The holidays are a time for indulgence, but some of the foods that we enjoy during the festive season can be harmful—even life-threatening—to dogs. Many popular dishes contain hidden dangers like toxic ingredients or high fat content that can lead to serious health problems. To keep your dog safe and healthy during the celebrations, here’s a closer look at six common festive foods that should never make it to your dog’s plate.

1. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes might seem like an innocent treat, but the rich additions that make them a holiday staple—such as butter, cream, and cheese—can cause major issues for dogs. The high fat content can lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. Additionally, mashed potatoes are often seasoned with garlic or onion powder, both of which are highly toxic to dogs and can damage their red blood cells.

If you want to include your dog in the holiday festivities, plain, boiled potatoes (without any seasonings or butter) can be given in moderation. However, it’s safest to avoid sharing mashed potatoes altogether to prevent any accidental ingestion of harmful ingredients.

2. Casseroles and Spreads

Casseroles and spreads are holiday staples, but their rich ingredients make them dangerous for dogs. Common components like heavy cream, butter, cheese, and oils are high in fat and can trigger pancreatitis in dogs. Even vegetable-based casseroles aren’t safe, as they often include garlic, onions, or nutmeg—all toxic to dogs. Holiday spreads, such as cheese balls or creamy dips, can also upset your dog’s stomach, particularly if they contain dairy, which many dogs struggle to digest.

To keep your dog safe, avoid giving them any casseroles or spreads, no matter how tempting they might look. Instead, treat your dog to plain, steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots, which are healthy and safe.

3. Holiday Breads

Festive breads, such as fruitcake, cinnamon rolls, and sweet holiday loaves, are surprisingly hazardous for dogs. Many of these breads contain raisins or nuts, which are extremely toxic. Even small amounts of raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, and nuts like macadamias or pecans can lead to vomiting, tremors, and pancreatitis. Yeast dough is another concern; if consumed before baking, it can expand in a dog’s stomach, causing painful bloating or even gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition.

If you want to include your dog in the celebrations, offer them a dog-safe treat like a plain, unsweetened biscuit or a small piece of cooked, unseasoned chicken. Always keep holiday breads and baked goods out of reach.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol is dangerous for dogs in any amount, whether it’s in a drink or hidden in foods like rum cake or beer-battered dishes. Dogs metabolize alcohol much more slowly than humans, and even a small quantity can cause serious health issues. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, loss of coordination, tremors, and dangerously low blood sugar levels. Severe cases can lead to respiratory failure, coma, or death.

To prevent accidents, keep all alcoholic beverages and foods containing alcohol out of your dog’s reach. Make sure guests are aware not to share drinks or alcohol-laden desserts with your pet. If your dog does ingest alcohol, seek veterinary care immediately.

5. Fatty Foods and Trimmings

Rich, fatty foods like turkey skin, gravy, and buttery side dishes can wreak havoc on a dog’s digestive system. Dogs are particularly sensitive to fatty foods, which can lead to pancreatitis—a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed and causes symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Pancreatitis can be mild or severe, but in some cases, it requires emergency treatment.

To protect your dog, avoid feeding them table scraps that are high in fat. If you want to give them a special treat, opt for small portions of plain, unseasoned turkey or a vegetable snack. Always trim the fat from meats before cooking to reduce temptation.

6. Cooked Bones

Cooked bones may seem like a natural treat for dogs, but they’re one of the most dangerous holiday hazards. Unlike raw bones, cooked bones are brittle and prone to splintering. When a dog chews on a cooked bone, the splinters can cause mouth injuries, choking, or even punctures in the stomach or intestines. This can lead to life-threatening complications and often requires surgical intervention.

If you want to satisfy your dog’s chewing instincts, offer them a vet-approved chew toy or raw bones designed specifically for dogs. Never give them cooked bones, even from holiday meals like turkey or ham, as the risks far outweigh the benefits.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe During the Holidays

Protecting your dog during the festive season doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the fun. Here are some tips to ensure their safety:

• Inform everyone not to share table scraps with your dog.

• Offer your dog plain, steamed vegetables or dog-friendly snacks instead of scraps from the table.

• Make sure all leftovers are stored securely and trash is out of reach.

• If your dog ingests something dangerous, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline immediately.

Conclusion

The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it’s also a time to be extra vigilant about your dog’s safety. Mashed potatoes, casseroles, holiday breads, alcohol, fatty foods, and cooked bones are just some of the common festive foods that can put your dog at risk. By keeping these foods off-limits and providing safe alternatives, you can ensure your dog enjoys the holidays as much as you do—without any trips to the vet. After all, a happy, healthy dog is the best gift of all!