Can Dogs Eat Christmas Foods? Safe and Unsafe Foods Guide
Can Dogs Eat Christmas Foods? Safe and Unsafe Foods Guide
Christmas is full of food, and much of it is off limits for dogs. Some foods are harmful, and rich leftovers can upset a dog's stomach even when they aren't toxic. Keep your dog on their usual food and choose treats that suit their diet.
Christmas foods dogs should avoid
- Chocolate: Toxic to dogs. Contact your vet if your dog eats chocolate.
- Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney damage, even in small amounts.
- Onion and garlic: Can damage red blood cells, including in gravy and stuffing.
- Xylitol: Found in some sugar-free sweets and gum, and very dangerous.
- Cooked bones: Can splinter and cause injury or blockages. Never offer bones from Christmas leftovers.
- Alcohol: Keep alcoholic drinks and foods away from dogs.
Rich foods that can still cause upset
Ham, roast meats, pastry, cheese and fatty leftovers are not toxic in the same way, but they can trigger vomiting or diarrhoea, and a sudden fatty meal can be a problem for some dogs. Keep them off the menu rather than sharing from the plate.
Safer Christmas treats
Instead of festive scraps, offer a simple treat made from an ingredient your dog tolerates. Our Lamb Lung Crisps are single ingredient dog treats. Choose pieces appropriate for your dog and keep treats within their daily food allowance, even on busy days. Our Kangaroo Lung Crisps are another option to explore.
For festive gift ideas, browse our Christmas Gifts for Dogs collection and read our Christmas treats for dogs guide. Check each gift's ingredients and feeding directions to choose something that suits your dog.
A Christmas gift pack to explore
Looking for a larger festive gift? The Pet Spice Signature Christmas Dog Treat Gift Set is $149.95 AUD. Check the product page for the current contents, topper choices and feeding directions, especially if the recipient's dog has dietary restrictions.
Prefer a gift for mealtimes? Explore our dog meal toppers alongside our dog treats. Pet Spice meal toppers come in 180g canisters. Choose ingredients your dog tolerates and follow the product's feeding directions rather than adding rich Christmas leftovers to their bowl.
View the Signature Christmas gift set
A note about bone chews
The bone-chew image is not a recommendation to offer cooked Christmas bones. Bone chews are not suitable for every dog and are not risk-free. Ask your vet whether they are appropriate for your dog, follow the product's directions and supervise chewing.
When to call your vet
If your dog eats chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, alcohol or cooked bones, contact your vet or an emergency vet straight away, even if they seem fine. Do not wait for symptoms. Contact your vet promptly if you are concerned after your dog chews or swallows any bone or chew.
Related reading
For more on safe treats, see top 10 healthy foods dogs can eat and can dogs eat chocolate alternatives.
Food is only part of holiday preparation. Our Christmas dangers for dogs guide and Safe & Waggy Christmas guide cover more seasonal precautions. Buying for someone else's dog? Explore our Christmas dog treat gift card guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat Christmas ham?
Ham is very rich and salty, so it is best avoided. Small amounts may upset some dogs, and processed meats can contain unsuitable seasonings.
Can dogs eat turkey at Christmas?
Plain cooked turkey with no skin, seasoning or bones may be fine in small amounts, but check with your vet first, and never give cooked bones.
What should I do if my dog eats Christmas food?
If the food is toxic, call your vet or an emergency vet straight away. For mild stomach upset, watch your dog closely and speak with your vet if symptoms continue.
Content reviewed and updated: 10 November 2026, 1:18 pm AEDT · Bark with Buster®. General information only, not a substitute for veterinary advice.