Dog-Safe Foods: What Christmas Leftovers Can Your Dog Eat?

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, food! But if you’ve got a four-legged friend eyeing up your plate, it’s natural to wonder which Christmas leftovers count as dog-safe foods to share with your pup? After all, those big puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist when you’re tucking into a turkey dinner or sneaking a mince pie (or three). But not everything we enjoy during the holidays is good for your dog, and some things can be downright dangerous.

Sharing a little of the Christmas spirit with your dog is part of the fun. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the dos and don’ts of Christmas dog-safe foods. From the turkey that’s perfectly pup-friendly (spoiler: plain and unseasoned is key!) to the hidden hazards lurking in Christmas puddings and chocolate, we’ll help you make informed choices. Plus, we’ll share some great alternatives so your pup can still join in without any risk to their tummy.

Not all Christmas foods are off-limits for dogs. In fact, there are some festive treats that your pup can enjoy safely if served correctly and in moderation. Here are a few dog-friendly Christmas foods and how to serve them:

Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein for dogs, making it a fantastic addition to their Christmas meal or as a special treat. Not only is it a high-quality protein, which helps support muscle development and repair, but it’s also low in fat compared to other meats like beef or lamb, which makes it a great option for pups who are watching their waistline or need a lighter meal. Turkey is also packed with essential nutrients, including B vitamins like niacin, B6, and B12, which support your dog's energy levels, immune system, and overall health.

Turkey is particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs, as it’s a very digestible protein. Unlike fattier meats, turkey is less likely to upset your pup’s tummy, especially if you serve it in moderation. The meat is also rich in zinc and selenium, minerals that play a key role in supporting your dog’s immune system and maintaining their healthy skin and coat.

When incorporating turkey into your dog’s diet, be sure to serve it properly. Always stick to plain, cooked turkey without any seasoning, skin, or gravy. Seasonings like garlic and onions which are often found in stuffing and gravy, are not dog-safe foods. They are toxic to dogs and can cause health issues and stomach upset. If you’re serving leftover turkey from your Christmas feast, remove any skin and make sure it hasn’t been cooked with any harmful ingredients. It’s also a good idea to offer only small, bite-sized pieces of white meat, as dark meat can be fattier and harder for some dogs to digest.

Turkey makes a perfect addition to your pup’s mealtime, especially during the holidays. If your dog is eating dried kibble, you can mix in some turkey to add a tasty, protein-packed punch to their meal. For an extra special treat, layer the turkey in a slow feeder bowl to make the meal last longer and encourage your dog to work a bit harder for their food. It’s a great way to give them both a delicious treat and some added mental stimulation.

Carrots and parsnips are not only delicious but also incredibly healthy for your dog, making them ideal dog-safe foods for Christmastime. These crunchy veggies are packed with a variety of nutrients that can contribute to your pup’s overall well-being. First and foremost, carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in your dog’s body. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight, so munching on a few carrot sticks can help support your dog’s vision, especially as they get older. Carrots are also high in fibre, which promotes healthy digestion and can help keep things moving in your pup’s tummy.

Parsnips, while similar to carrots, offer their own unique benefits. They are high in potassium, a mineral that supports healthy heart function and helps to regulate blood pressure. Parsnips are also packed with folate (vitamin B9), which aids in the production of red blood cells and supports overall energy levels. Like carrots, parsnips are a good source of fibre, which promotes healthy digestion and can help alleviate constipation or digestive issues in some dogs.

The best part? These dog-safe foods are super versatile and easy to prepare for your dog. You can serve them raw for a satisfying crunch, which many dogs love, or cook them plain by steaming or boiling them without adding any butter, oil, or seasoning.

If you’re looking for a fun and interactive way to serve these dog-safe foods, you can get creative with leftovers. After your holiday meal, mash up any leftover carrots and parsnips (as long as they’re unseasoned), and stuff them inside a treat dispenser or Kong toy. This is a fantastic way to give your dog a longer-lasting treat while also providing them with a healthy snack. Plus, the act of working to get the food out of the dispenser adds mental stimulation and keeps your pup entertained while you carry on opening presents!

Potatoes are one of the most unexpected dog-safe foods, but when prepared correctly, it’s a fantastic option for your pup during the holidays. As long as it’s mashed, boiled or baked without butter, cream, salt, or gravy, it can be a tasty and nutritious treat. It’s one of the best dog-safe foods that works as a source of carbohydrates, providing a healthy energy boost for active dogs. Potatoes are also packed with vitamins C and B6, which are essential for supporting a healthy immune system, promoting skin health, and maintaining overall vitality.

One of the main benefits of potatoes is their high fibre content, which helps support a healthy digestive system and ensures smooth digestion. Fibre helps regulate bowel movements and can also aid in weight management, making potatoes a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those trying to maintain a healthy weight. However, it's important to remember that potatoes are starchy, so you should stick to small portions as too much starch can upset your dog’s tummy.

Leftover potatoes can be a fun and creative way to treat your pup! Simply mash up any plain, cooked potatoes and layer them in a slow feeder bowl or on a lick mat. You could top the potato with added goodies such as some turkey flavoured treats for a real Christmas dinner experience.

