Christmas Foods Toxic to Pets: 11 Foods to Keep Off the Plate
The most dangerous Christmas foods toxic to pets are chocolate, Christmas pudding and fruit cake, ham, cooked bones, onion-based stuffing and macadamias. If your dog or cat eats any of them, call your vet straight away, even if they seem fine. RSPCA NSW advises taking your pet to the nearest vet as soon as you can.
In short: keep festive food out of reach, feed your pets away from guests, and check your vet’s holiday hours before Christmas Day.
11 Christmas foods toxic to pets
RSPCA NSW lists these festive foods as dangerous for dogs and cats:
| Food | Why it’s dangerous |
|---|---|
| 1. Chocolate | Contains compounds that can cause vomiting, tremors, agitation, seizures and death in dogs |
| 2. Coffee | Contains similar compounds to chocolate, with the same risks |
| 3. Christmas pudding, fruit cake and mince pies | May contain grapes, currants or raisins, which can cause kidney failure |
| 4. Lollies and baked goods | May contain artificial sweeteners that are toxic to animals |
| 5. Macadamia nuts | Can cause vomiting, weakness and tremors |
| 6. Avocado | On RSPCA NSW’s list of foods to keep away from pets |
| 7. Marinades and gravy | On RSPCA NSW’s list; may contain onion or garlic |
| 8. Stuffing | May contain onion, chives or garlic, which are toxic to dogs and cats |
| 9. Pork and ham | Too fatty and salty; can trigger pancreatitis and stomach upsets |
| 10. Alcohol | On RSPCA NSW’s list of dangerous foods; keep drinks out of reach |
| 11. Cooked bones | Can splinter and block the gut |
Why ham and cooked bones top the list
RSPCA chief veterinarian Dr Bronwyn Oke told SBS News that cooked bones are “at the top of the naughty list”. They become brittle and can cause gut obstructions.
Ham and other fatty leftovers carry a different risk. Dr Oke warns they can cause pancreatitis in dogs, a painful condition that can mean days in hospital. A dog that has had pancreatitis once is more likely to get it again. Our guide to ham bones and dogs explains the risks in detail.
Chocolate, grapes and other sweet treats
Chocolate and dried fruit are the sweet Christmas foods toxic to pets that most homes stock up on in December. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and grapes, currants, raisins and sultanas can cause kidney failure. See our guides to chocolate poisoning in dogs and whether dogs can eat grapes.
Wrapped chocolates under the tree are an easy target for a curious dog. Keep edible gifts off the floor until they’re opened.
Signs your pet has eaten something toxic
According to RSPCA NSW, watch for:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Excessive panting
- Changes in drinking or urination
- Wobbliness or poor coordination
- Tremors
- Seizures
If your pet has eaten any Christmas foods toxic to pets, call your vet even if they show no signs yet.
What to do if your pet eats Christmas food
- Remove any remaining food so your pet can’t eat more.
- Work out what and how much they ate, and when. Keep the packaging.
- Call your vet or nearest emergency vet straight away.
- Follow your vet’s advice. Don’t try home remedies.
Many clinics change their hours over the holidays. RSPCA NSW suggests checking your local vet’s holiday hours in advance, so you know where to go if something happens.
How to keep pets safe at Christmas
The simplest protection is to keep Christmas foods toxic to pets out of reach all day.
- Keep plates, platters and leftovers out of reach, including on low coffee tables.
- Feed your pets in a separate area, away from guests who might slip them a treat. Dr Oke notes pets are “particularly good at sensing foods they shouldn’t be eating”.
- Ask guests, especially children, not to share food with your pets.
- Use a bin with a secure lid, and take out food scraps and bones promptly.
- Keep an eye on your pets throughout the day.
- Give your pets their own safe treat, made for their size.
Busy households can stress pets too. RSPCA animal behaviour expert Gabrielle Carter says warning signs of anxiety include lip licking, yawning, pinned-back ears, a tucked tail and crouching low. If you see these, move your pet to a quiet, safe room. Our guide to handling anxious pets has more tips.
FAQ
What Christmas foods are toxic to pets?
RSPCA NSW lists chocolate, coffee, Christmas pudding, fruit cake and mince pies, lollies with artificial sweeteners, macadamias, avocado, marinades and gravy, stuffing with onion or garlic, pork and ham, alcohol and cooked bones.
Can I give my dog a little Christmas ham?
No. Ham is fatty and salty. RSPCA vets warn that ham and fatty leftovers can trigger pancreatitis in dogs, which can mean days in hospital.
Is Christmas pudding dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Christmas pudding, fruit cake and mince pies may contain grapes, currants or raisins, which can cause kidney failure in dogs.
What should I do if my cat or dog eats Christmas food?
Remove any leftover food, note what and how much they ate, and call your vet or nearest emergency vet straight away.
Are cats affected by Christmas foods too?
Yes. RSPCA NSW says onion, chives and garlic in stuffing are toxic to both dogs and cats. Keep all festive food away from your cat.
Be ready for the unexpected
A festive mishap can mean an emergency vet visit. Find out how dog insurance and cat insurance could help with unexpected vet bills.
Sources
- RSPCA NSW: Furry friends and festive feasts
- SBS News: Cooked bones, chocolate and alcohol: what not to feed your pets during the festive period
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from your vet. If you’re worried about your pet, contact your vet.