A person is carrying a gingerbread cookie Christmas tree, a reminder of toxic Christmas foods for dogs

6 Toxic Foods Dogs Can't Have [Christmas Edition]

November 28, 2025Andrew May
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During the festive season, our homes turn into food wonderlands, with treats, leftovers, and holiday meals everywhere. But if you’re a dog parent, it’s necessary to keep in mind that some of these seasonal foods are dangerous for dogs. 

Be aware of these six holiday foods that are toxic to dogs and should be kept well out of paw's reach.


#1 Chocolate & Chocolate Treat

A person holds a chocolate truffle Christmas tree, an example of toxic festive foods

Chocolate is famously toxic to dogs, containing theobromine and caffeine, which they struggle to metabolize. Even a small amount of dark or baking chocolate can cause serious issues like vomiting, tremors, seizures, and abnormal heart rhythm.

With chocolate omnipresent during Christmas in advent calendars, gift boxes, and tree ornaments, ensure all are kept securely out of reach.


#2 Grapes, Raisins & Sultanas

A sliced stollen cake, which could be among the toxic festive foods for dogs due to ingredients like raisins

Many of our favorite festive treats, from Christmas puddings to mince pies, secretly contain dried fruits like raisins, currants, and sultanas. While delightful for us, these are incredibly dangerous for dogs, as even a small quantity can cause devastating kidney failure. 

If you're hosting with fruitcake or displaying a bowl of raisins, please be extra, extra careful! Clean up crumbs instantly and securely stash away all tempting leftovers.


#3 Onions, Garlic & Allium-Based Foods

Delicious meat skewers with red onions and herbs, a reminder of Christmas foods dangerous for dogs if not prepared carefully

A silent danger lurks in many holiday staples: the allium family, including onions, garlic, leeks, chives, and shallots. These common ingredients destroy a dog's red blood cells, potentially causing dangerous anaemia. Since they're heavily featured in festive dishes, stuffing, gravies, and sauces, vigilance is key.

Remember, even cooked onion pieces in scraps are harmful, so strictly barricade your pooch from kitchen waste and keep a close eye on them near the buffet.


#4 Macadamia Nuts & High-Fat Nuts

A pile of macadamia nuts, which are among the toxic Christmas foods for dogs

When it comes to nuts, macadamias are particularly dangerous, ranking high on the toxic list for dogs. Even a small amount can trigger concerning symptoms like weakness, tremors, overheating, vomiting, and, in some cases, temporary paralysis. 

While other nuts might not be outright toxic, most are extremely high in fat and oils. Ingesting these high-fat holiday treats can, unfortunately, cause pancreatitis, a painful and often costly condition for your pet.


#5 Alcohol & Foods with Alcohol

A glass of red wine sits on piano keys next to Christmas greenery, representing toxic Christmas foods for dogs

It might seem obvious, but alcoholic drinks and holiday dishes that include alcohol (such as rum-soaked desserts) pose a serious risk for pets. Alcohol affects their central nervous system, can cause low blood sugar, tremors, breathing issues, and even collapse. 

Always keep all beverages tightly covered and be quick to clean up any glass or bottle spills, preventing curious paws from a dangerous taste.


#6 Cooked Bones, Fatty Meats & Rich Leftovers

A hand holding a cooked lamb shank, a festive food that can be among Christmas foods dangerous for dogs if bones are given

Those tempting holiday leftovers, cooked bones, rich skin, gravy-soaked meats, and fatty scraps are deceptively dangerous for our dogs. Cooked bones can easily splinter, posing risks of choking or severe internal perforations, while the high-fat content in scraps can quickly lead to painful diarrhea or even pancreatitis. 

Instead of letting your beloved Fido scavenge, it's always safer to offer a plain, dog-safe alternative and ensure all cooking scraps are disposed of securely, far out of their curious reach.


Keep Your Dog Safe This Christmas in 5 Ways

A dog sits behind various packages of Healthy Dogma natural dog food and treats, contrasting with Christmas foods dangerous for dogs
  1. Offer plain dog-friendly treats: Instead of sharing your leftovers, give your dog a small portion of unseasoned turkey or plain veggies (green beans, carrots) you know are safe, or a delicious, healthy serving of Healthy Dogma PetMix Dog Food.
  2. Secure your food stash: Place chocolates, dried fruits, nuts, and alcohol where dogs cannot access them.
  3. Be consistent with boundaries: Guests and family members should know not to feed the dog table scraps.
  4. Watch the signs of poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, weak limbs, pale gums, or breathing trouble are all red flags. If you suspect ingestion of a toxic item, call your vet immediately.
  5. Keep a safe space for your dog: On a day full of activity and food aromas, give your dog a quiet spot away from the kitchen, as this helps reduce temptation and stress.


Relax, enjoy the festive spirit… and let your dog enjoy the season too, from their own safe, delicious, dog-friendly treats.

Here’s to a holiday season full of joy and zero emergency vet visits!