Quick answer: do not give your dog or cat chocolate, turrón (Spanish nougat), grapes or raisins, onion or garlic (including in sauces or stuffing), sugar-free sweets with xylitol, alcohol, macadamia nuts or cooked bones. If they eat any of these, call your vet straight away and do not try to make them vomit unless your vet tells you to.
If they have already eaten it: note what food it was, how much and at what time, keep the packaging and contact your vet or an emergency vet service. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
At Christmas there is more food within reach, more visitors and more distractions, which increases the risk of pets eating something they should not. This list helps you know what to keep out of reach and what to tell your guests.
Christmas foods to avoid
Chocolate and chocolate nougat
It contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Nougat and chocolates also often contain nuts and a lot of sugar.
Grapes and raisins
They can damage a dog's kidneys even in small amounts, and sensitivity varies greatly between animals. Watch out for grapes at New Year and for sweets and mince pies containing raisins.
Onion, garlic and leek
They damage the red blood cells of dogs and cats, even when cooked. They are found in stuffing, gravy, stock and many festive dishes.
Sugar-free sweets and chewing gum (xylitol)
Xylitol is a sweetener that is very dangerous for dogs. Check the labels on sugar-free sweets, chewing gum and baked goods.
Cooked bones, fat and roast skin
Cooked bones splinter and can cause blockages or injuries. Fatty leftovers from the roast can cause serious digestive problems.
Alcohol, raw dough and nuts
Alcohol is toxic even in small amounts. Raw dough with yeast can ferment in the stomach. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, and other nuts are hard to digest.
How to prevent it in 4 steps
1. Keep sweets and chocolates in closed cupboards, never on the coffee table or under the tree. 2. Tell your guests, especially children, not to give them food from the table. 3. Take the rubbish out often and use a bin with a lid. 4. Keep their own treats to hand, so they get a festive reward too.
Safe treats so they get a reward too
Frigera chicken donut for dogsView product
Caravaca beef hide chew for dogsView product
Schesir Snack Stix tuna for catsView product
Stick to the daily amount shown on each pack.
Checklist for Christmas dinner
Frequently asked questions
My dog has eaten a small piece of chocolate. Is it serious?
It depends on the type of chocolate, the amount and your dog's weight. Call your vet with that information: they will tell you whether you need to act.
Can I give them a little turkey?
A little cooked meat without skin, bones, salt or seasoning is not usually a problem for most dogs, but avoid leftovers with gravy or stuffing. If your dog is on a special diet, ask first.
What treats can I give them at Christmas?
Treats made for dogs or cats, sticking to the daily amount on the label. Browse our dog treats and cat treats.
For information only. If you suspect poisoning, always contact a vet.