The Holiday Food Survival Guide: What’s Safe (and What’s Not) for Your Dog

The holidays are a feast for the senses. The scent of roasted turkey fills the air, pies cool on the counter, and laughter echoes through the house. While people enjoy every delicious bite, dogs are often waiting nearby with those soulful eyes that silently plead for a taste.

Sharing food with your dog can feel like a sweet act of love, but many holiday dishes are not safe for them. Some are perfectly fine in small portions, while others can cause real harm. Let’s go through the festive menu together so your dog stays happy, healthy, and very much included in the celebration.

Turkey: The Star of the Show

Safe when prepared carefully

Plain, cooked turkey meat without skin or bones is a great source of protein and can be given in moderation.

Avoid:

Turkey skin, bones, gravy, and stuffing. These often contain butter, onions, garlic, and spices that can upset a dog’s stomach or lead to more serious issues such as pancreatitis.

Tip:

Before seasoning your turkey, save a few plain pieces for your pup. They will think it is their own holiday feast.

Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes

Safe when plain

A small serving of plain mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes is full of vitamins and can make a healthy treat.

Avoid:

Anything with marshmallows, brown sugar, butter, or onions. Those sweet potato casseroles we love are not made for dogs.

Cranberry Sauce

Sometimes safe

Fresh or lightly sweetened cranberry sauce is fine in very small amounts.

Avoid:

Canned or jellied cranberry sauce that contains lots of sugar or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs.

Bread and Rolls

Safe in small pieces

Plain bread is fine as an occasional treat, though it offers little nutrition.

Avoid:

Raw dough. Unbaked yeast dough can expand inside a dog’s stomach and cause painful and dangerous bloating.

Vegetables

Safe when simple

Green beans, carrots, peas, and pumpkin are all wonderful for dogs when steamed or roasted without salt or oil.

Avoid:

Vegetables that are cooked in butter, oil, or mixed with onions and garlic. The simpler, the better.

Desserts and Sweets

Not safe

Chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, and any food made with xylitol should be kept far from your dog. Even small amounts can be harmful.

If you want your pup to join the dessert fun, make a dog-friendly treat using pumpkin and peanut butter that contains no xylitol.

Drinks

Never safe

Alcohol, coffee, and tea are toxic for dogs. Eggnog and hot chocolate are also risky because they contain milk fat, nutmeg, and caffeine. Stick with water. Your dog will not complain.

Lucky + Dog’s Holiday Tip

During the holidays, it is easy for pets to sneak food off the counter or accept a treat from an unaware guest. Keep trash secured, remind visitors not to feed your dog, and prepare a small plate of approved foods just for them. They will feel included, and you will stay worry-free.

If your dog eats something questionable, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 right away.

The Heart of It All

The holidays are about gratitude, connection, and joy. With a little care, your dog can enjoy the season right alongside you.

Light the candles, share the love, and keep a few dog treats on hand for those big brown eyes under the dinner table. That is what the holidays are really about.