Can dogs eat Christmas dinner?

Whether you’re in it for the pigs in blankets, the roast potatoes or the cheese board – it’s the ultimate meal we look forward to each year. But can dogs eat Christmas dinner too? 

While sharing a slice of turkey or a roast potato with your pup might seem heartwarming, you’ll want to read this before you do. 

Let’s break down the Christmas dinner menu to see what’s a doggy-do and what’s a definite no-no.

Festive foods to avoid

Keep these out of reach for those curious noses.

• Mince pies and fruit cake – while we love them, the alcohol and raisins make these toxic for our pups.
• Onions, leeks, garlic, mushrooms, chives – these are all harmful to dogs, and can often creep into stuffings, sauces and trimmings. 
• Stuffing – often this contains harmful seasonings and the likes of onion and garlic. 
• Roast potatoes – these are often too fatty and salty, likely to cause a stomach upset. 
• Chocolate – while we might love a box of Quality Street, chocolate is highly toxic to dogs. A festive hazard that’s best kept somewhere safe.
• Bones – our dogs love to chew, but cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries. Our Natural Chews are a great, long-lasting alternative. 
• Pigs in blankets – as they’re high in salt and fat, we wouldn’t recommend sharing these with your dog. It’s not like there will be leftovers anyway…

Dog-friendly festive foods

Build your dog’s Christmas dinner using these safe treats. Just be sure they aren’t cooked in butter, oil or excess salt or any of the harmful ingredients listed above. If in doubt – boiled and steamed are your dog’s friend. 

• Turkey – a low fat meat and an excellent source of protein. Just remove the skin (as this is quite fatty).
• Salmon – a delicious fish many dogs adore. Just watch out for bones and be sure to avoid smoked salmon. 
• Cranberries – your pup will surely savour a little homemade cranberry sauce. Avoid store-bought sauces, as they’re too sugary. 
• Chestnuts – make sure they’re cooked and don’t contain any honey or seasonings. Not to be confused with horse chestnuts (conkers) which are toxic to dogs. 
• Mashed potato – you could save one of those roasties before they go in the oven, just hold the butter or milk. 
• Butternut squash – jam-packed with vitamins and minerals that are great for your dog, you could even season with a little rosemary for extra flavour.
• Parsnips – a festive favourite, just skip these if your dog has diabetes.
• Brussels sprouts – you might avoid them, but they’re a dose of healthy greens dogs often love.
• Peas – pile these on to create a super tasty superfood dish.
• Carrots – as good for our pups as they are for us.
• Low salt gravy – the pièce de résistance, just make sure there’s no onions and garlic hiding in there. 

‘Tis the season for pate…

If you’re looking to keep things simple but delicious, why not add wet food to your next box instead?

Optimum Care Wet Food is perfect for the festive season (and beyond). Choose from 5 succulent pates, slow cooked for rich, fragrant flavour. Nutritionally complete and packed with 60% meat and offal, it’s a feast with benefits. 

You’ll save space on the hob and your dog gets a meal to remember – it’s a win-win!

Christmas dinner for dogs – the wrap up

Sharing the festive magic with our pups makes Christmas even more magical. 

So can dogs eat Christmas dinner? Yes. But like everything in life, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. 

While a small amount of these goodies can be a delicious treat, it’s important to remember that your dog’s regular diet should remain the mainstay of their nutrition. Overindulging in human food can lead to digestive upset. And that’s something nobody wants on the big day.

What are you planning for your dog for the big day? We’d love to know.