Keeping Your Dog Safe During the Holidays: What They Shouldn’t Eat and Where to Find Holiday-Safe Treats
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, of course, delicious food. While we’re indulging in festive treats, it’s easy to forget that our dogs don’t always have the same dietary tolerance as we do. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, baking sweets, or enjoying some holiday cocktails, it’s important to remember that some foods and ingredients can be harmful — or even deadly — for our four-legged friends.
Here’s a guide to keeping your dog safe during the holidays and what they should never be eating — plus where you can get some holiday-safe snacks and treats that your dog will love!
1. Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most common holiday hazards for dogs. It contains theobromine and caffeine, two substances that can be toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and baking chocolate are especially dangerous, but all forms of chocolate can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, seizures, or even death if consumed in large enough quantities.
What to do: Keep all chocolate out of reach, including holiday candies and baked goods that may contain chocolate. If your dog accidentally ingests chocolate, contact your vet immediately.
2. Grapes and Raisins
Though the exact reason why grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs is still unknown, they can cause kidney failure in some dogs, even in small amounts. Symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
What to do: Avoid leaving grapes or raisins out in fruit bowls or as part of holiday baking. Be extra careful with fruitcakes, which often contain raisins, currants, or sultanas.
3. Onions, Garlic, and Leeks
These common holiday cooking ingredients can cause damage to a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Both fresh and powdered forms of onion or garlic are harmful, as well as foods like gravy or stuffing that may contain them.
What to do: Never feed your dog anything containing onion, garlic, or leeks, including holiday sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or sauces. If your dog eats a dish containing these ingredients, contact your vet immediately.
4. Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can be extremely dangerous to dogs, even in small amounts. Just a few sips of beer, wine, or cocktails can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and potentially coma or death. The festive atmosphere often leads to a lot of alcohol being left out, so make sure drinks are out of your dog’s reach.
What to do: If your dog gets into alcohol, get them to a vet right away. Be mindful of discarded cups or bottles around holiday parties.
5. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are another food that’s particularly toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause symptoms like weakness, tremors, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), and vomiting. The exact mechanism is unknown, but it's best to keep macadamia nuts away from your dog, particularly if they are part of holiday treats.
What to do: Avoid giving your dog any nuts, especially macadamias. Be aware of any holiday cookies or snacks containing them, and make sure they’re not within your dog's reach.
6. Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products, including gum, candy, baked goods, and even some peanut butter. Xylitol causes a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can result in seizures, liver failure, or death.
What to do: Always check ingredient labels for xylitol, and keep any sugar-free foods out of reach. If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, get them to the vet immediately.
7. Cooked Bones
While dogs love bones, cooked bones (such as those left over from a holiday roast) can splinter and cause serious injuries to your dog’s digestive system. These shards can puncture their intestines or cause blockages that may require surgery.
What to do: Never give your dog cooked bones, and dispose of any leftover bones carefully. Instead, provide them with safe chew toys or raw bones that are specifically designed for dogs.
8. Dough (Uncooked)
Raw dough, especially from holiday baking like rolls or pizza, can be dangerous for dogs. The dough rises in their stomach, which can cause bloating, gas, and severe discomfort. In some cases, the yeast in raw dough can continue to ferment in the stomach, producing alcohol, which is toxic to dogs.
What to do: Make sure to keep raw dough and any unused baking ingredients out of your dog’s reach. If your dog eats raw dough, contact your vet.
9. Caffeine
During the holidays, coffee, tea, and even energy drinks may be in abundance. Caffeine, like chocolate, can be toxic to dogs, causing symptoms like restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and seizures.
What to do: Keep caffeinated drinks out of your dog's reach, and avoid feeding your dog any treats or baked goods that may contain coffee or espresso.
10. Fruit Pits and Seeds
While fruits like apples, peaches, or cherries might seem harmless, their seeds and pits contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. While the danger is primarily in the seeds and pits, it’s still a good idea to avoid feeding your dog fruits like these altogether.
What to do: Always remove seeds and pits from fruits before giving them to your dog, and avoid feeding them any fruit that may have a toxic pit or seed.
11. Dairy Products
Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and feeding them dairy can lead to stomach upset, diarrhea, or gas. With so many dairy-based treats around during the holidays — from cheese platters to creamy casseroles — it's important to remember that dairy may not sit well with your dog’s digestive system.
What to do: If you want to give your dog a special holiday treat, consider dog-safe alternatives like frozen peanut butter pops or a small serving of plain, unsweetened yogurt (if your dog tolerates it).
Safe and Delicious Holiday Treats for Dogs
While there are plenty of foods your dog should not be eating during the holiday season, there are also lots of healthy, safe, and festive treats available for your pup! One great option is Good Boy Jack’s, where you can find a variety of holiday-safe snacks made just for dogs. From tasty peanut butter bites to fun, festive-shaped biscuits, Good Boy Jack’s offers a selection of treats that will keep your dog’s tail wagging without any risk to their health. Whether you're looking for a holiday-themed chew or a special snack to stuff their stocking, you can trust that their treats are safe, nutritious, and dog-approved.
Where to Get Holiday-Safe Treats:
Good Boy Jack’s is your one-stop shop for high-quality, dog-friendly treats this holiday season. With treats made from natural, wholesome ingredients and designed for all types of pups, you can find something perfect for your dog’s taste buds.
We offer treats that are free from artificial additives, fillers, and harmful ingredients, so you can spoil your pup without worry.
Whether you're celebrating with homemade dog treats or stocking up on seasonal goodies, Good Boy Jack’s has everything you need to make your dog feel included in the holiday festivities!
Tips for a Safe Holiday Season:
Be Mindful of Leftovers: After holiday meals, carefully store any leftovers that might be hazardous to dogs. Even small amounts of certain foods can cause significant harm.
Supervise Holiday Guests: If you’re hosting a party or family gathering, remind your guests not to feed your dog human food. It’s easy for them to sneak your dog some scraps when you’re not looking.
Know the Signs of Poisoning: Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of food poisoning in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and changes in behavior. If your dog shows any signs of illness after consuming something they shouldn’t have, contact your vet immediately.
The holidays should be a joyful time for everyone — including your dog. By keeping harmful foods out of reach, offering safe, festive treats like those from Good Boy Jack’s, and being mindful of what’s on your plate, you can ensure that both you and your pup enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season!
