Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Pets: Plan Ahead for a Safe Season

It might be summer now with backyard barbecues and beach days filling our weekends, but the holiday season will be here before we know it. Planning for festive safety can make the difference between a joyful winter and a stressful trip to the emergency vet.

Every year in the United States, veterinary clinics see a sharp rise in pet poisoning cases between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Many of these emergencies are caused by foods we love but that are harmful to dogs and cats. Knowing what to avoid now means you will be ready to keep your furry friend safe when the celebrations begin.

Chocolate and Candy: Sweet for Us, Toxic for Them

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which pets metabolize very slowly. Even small amounts, especially dark or baking chocolate, can cause vomiting, seizures, and heart problems.

Sugar-free candies and gums can be just as dangerous. Many contain xylitol, a sweetener that can trigger rapid and life-threatening drops in blood sugar as well as liver failure in dogs.

Pet-safe alternative: Carob-based pet treats or a small piece of their regular kibble as a special “cookie.”

Grapes and Raisins: A Tiny Fruit with Big Risks

Grapes, raisins, and currants, often found in fruitcakes, cookies, and breads, can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs and cats. Even a few can be harmful.

Pet-safe alternative: Fresh apple or blueberry in small bites, without seeds or stems.

Onions, Garlic, and Other Alliums: Hidden in Holiday Recipes

Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, can damage red blood cells and lead to hemolytic anemia. These ingredients are common in stuffing, casseroles, gravies, and mashed potatoes.

Pet-safe alternative: Plain cooked vegetables like carrots or green beans.

Alcohol, Raw Dough, and Caffeine: Triple Threat

Alcohol can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Unbaked yeast dough expands in the stomach, causing bloating and producing alcohol during fermentation.

Caffeine in coffee, tea, or holiday lattes can lead to tremors, rapid heartbeat, and seizures.

Pet-safe alternative: A splash of low-sodium chicken broth over their meal for a festive touch.

Fatty Meats, Bones, and Gravy: A Painful Pancreatitis Risk

Turkey skin, fatty ham, buttery mashed potatoes, and rich gravies are difficult for pets to digest and can cause pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition.

Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, internal injuries, or blockages.

Pet-safe alternative: Lean, unseasoned turkey or chicken without skin or bones.

Nutmeg, Eggnog, and Spiced Treats: Festive but Dangerous

Nutmeg contains myristicin, which can cause hallucinations, tremors, and seizures in pets. Eggnog often contains both nutmeg and alcohol, and sometimes raw eggs, which carry a salmonella risk.

Pet-safe alternative: Plain canned pumpkin (not pie filling) mixed into their food.

Macadamia Nuts, Avocado, and High-Fat Nuts

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, vomiting, and overheating in dogs. Other nuts are not always toxic, but their high fat and salt content can still be harmful. Avocado contains persin, which can upset stomachs and add excess fat to a pet’s diet.

Pet-safe alternative: A small spoonful of unsalted peanut butter, ensuring it is xylitol-free.

The Best Alternative: Stick to Pet Food

While it is tempting to share scraps from the holiday table, the safest choice is always to stick to food that is specifically formulated for pets. These products are balanced for their nutritional needs and free from hidden ingredients that could cause harm. Treating them with a small portion of their favorite kibble, canned food, or a special pet-safe snack is the best way to include them in the festivities without risking their health.

Quick Tips for a Safe Holiday

• Store human food out of reach and secure trash bins
• Remind guests not to feed pets without asking
• Save your vet’s number and the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435)

The Bottom Line

Summer might not be the time when you are thinking about turkey and pumpkin pie, but being prepared now means a safer, happier holiday season for your pet. By learning which foods to avoid and choosing pet-safe alternatives, you can focus on enjoying every moment when winter celebrations arrive.