Last Updated on December 21, 2025 by ellen
Can my pet eat holiday food? Christmas dinner is one of the best meals of the year. The house smells amazing, everyone’s gathered around the table, and your pet is sitting nearby, hoping something “accidentally” falls on the floor.
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Foods Pets Can and Can’t Eat During Christmas Dinner
Before you share a bite, it’s important to know which Christmas foods are safe for pets and which ones can be dangerous. Some holiday favorites can cause stomach upset, poisoning, or even serious medical emergencies for dogs and cats.
This guide breaks down **foods pets can and can’t eat during Christmas dinner**, so you can keep the holiday happy and vet-free.
Christmas Foods Pets Can Eat (In Small Amounts)
Even safe foods should only be given in small portions, plain, and without seasoning, butter, or sauces.
Plain Turkey (No Skin, No Bones)
Plain, cooked turkey meat is usually safe for dogs and cats.
* Remove all skin and bones
* No seasoning, stuffing, or gravy
* Avoid deli turkey or smoked turkey
Too much turkey can still upset your pet’s stomach, so keep it to a few bites.
Plain Ham (Very Limited)
Ham isn’t ideal for pets, but a tiny piece of plain, unseasoned ham is usually okay for dogs.
* High in salt and fat
* Not recommended for cats
* Skip if your pet has health issues
If you’re unsure, it’s safer to skip ham altogether.
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Plain Mashed Potatoes
Plain mashed potatoes made with just potatoes are generally safe.
* No butter, milk, cream, or garlic
* Serve cooled, not hot
* Small portions only
Once you add dairy or seasoning, mashed potatoes become a no-go.
Carrots and Green Beans
Many pets enjoy veggies, and these are safe options.
* Serve plain and cooked or raw
* No salt, oil, or spices
* Great low-calorie treats
These are especially good alternatives if your pet tends to beg.
RELATED: Vegetarian Dog Treats Recipe
Plain Pumpkin
Plain, cooked pumpkin (not pie filling) is safe and can even help digestion.
* No sugar or spices
* Small spoonfuls only
* Helpful for mild tummy issues
Make sure it’s 100 percent pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix.
Christmas Foods Pets Can’t Eat
These are common holiday foods that should never be shared with pets.
Stuffing and Dressing
Stuffing is one of the most dangerous Christmas foods for pets.
* Often contains onions and garlic
* High fat and heavy seasoning
* Can cause stomach pain or poisoning
Even small amounts can cause problems.
Onions, Garlic, and Leeks
These are toxic to both dogs and cats.
* Found in stuffing, gravies, and roasted dishes
* Can damage red blood cells
* Symptoms may be delayed
This includes cooked, raw, powdered, or dried forms.
Chocolate and Desserts
Chocolate is toxic to pets and especially dangerous for dogs.
* Dark chocolate is the worst
* Desserts may also contain xylitol or alcohol
* Never “just a taste”
Keep desserts out of reach and remind guests not to share.
Gravy and Sauces
Gravy may seem harmless, but it’s not pet-friendly.
* High fat and salt
* Often contains onion or garlic
* Can trigger pancreatitis
Pets don’t need gravy to enjoy a meal.
Bones (Turkey, Chicken, Ham)
Cooked bones are extremely dangerous.
* Can splinter and cause choking
* Risk of internal injury
* Emergency vet visits are common
Always dispose of bones securely.
Alcohol
Alcohol is toxic to pets, even in small amounts.
* Includes beer, wine, and spirits
* Found in some desserts
* Can cause vomiting, seizures, or worse
Never allow pets to lick drinks or plates.
Raisins and Grapes
Found in desserts, salads, and some stuffings.
* Toxic to dogs
* Can cause kidney failure
* Effects vary but are unpredictable
Even a few raisins can be dangerous.
Tips to Keep Pets Safe During Christmas Dinner
Knowing which foods pets can’t eat is only part of the solution.
* Feed your pet before dinner to reduce begging
* Keep trash and leftovers secured
* Remind guests not to share food
* Offer pet-safe treats during the meal
If your pet eats something questionable, contact your vet right away.
Final Thoughts
Christmas dinner should be fun for everyone, including your pets. While it’s tempting to share, many holiday foods can do more harm than good.
When in doubt, stick to your pet’s regular food or offer small bites of plain, pet-safe options. A little caution goes a long way toward keeping your holidays joyful, safe, and stress-free.
If you’re ever unsure about a food, it’s best to skip it. Your pet won’t miss it, and you’ll avoid an emergency trip to the vet.
Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.