Christmas is a time for sharing delicious and festive foods with friends and family! While we’re indulging in these mouth watering meals, we may not notice our four-legged friend sneak a treat in themselves. Unfortunately, many Christmas foods can cause health problems in pets, so it is important to be aware of the health risks. Dogs are not able to digest many human foods, and as a result they can cause illness and long term health consequences. We’ve put together a list of common festive foods that your pet should avoid.
Foods to avoid
- Chocolate
- Christmas Cake
- Mince Pie
- Raisins
- Grapes
- Sultanas
- Cooked bones
- Fatty and processed meats
- Stuffing
- Gravy
- Christmas ham
- Macadamia nuts
- Blue cheese
- Nutmeg
- Onions
- Shallots
- Avocado
- Alcohol
To make sure your pet stays happy and healthy, be sure to keep these foods away from them during the festive season! While some dogs could consume a large amount and be fine, others could have a small amount and experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and in more severe cases kidney failure. If your pet eats something that they shouldn’t during the Christmas period, we recommend contacting your local veterinarian. You should remain calm, try to establish how much of the food they have eaten, and call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
What can I give my pet instead?
To reduce the temptation of your pet consuming human foods, why not treat them for Christmas by purchasing their favourite treats, or perhaps a new toy? We have over 100 Christmas toys, treats and accessories made specifically for pets here. If you are not in a position to purchase Christmas presents for your pet, rest assured that your attention can bring more excitement to your pet than any treat or toy ever will! You might like to treat your dog to a nice long walk, a play in the park, or a nap on your lap.
