Dogs and Christmas Dinner: Things to Remember

Christmas is just around the corner and we’re sure you’re busy planning the big event. Most people enjoy this time with their loved ones and love making their pets a part of the festivities. To make this easier, we have covered all you need to know about celebrating Christmas with dogs, including foods that are safe for pets to consume.

Things That Are Safe For Dogs to Consume

Here are some foods that are considered safe for dogs to consume. However, it is very rare for ‘human’ food to be healthy for dogs, hence we suggest that you offer these foods in moderation and never use them as a substitute for nutritious dog food.

Cranberry sauce

Dogs love cranberry sauce. It offers a mix of flavors that almost all breeds enjoy. Fortunately. cranberry sauce is considered safe for dogs but make sure to opt for unsweetened cranberry juice with no added nuts. Also, make sure to know when to stop as consuming too much cranberry sauce can end up being a problem. It’s best to offer a little bit. You can apply some over a slice of turkey and watch your dog enjoy it.

Turkey

If you are planning to cook turkey this summer then increase the quantity as dogs tend to love turkey and it’s considered safe for pets. However, make sure to remove skin and bone. Bones can result in oral issues and also cause internal damage. Similarly, the skin contains a lot of fat and may not be suitable for dogs. 

Note: Chicken, fish, and other such meats are also suitable but pork should only be offered if it’s a lean cut. Keep this in mind when preparing pigs in a blanket.

Potatoes

Dogs don’t always love potatoes but some tend to enjoy boils and mashed potatoes. If these are a part of your Christmas menu then consider offering some to your four legged friend as potatoes are generally safe for dogs to eat. However, make sure to cook them separately as potatoes that contain added salt or butter may not be suitable for dogs.

Also, a potato may be enough as consuming too many potatoes can result in digestive issues due to the high concentration of starch in them. Hence, never go overboard.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is not usually a part of Christmas dinner but it’s one food that is considered healthy for dogs as it is rich in fats, protein, niacin, and vitamin B. However, it can result in obesity and should only be given in little quantities. Also, choose a product that doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners and salt.

Cheese and Dairy

Dogs love cheese so make sure to add something cheesy to your Christmas menu. However, remember that it may not be a suitable option for dogs that are lactose intolerant. The same goes for other dairy products such as yogurt. 

Dairy products can be good for dogs as they are easy to digest and contain nutrients, including calcium and protein. Plus, dogs love almost all dairy products, including cheese. Still, we suggest that you choose low fat varieties and not go overboard since some dairy products can cause weight gain.

Vegetables

Are you a fan of vegetables? There are a bunch that can be added to your dog’s Christmas dinner, including green beans, carrots, Brussel sprouts, parsnips, and peas. However, since dogs are very picky when it comes to vegetables, we suggest that you only include veggies that your friend enjoys. Also, only feed these in moderation as consuming too many can result in diarrhea.

Foods to Avoid

Now that you know about the foods to feed your dog, let’s talk about some foods that are not good for doggos:

Chocolate

Chocolate is unsafe for dogs as it is considered toxic and can result in hyperexcitability, convulsions, tremors, heart issues, and agitation. This occurs due to the presence of theobromine, a chemical that’s found in almost all chocolates, especially dark chocolate. 

Hence, keep your dog away from everything that contains chocolate as even a little amount can lead to problems.

Onions and garlic

Onions and garlic are not suitable for dogs, hence keep these away from your pet this Christmas season and avoid feeding dishes that contain these foods. They are toxic to dogs and can result in anemia.

Macadamia nuts and walnuts

These nuts are commonly consumed on Christmas but they are not suitable for dogs as they are toxic to dogs and can cause neurological problems, including seizures.

Can My Dog Enjoy Gravy With Me?

Dogs love gravy and they often crave it but it’s best that you don’t feed gravy to your dog as it contains salt and can result in stomach issues, including diarrhea. But, if you want your dog to feel closer to you then create a special gravy suitable for their consumption. Make sure to add no salt or oil to it and watch your pet have a good time.

Can I Feed Dessert to My Dog?

We understand how much you love watching videos of dogs licking ice cream bars and having a good time eating cakes. While these videos may look interesting, the fact is that desserts are not always safe for dogs. Yet, desserts are an integral part of Christmas get-togethers. So, what can you do to ensure your dog doesn’t miss out on the fun? 

Look for desserts that are safe for dogs. Pumpkin flavored cookies and cakes can be a great option. In addition, you can prepare fruit popsicles, such as bananas, watermelons, and berries. Make sure to avoid desserts that contain chocolate, currants, raisins, and sultanas as they are toxic to dogs.