Dog owners across the UK are being issued a vital seasonal alert by the Blue Cross charity to keep their pets safe from harmful foods this Christmas.
Festive Foods That Are Safe For Your Dog
The animal welfare experts confirm that several traditional festive items can be shared with your canine companion, provided they are prepared correctly. The key is to introduce any new food slowly to avoid stomach upsets and to steer clear of items high in fat or salt.
The list of safe Christmas foods for dogs includes:
- Plain turkey meat, without skin or bones
- Cooked salmon fillets (preferably not smoked)
- Lamb meat without any bones
- Green beans, Brussels sprouts, peas, and carrots
- Parsnips, swede, and sweet potatoes
- Mashed or new potatoes, ideally without added butter
Dangerous Christmas Foods You Must Avoid
The charity has compiled a crucial list of twelve common festive items that pose a serious risk to dogs. Even small amounts of some of these can lead to severe illness or fatal consequences.
Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs, with even minor consumption potentially causing serious illness.
Christmas pudding and mince pies contain grapes and dried vine fruits like currants, sultanas, and raisins, which can trigger severe kidney failure.
Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives are all poisonous to dogs whether raw or cooked. Avoid feeding any foods containing these, such as gravy.
Alcohol affects dogs similarly to humans, so ensure no unattended drinks are left within their reach.
Macadamia nuts can cause symptoms including lethargy, weakness in the back legs, tremors, and an increased body temperature.
Leftovers should not be given to dogs as they can contain hidden toxic ingredients, and mould can develop, making your pet ill.
Sweets, such as candy canes, often contain the sugar-free sweetener xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs.
What To Do In An Emergency
If you suspect your dog has eaten something it shouldn't have, whether a dangerous food or a Christmas decoration, the advice is clear. Contact your vet immediately for advice or get in touch with your out-of-hours emergency vet.
A spokesperson for the Blue Cross reiterated this urgent guidance, stating, "If you think your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, contact your vet for advice." Acting quickly could be critical for your pet's health.
