Caninelifeco Dogs Blog
A Dog’s Christmas Dinner
Dec
Christmas is a time of indulgence, togetherness and celebration. The table is piled high with roast dinners, pigs in blankets, rich gravies and tempting desserts. For dog owners, however, the festive season often comes with a familiar pair of pleading eyes fixed firmly on your plate.
It’s only natural to want to include your dog in the celebrations. After all, they’re part of the family. But when it comes to Christmas dinner, what’s safe, what’s dangerous, and how can you make your dog feel included without risking their health?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about a dog’s Christmas dinner — from safe foods and festive hazards to homemade dog-friendly meals and sensible portion sizes. With a little planning, your dog can enjoy Christmas just as much as you do, without any unwanted trips to the vet.
Why You Shouldn’t Share Your Christmas Dinner (At Least Not Directly)
While Christmas dinner may look irresistible, most traditional festive foods are not designed with dogs in mind. Rich, fatty foods can upset your dog’s stomach, while some ingredients commonly found in Christmas meals are actively toxic.
Dogs have very different digestive systems to humans. Foods that we enjoy in moderation can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, pancreatitis, or worse in dogs. This is why it’s important to think carefully before slipping anything under the table.
That doesn’t mean your dog has to miss out entirely — it just means their Christmas dinner should be tailored specifically for them.
Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs at Christmas
Before looking at what dogs can eat, it’s vital to understand what should never be included in a dog’s Christmas dinner.
Chocolate and Cocoa
Chocolate is one of the most well-known dangers for dogs. It contains theobromine, which dogs cannot process effectively. Even small amounts can cause serious symptoms, including seizures and heart problems.
At Christmas, chocolate is everywhere — selection boxes, tree decorations, advent calendars and desserts. Keep all chocolate well out of reach.
Onions, Garlic and Leeks
These ingredients are commonly used in stuffing, gravies and roasted vegetables. All are toxic to dogs and can damage red blood cells, leading to anaemia. This includes cooked, powdered or raw forms.
Stuffing
Traditional stuffing often contains onions, herbs, butter, breadcrumbs and sometimes sausage meat. Even if homemade, it’s rarely safe for dogs.
Grapes, Raisins and Currants
Found in mince pies, Christmas pudding and cakes, grapes and dried vine fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs. There is no safe amount.
Alcohol
Even a small amount of alcohol can be extremely dangerous for dogs, leading to breathing difficulties, coordination issues and potentially coma.
Fatty Meats and Skin
Turkey skin, pork crackling and fatty trimmings are common festive temptations. High-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.
Foods That Are Safe for Dogs (In Moderation)
The good news is that there are plenty of Christmas dinner elements your dog can enjoy, as long as they are prepared plainly and served in appropriate portions.
Plain Turkey
Turkey is a lean protein and can be a great addition to your dog’s Christmas meal.
Safe if:
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Skin removed
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No seasoning, salt or gravy
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Plainly cooked (boiled or roasted without oil)
Avoid giving smoked, cured or heavily seasoned turkey.
Chicken
Chicken is another excellent protein for dogs and is often easier to digest than richer meats.
Ensure all bones are removed and the meat is served plain.
Carrots
Cooked carrots are low in calories and high in fibre and vitamins. They’re gentle on the stomach and add a festive pop of colour.
Parsnips
Plain, cooked parsnips are safe for dogs and can be mashed or chopped into small pieces.
Brussels Sprouts
In small amounts, Brussels sprouts are safe for dogs and packed with nutrients. However, they can cause wind, so moderation is key.
Potatoes
Plain, cooked potatoes (boiled or mashed without butter or milk) are safe. Never give raw potatoes or potato skins seasoned with salt or oil.
Green Beans
A great low-calorie vegetable that many dogs enjoy, green beans are safe when cooked and served plain.
How to Prepare a Dog-Friendly Christmas Dinner
If you want to go the extra mile, preparing a dedicated Christmas dinner for your dog is a wonderful way to include them in the festivities safely.
Simple Dog Christmas Dinner Recipe
Ingredients:
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Plain cooked turkey or chicken breast
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Cooked carrots
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Cooked green beans
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Plain mashed potato or parsnips
Method:
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Cook all ingredients without salt, oil, butter or seasoning.
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Chop everything into bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog.
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Mix gently and allow to cool fully before serving.
You can serve this on its own or mix a small portion into your dog’s regular food.
Portion Control: How Much Is Too Much?
One of the biggest mistakes owners make at Christmas is overfeeding. Even safe foods can cause digestive upset if given in large quantities.
As a general rule:
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Treat your dog’s Christmas dinner as a treat, not a replacement for their normal diet.
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Reduce their usual meal slightly if you’re adding festive extras.
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Small dogs need much smaller portions than large dogs — size, age and activity level all matter.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, introduce any new foods slowly and in tiny amounts.
Festive Treats vs Christmas Dinner
While a homemade Christmas dinner can be fun, it’s not essential. Many dogs are perfectly happy with festive treats instead.
Dog-safe Christmas treats might include:
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Natural meat treats
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Dog-friendly Christmas biscuits
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Frozen treats made with dog-safe broth
If your dog already enjoys a balanced, complete diet, there’s no nutritional need to add extras. Christmas is about enjoyment, not excess.
Dogs With Special Dietary Needs
If your dog has allergies, food intolerances or medical conditions, extra care is required.
Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
Stick closely to foods your dog already tolerates well. Turkey or chicken may be fine, but vegetables should be introduced sparingly.
Dogs on Prescription Diets
If your vet has prescribed a specific diet, it’s best not to deviate from it — even at Christmas. You can still make the day special with extra attention, toys or a festive walk.
Puppies and Senior Dogs
Very young and older dogs may struggle with rich or unfamiliar foods. Keep things simple and avoid any unnecessary changes.
Festive Hazards Beyond the Dinner Table
Christmas dangers aren’t limited to food.
Wrapping Paper and Foil
Shiny wrapping paper, ribbons and foil can be irresistible but dangerous if swallowed. Dispose of packaging promptly.
Christmas Plants
Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are toxic to dogs. Keep festive plants well out of reach.
Cooked Bones
Never give dogs cooked bones from turkey or chicken. They can splinter and cause choking or internal injury.
Making Christmas Special Without Food
Food isn’t the only way to celebrate with your dog.
Consider:
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A new toy wrapped just for them
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A longer winter walk or countryside adventure
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Extra cuddle time while the family relaxes
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A festive photoshoot (treats optional!)
For most dogs, attention and routine matter far more than what’s in their bowl.
Signs Your Dog Has Eaten Something They Shouldn’t
Despite best efforts, accidents can happen. Contact your vet immediately if your dog shows signs such as:
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Vomiting or diarrhoea
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Lethargy or weakness
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Abdominal pain
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Excessive drooling
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Tremors or seizures
Quick action can make a huge difference.
Final Thoughts: A Happy and Healthy Dog Christmas
A dog’s Christmas dinner doesn’t need to be complicated or extravagant. The safest approach is a small portion of plain, dog-friendly foods prepared separately from the main meal. Avoid harmful ingredients, keep portions sensible, and remember that your dog’s health always comes first.
Christmas is about togetherness — and for dogs, that means being close to their people, enjoying familiar routines, and feeling included in a safe and loving way.
With a little planning, your dog can enjoy a festive feast of their own, plenty of attention, and a Christmas that’s memorable for all the right reasons.
After all, the best gift you can give your dog this Christmas is a happy tummy, a wagging tail, and many more healthy holidays to come. 🎄🐾
