The holidays are all about family, food, and generosity, but when it comes to sharing your plate with your dog, a little generosity can cause a lot of trouble. Feeding your dog holiday foods can be tempting. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s and more, the average kitchen turns into a buffet of tempting smells and risky ingredients.
We get it, your dog gives you that look. But before slipping a treat under the table, here’s what you need to know about which human foods dogs should not eat, and which ones are usually safe in moderation.
The “Absolutely Not” List: Human Foods Dogs Should Never Eat
Thinking about feeding your dog holiday foods? These are the foods that can cause serious (and sometimes life-threatening) issues for dogs—even in small amounts. If you’re hosting guests or cooking for a crowd, make sure these stay out of reach.
1. Onions, Garlic, Leeks, and Chives
All members of the allium family can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Cooking doesn’t make them safe: stuffing, gravies, and casseroles often contain concentrated forms of these ingredients.
➡️ Even small amounts can cause weakness, vomiting, and pale gums. (AKC)
2. Chocolate (and Cocoa Powder)
It’s the classic dog hazard for a reason. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which dogs metabolize poorly. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
➡️ Symptoms can include restlessness, rapid heart rate, tremors, and even seizures. (ASPCA)
3. Grapes and Raisins
Yes, they show up in holiday fruit salads, kugel, and even trail mix, but grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in some dogs. The exact toxin is still unknown, which means there’s no “safe” amount.
➡️ Even a single grape can be dangerous for sensitive dogs. (VCA Hospitals)
4. Alcohol and Raw Yeast Dough
Holiday cocktails, rum-soaked desserts, and rising bread dough all carry risks. Alcohol depresses the nervous system and affects blood sugar levels. Raw dough continues to expand in the stomach, which can cause bloating or even rupture.
➡️ Never let dogs lick bowls or countertops with alcohol-based sauces or dough remnants. (Pet Poison Helpline)
5. Cooked Bones
Turkey, ham, and chicken bones become brittle when cooked and can splinter easily. They can cause choking, blockages, or tears in the intestines.
➡️ If you want to give your dog a chew, go for a vet-approved raw bone alternative or long-lasting dental chew instead.
6. Xylitol (found in sugar-free sweets)
Sugar-free gums, candies, and baked goods often contain xylitol, a sweetener that’s harmless to humans but highly toxic to dogs. It triggers a rapid insulin release, leading to severe hypoglycemia.
➡️ Even a small cookie or piece of gum can be fatal. (VCA Hospitals)
7. Fatty Foods and Meat Skins
Gravy, turkey skin, prime rib trimmings, and buttery side dishes are delicious—for you. For dogs, high-fat foods can cause pancreatitis, a painful and potentially dangerous inflammation of the pancreas.
➡️ Signs include vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. (VCA Hospitals)
8. Nutmeg, Macadamia Nuts, and Walnuts
Spices and nuts make appearances in holiday pies and baked goods, but some can cause neurological symptoms or vomiting in dogs. Nutmeg contains myristicin, which can cause tremors and seizures, while macadamia nuts are specifically toxic to dogs.
➡️ Skip the spiced cookies and mixed nuts when sharing snacks. (ASPCA)
Hidden Hazards in Holiday Meals
Even when the main ingredient sounds safe, mixed dishes often contain hidden dangers:
- Stuffing = onion, garlic, butter, and salt overload.
- Green bean casserole = cream of mushroom soup and fried onions.
- Pumpkin pie = added sugar, nutmeg, and dairy.
- Mashed potatoes = butter, salt, and sometimes garlic or cream cheese.
If your dog “counter-surfs” or has guests sneaking them treats, keep trash sealed and leftovers out of reach.
A Few Holiday Foods Dogs Can Have (in Small, Plain Portions)
We’re not total Scrooges, there are a few holiday foods most dogs can enjoy safely in moderation as long as they’re served plain and unseasoned. When feeding your dog holiday foods, always introduce new foods slowly and watch for any stomach upset.
1. Plain Turkey (No Skin or Bones)
Lean, cooked turkey meat is a great source of protein and is generally safe when given without seasoning, gravy, or fatty skin.
➡️ Skip the stuffing and keep portions small—think “training treat” size.
2. Plain Pumpkin or Sweet Potato
These are rich in fiber and nutrients, great for digestion when served without butter, sugar, or spices.
➡️ Avoid canned pumpkin pie mix, use pure pumpkin purée instead.
3. Green Beans or Carrots
Steamed or raw, these low-calorie veggies can make a crunchy, healthy treat for dogs that love texture.
➡️ Avoid casserole-style sides with onion, cream, or seasoning.
4. Apple Slices (No Seeds or Core)
Apples are a safe, vitamin-rich fruit option when given in moderation.
➡️ Remove seeds and core, which contain trace amounts of cyanide compounds.
5. A Spoonful of Plain Mashed Potato
If you make a small batch without salt, butter, or cream, plain mashed potatoes can be a harmless holiday bite.
➡️ Too much starch can cause gas or loose stools, so go easy.
When in Doubt, Keep It Simple (and Out of Reach)
During the holidays, it’s easy for guests to hand over scraps without thinking. Politely let visitors know your pet’s “menu rules” ahead of time when it comes to feeding your dog holiday foods. You can even keep a small bowl of approved dog treats nearby so your pup doesn’t feel left out.
If your dog does sneak something questionable, watch for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or sudden lethargy and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) right away.
Wrapping It Up
The holidays should be joyful for you and your pup. By keeping the human foods dogs should not eat off your pet’s plate and offering a few safe alternatives instead, you’ll prevent an emergency vet visit and keep tails wagging well into the new year.
At Pet Pro Guide, we believe responsible pet parenting isn’t about being strict, it’s about knowing what’s safe, what’s not, and how to keep your furry family members healthy through every season.
For more deep dives, check out our Dog Food & Nutrition category.
