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Your Doggie's Christmas Dinner

Christmas is a time for family, love, and indulgence—and that includes your four-legged best friend! While it’s tempting to treat your dog to a festive feast, it’s essential to prioritise their health and dietary needs. Offering a dog-safe Christmas dinner is a great way to include your canine companion in the celebrations without risking upset tummies or other health issues. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare a festive feast that your dog will absolutely adore.

Can they just feast on the same delights as you?

But before you share your festive meal with your dog, it’s vital to ensure their plate is filled with dog-safe options. Here’s how to create a special Christmas dinner that your pup will love without compromising their health.

What Can Dogs Eat for Christmas Dinner?

Treating your dog to a festive feast is a wonderful way to include them in your celebrations. However, it’s important that their meal consists of plain, unseasoned, and dog-friendly ingredients. Avoid adding glaze, oil, salt, butter, milk, or any seasonings to their food.

Here are some dog-safe Christmas dinner foods to consider serving:

  • Unsalted, boneless, white turkey meat: A lean protein option your dog will love.
  • Mashed potato: Plain mashed potatoes without butter or milk.
  • Carrot: Provides a slight crunch and plenty of vitamins.
  • Parsnips: Sweet and dog-safe when plain.
  • Green beans: Tasty and great for fibre.
  • Cauliflower: A simple and nutritious addition.
  • Brussels sprouts: Just watch out for the smelly aftermath!
  • Peas: Small and manageable—perfect for dogs.
  • Broccoli: A healthy green packed with nutrients.
  • Turnip: Mashed or chopped for easy chewing.

    Make sure that all vegetables are boiled or steamed to ensure they’re easy for your dog to digest.

Dangerous Christmas Foods for Dogs

Unfortunately, many of our beloved festive favourites aren’t suitable—or can even be dangerous—for dogs. Some contain ingredients that are harmful or even toxic to your furry friend.

Christmas foods to avoid:

  • Yorkshire pudding.
  • Pigs in blankets.
  • Fatty meats (e.g., turkey skin or meat dripping in fat).
  • Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, or mince pies.
  • Chocolate (including the not so chocolate tasting advent calendar chocolates).
  • Bread, crackers, or crisps.
  • Grapes and dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas).
  • Nuts, particularly macadamia nuts.
  • Shop-bought sauces (e.g., cranberry, mint, apple, or cheese sauce).
  • Blue cheese or cheeses with harmful additions like fruit or garlic.

Leftovers to Avoid

While leftovers might seem like an easy way to treat your dog, certain Christmas leftovers can be harmful. Avoid sharing the following with your pup:

  • Meat skin: Such as turkey or chicken skin, which is too fatty.
  • Meat bones: Cooked bones can easily splinter and injure your dog.

    Hidden Ingredients to Look Out For

    Always check for foods that might contain the following harmful ingredients:

    • Xylitol: A sugar substitute that’s highly toxic to dogs.
    • Onions or garlic: Present in many holiday dishes and harmful even in small amounts.
    • Dairy: Not all dogs handle dairy well, and it can cause upset stomachs.
    • Alcohol: Even small amounts can be dangerous for dogs

    Preparing the Ingredients

    When planning your dog’s Christmas dinner, it’s crucial to select the right ingredients. Their meal should be simple, nutritious, and free from additives like salt, sugar, or excessive fats, as these can be harmful in large quantities.

    Here’s what you’ll need:

    • Meat: 1-2 thin slices of lean meat, such as turkey or chicken (avoid skin and bones).
    • Potatoes: A small dollop of plain mashed or boiled potatoes (no butter, salt, or cream).
    • Vegetables: 1-3 tablespoons of cooked vegetables, like carrots, parsnips, or sprouts.
    • Gravy (dog-safe): A splash of homemade gravy made from dog-friendly ingredients (recipe below).

    Make sure to set aside small portions of these items at the beginning of your cooking process, before you season or flavour them for human consumption.

    How Much Should You Serve?

    Portion size depends on several factors, such as your dog’s size, weight, activity levels, and normal diet. Consider these points:

    • Small Dogs naturally require less food than medium or large breeds.
    • Overweight Dogs may need stricter portion control to avoid overfeeding.
    • Active Dogs can handle slightly larger portions as they burn off more energy.
    • Regular Diet: Adjust the Christmas meal to complement their usual diet, not replace it entirely.

    If you’re just adding a festive touch rather than replacing a full meal, keep the portions small to avoid any upset stomachs.

    Also, bear in mind their feeding routine—introducing a new meal outside their usual schedule can affect their day, including toileting times.

    Cooking Your Dog’s Christmas Dinner

    Cooking your dog’s festive meal can be done alongside your own Christmas feast, as long as you follow these simple guidelines:

    1. Avoid Additives: Skip the salt, oil, butter, and seasonings that often go into human meals.
    2. Cook Simply: Boiled, steamed, or lightly roasted ingredients are perfect for dogs.
    3. Set Aside Portions Early: Before you season or sauce your food, save the dog’s portion.

    This ensures your dog’s dinner is free from harmful ingredients but still delicious and nutritious.

    Making Doggy Gravy

    Since traditional gravy is loaded with salt, fat, and potentially harmful ingredients (like onions), it’s essential to prepare a dog-friendly alternative. Don’t worry, it’s super simple to make!

    Doggy Gravy Recipe:

    • Take a handful of cooked dog-safe vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, broccoli, or sweet potato.
    • Blend these with a small amount of water until you have a smooth, liquid consistency.

    This homemade “gravy” is packed with nutrients and perfect for adding a little extra flavour to your dog’s plate.

    Serving Up the Feast

    Once everything is prepped, it’s time to plate up your dog’s Christmas dinner. Arrange their festive feast with a slice of meat, a spoonful of potatoes, a mix of veggies, and just a splash of your homemade gravy. Serve it in their usual bowl, and watch their tail wag with excitement as they dig into their holiday meal.

    A Special Christmas Moment

    Sharing a meal is such an integral part of Christmas, and being able to include your dog makes the day even more special. While it’s lovely to treat your pup, always keep their individual health needs in mind—and make sure there’s plenty of fresh water available to wash down their delicious dinner!

    By following these simple guidelines, you can give your furry friend a safe, nutritious, and thoroughly enjoyable Christmas dinner they deserve. Give it a try and create another happy holiday memory with your beloved companion.

    Share with us

    Got your festive feast ready? Share your pup’s Christmas dinner snaps with us on our social media Christmas diner post! After all, no Christmas dinner is complete without the whole family—including the four-legged members—enjoying the day together.

    Wishing you and your dog a happy (and safe) Christmas!

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