, safe treat without the dangerous additives.

Sharing your home and happiness with your dog during the holidays is one of the best parts of the season. By sticking to plain, simple and vet-approved treats, you ensure your pet gets to participate in the fun without putting their health at risk. Enjoy the season safely, and give your pup an extra belly rub from us.