Go back to main page
Dog With Eats

Five Christmas Foods to Keep Away from Your Dog

Amy Gossling

|

The festive season is a time for indulgence, and as we enjoy the treats of Christmas, it’s tempting to share them with our furry friends. However, some popular holiday foods can be dangerous—or even toxic—for dogs. To keep your pup safe and healthy this Christmas, here are five foods you should absolutely avoid giving them.

1. Stuffing
Stuffing is a festive staple, but it’s packed with ingredients that are harmful to dogs. Onions and garlic, which are commonly used in stuffing, are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues. 

These ingredients can damage your dog’s red blood cells and lead to conditions like anaemia. Plus, the high fat content in stuffing isn’t great for your dog’s digestion.

2. Onions
Onions, whether cooked, raw, or dried, are a no-go for dogs. They contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to vomiting, weakness, or even more severe health complications. 

Even small amounts can be harmful, so keep onions—and any food containing them—out of your dog’s reach.

3. Grapes and Raisins
While we may not know the exact toxin that makes grapes and raisins dangerous to dogs, the evidence is clear: they are highly toxic. 

Even a small amount can lead to kidney failure in dogs, which can be life-threatening. Popular Christmas foods like mince pies, Christmas cake, and fruit puddings often contain raisins, so be extra cautious.

@yearsuk Here are 5 human foods you should never feed your dog- festive edition 🎄❌🐶 #doghealth #dogadvice ♬ original sound - YEARS UK

4. Chocolate
Chocolate is a well-known danger for dogs. It contains theobromine, a compound that dogs cannot metabolise effectively. Even a small piece of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or worse. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially toxic, as they have higher levels of theobromine.

5. Ham
Although ham isn’t toxic, it’s far from a healthy treat for your dog. Its high fat and salt content can lead to digestive upset or even pancreatitis. It’s best to skip the ham and stick to dog-frien

What to Do If Your Dog Eats These Foods

If your dog ingests any of these foods, contact your vet immediately for advice. Quick action can make all the difference when it comes to managing potential health risks.

For a Happy, Healthy Christmas

While it’s important to keep harmful foods away from your dog, you can still treat them to a nutritious, delicious meal this holiday season. At Years, our breed-specific, fresh dog food is made from whole-food ingredients designed to support your dog’s health and happiness. Whether it’s Christmas or any time of year, Years meals are the perfect way to give your dog the gift of great nutrition.