They might not be our favourite Christmas dinner trimming, but green beans and Brussel sprouts are excellent dog-safe foods that provide a variety of health benefits for your pup. These veggies are naturally low in calories and they are rich in essential vitamins C and K, both of which are important for supporting your dog’s immune system, improving skin health, and promoting bone strength.

When serving green beans and brussels sprouts to your dog, it’s important to keep them plain and cooked (steamed or boiled works best). Again, avoid adding any butter, salt, or seasoning, as these ingredients are not dog-safe foods. Also, make sure the veggies are cut into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking, especially for smaller dogs.

For a fun, interactive twist, you can freeze these veggies in our Pupsicle Enrichment Toy or stuff them inside a treat dispenser to give your dog a longer-lasting snack. Whether fresh or frozen, green beans and brussels sprouts are a tasty, nutritious way to include some dog-safe foods in your dog’s holiday diet, ensuring they stay healthy and happy throughout the season.

Peanut butter is one of my pup’s absolute favourite dog-safe foods. He knows exactly which cupboard in the kitchen holds the jar, and he’ll often sit outside it with the most hopeful look on his face, as if politely asking for a tasty snack. It's his way of letting me know he’s ready for a little treat. No doubt, this Christmas, he’ll be getting a few peanut butter-filled treat dispensers and lick mats to enjoy. And I’m sure your dog would love one too!

Although peanut butter is a favourite for dogs all year round, you need to make sure you’re using a dog-safe version. Many peanut butters for humans contain xylitol, a toxic sweetener that can be deadly to dogs, so it’s super important to check the label. Stick to a peanut butter made specifically for dogs, like Dog-Safe Pooch Butter. It’s smooth, safe, and oh-so-delicious.

Peanut butter works wonders with treat dispensers and lick mats because it’s thick, sticky, and irresistible to dogs. If you’ve ever tried putting a bit of peanut butter inside a Kong toy or another treat dispenser, you know how fun it is for your dog to work at getting every last bit out. It's a great way to keep your dog busy, especially when you need a little time to get things done around the house. And since peanut butter is packed with healthy fats and protein, it’s a tasty, satisfying snack that can keep your dog full for a while.

For an extra festive twist, try spreading some peanut butter on a lick mat. Lick mats are great fun for your dog because they turn treat time into an interactive experience that engages your dog’s mind and slows down their eating. You can even top the peanut butter with some of your dog’s favourite food toppers, like freeze-dried meat or a few dog-safe fruits and veggies for added health benefits.

Our final treat in today’s line-up of Christmas dog-safe foods is cranberries! Fresh or dried cranberries (without added sugar or preservatives) can be a fun, tart treat that’s packed with health benefits for your dog. In fact, cranberries are one of those dog-safe foods that are surprisingly nutritious. These little berries are loaded with antioxidants, which help to fight off free radicals in the body, promoting your pup’s overall health and supporting their immune system. Cranberries are also known for their ability to help support urinary tract health, making them a good choice for pups prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs).

But while cranberries are a great addition to your dog’s holiday treats, you should be cautious and serve them in moderation. Too many cranberries—especially dried ones—can upset your pup’s stomach or lead to digestive issues. Cranberries can be a bit tart and may cause some mild tummy trouble if over-consumed, so it's best to offer them as an occasional snack, not a regular part of your dog’s diet.

If you want to offer cranberries as a treat, you can mix them into your dog’s meal or scatter them on top of a lick mat filled with peanut butter, yoghurt or our dog-safe Turkey & Cranberry Pate! You can even freeze fresh cranberries for a cool, refreshing treat on a hot day. If your pup likes to play with their food, try stuffing some cranberries into a treat dispenser for an interactive, healthy snack. They’ll have to roll around the interactive dog toy to release the little berries hiding inside.

Now that you know which Christmas foods are safe for dogs, it’s equally important to recognise the ones that should be avoided. Some holiday favourites can be harmful or toxic to your furry friend. Here are the Christmas treats to keep away from your pup:

• Chocolate – Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
• Xylitol – Found in sugar-free candies, gums, and baked goods; can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar.
• Grapes and Raisins – Can lead to kidney failure, even in small amounts.
• Onions and Garlic – Harm red blood cells and can cause anaemia.
• Alcohol – Even tiny amounts can be highly dangerous.
• Cooked Bones – Risk splintering, leading to choking or internal injuries.
• Rich or Fatty Foods – Can cause upset stomachs or pancreatitis.

Hopefully you’re now feeling confident in the dog-safe foods that will be within reach this Christmas. There are plenty of festive foods that are not only safe for dogs but also provide health benefits, making them perfect additions to your pup’s holiday menu. These dog-safe foods can be creatively paired with slow feeders, lick mats, and treat dispensers to create enriching, tasty meals or snacks that will keep your dog entertained and satisfied.

However, it’s just as important to know which foods to avoid. Certain holiday favourites can be harmful or even toxic to your furry friend. When in doubt, it’s always better to play it safe. Instead of taking risks with unknown foods, why not treat your pup to something made just for them?

At WOOOF, we offer a fantastic range of Christmas-inspired dog treats, dried foods, pates, and more to delight your pup this Christmas. These goodies also make for fantastic Christmas gifts for dogs, especially when you pair them with our selection of enrichment toys like interactive slow feeders, treat dispensers, and lick mats. It’s the perfect way to treat your dog to their own Christmas dinner, or a tasty distraction while you’re busy prepping for the day!

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