The Christmas season is a time of sharing and goodwill, which is why your dog may get spoiled with extra treats this time of year. There's nothing wrong with feasting with your favorite furry pal, but it's important to know which festive foods not to feed. There are many foods that make dogs sick, and you don't want your dog throwing up during a celebration (or anytime for that matter)!
Here are the basics on what foods you shouldn't share with your dog. This doesn't mean an end to festive cheer!
What Not to Feed Dogs
The ASPCA has a list of people food to keep your dog away from. Here are a few that often find their way into the festivities.
Paws Off the Food on this List
- Bones
- Onions
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Nuts
- Yeast dough
- Fatty meats (or meat scraps)
- Food cooked with nutmeg
- Food with xylitol as an ingredient
These foods tend to be more prevalent over the Christmas period. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your pup as dogs have a way of getting on tables or counter tops to get at the feast when you're not looking. They also have a way of charming your guests or family members with their big puppy eyes, so make sure they are aware that they shouldn’t feed your dog anything without your permission. Keep an eye out when loading the dishwasher too, as most machines are down closer to your pup's height, it provides easier access to lick the plates, bowls and spoons clean. This will not only help keep your dog from eating any harmful foods, but it will also help stop them from cutting their tongue on something sharp like a knife.
Tasty Tips
Dogs are curious creatures, and the food that they see you eating seems like it should be okay for them as well. Knowing the potentially harmful foods to avoid will not only keep your dog safe, but it will also help avoid the extra pounds that many of us humans have to deal with in the new year.
Don’t forget that what your pooch craves most is love and attention from you. So, during all of the chaos of Christmas preparations make sure you give your dog some personal attention... okay, okay, maybe a couple extra dog treats too. Shhh, we won't tell.
Contributor Bio
Erin Ollila
Erin Ollila is a pet enthusiast who believes in the power of words and how a message can inform, and even transform its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.
Related products
Mature Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken & Beef are complete premium pet foods for mature adult dogs from 7 years. Your dog will love these deliciously smooth and savoury minced loaves, formulated to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support the needs of adult dogs.
Puppy Food
Hill's Science Plan Puppy Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken & Beef are complete premium pet foods for growing puppies from weaning until 1 year old and for pregnant and nursing dogs. Your puppy will love these deliciously smooth and savoury minced loaves, formulated for balanced nutrition and overall health.
Adult Wet Dog Food with Beef
Hill's Science Plan Adult Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken, Beef & Turkey are complete premium pet foods for adult dogs from 1 year. Your dog will love these deliciously smooth and savoury minced loaves, formulated for balanced nutrition and overall health.
Hypoallergenic Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Hypoallergenic Adult Wet Dog Food with Salmon is a complete premium pet food for all adult dogs from 1 year. This savoury tinned loaf is specially formulated for dogs with delicate skin and stomachs. It features a single novel animal protein source and is grain-free.
Related articles
Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Your Dog
Many human foods are dangerous to dogs. Read about 5 of the worst toxic food offenders that can kill your dog - and how much it takes to hurt them.
Dangers of Raw Diets for Dogs
Learn about the potential health risks of a raw diet for dogs and why they aren't the best option for your pup or you.
How to Feed a Fussy Eater Dog: Tips & Advice for Dog Picky Eaters
Learn effective tips for feeding a dog that's a picky eater and ensure proper nutrition for a finicky eater. Discover tips for pet parents at Hill's Pet UK.
Feeding your puppy
How, when and what to feed your new puppy is an important decision, learn more about the things to consider for feeding your puppy.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.