Holiday Foods to Avoid Feeding Dogs and Cats

Celebrating with food? Learn which common holiday foods can be dangerous for dogs and cats, including cooked bones, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, fatty foods and more.

Holidays, family gatherings and celebrations often mean extra food around the house.

Unfortunately, many of the foods we enjoy can be unsafe for pets.

Dogs and cats are excellent at finding dropped scraps, unattended plates and food left within reach. During busy times like Christmas, Easter, birthdays and BBQs, it is easy for pets to sneak something they should not have.

Here are some common holiday foods to keep away from your four-legged family members.

What Foods Are Dangerous for Dogs and Cats?

Many everyday human foods can make pets seriously unwell.

Some foods may cause stomach upset, while others can lead to more serious problems such as poisoning, internal injury, pancreatitis, kidney damage or anaemia.

If your pet has eaten something you are worried about, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline as soon as possible.

Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

1. Cooked Chicken and Turkey Bones

Cooked bones are one of the biggest risks during family meals and holiday celebrations.

Chicken, turkey, lamb and other cooked bones can become brittle and may splinter when chewed.

Cooked bones can cause:

choking
broken teeth
mouth injuries
constipation
internal blockages
damage to the stomach or intestines

Never give cooked bones to dogs or cats.

If you want to offer your pet a special treat, choose a pet-safe option instead.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most common holiday dangers for pets.

It is often left under Christmas trees, in gift bags, on coffee tables or in children’s rooms where pets can easily find it.

Chocolate contains compounds that pets cannot process the same way humans can.

Dark chocolate, cocoa powder and baking chocolate are especially concerning, but all chocolate should be kept away from dogs and cats.

Signs of chocolate toxicity may include:

vomiting
diarrhoea
restlessness
increased heart rate
tremors
seizures

If your pet eats chocolate, contact your vet for advice straight away.

3. Grapes, Raisins, Sultanas and Currants

Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants can be dangerous for dogs.

This makes many festive foods risky, including:

Christmas cake
Christmas pudding
fruit mince pies
fruit bread
hot cross buns
trail mix
some biscuits and desserts

Even small amounts can be concerning, and sensitivity can vary between dogs.

Because these ingredients are often baked into foods, it is important to keep holiday desserts well out of reach.

4. Onions, Garlic, Chives and Leeks

Onions, garlic, chives and leeks are common in savoury holiday foods.

They may be found in:

stuffing
gravy
marinades
roast vegetables
sauces
dips
casseroles
BBQ meats
seasoned leftovers

These ingredients can damage red blood cells in dogs and cats and may lead to anaemia.

They can be risky whether raw, cooked, powdered or dried.

Avoid feeding pets any foods that contain onion or garlic seasoning.

5. Stuffing, Gravy and Rich Leftovers

Stuffing, gravy and leftovers may smell amazing to pets, but they often contain ingredients that are not suitable for them.

Common problems include:

onion
garlic
herbs and spices
high salt
high fat
butter
rich sauces

Fatty foods can upset the digestive system and may contribute to pancreatitis, which can be painful and serious.

Avoid giving pets fatty scraps, skin, gravy or heavily seasoned foods.

6. Nuts and Macadamias

Some nuts are high in fat, difficult to digest or unsafe for pets.

Macadamia nuts are particularly dangerous for dogs and should never be fed.

Nuts can also pose a choking risk, especially for pets that gulp food quickly.

Avoid feeding pets:

macadamia nuts
mixed nuts
salted nuts
chocolate-coated nuts
nut-based desserts

It is safest to keep nut bowls and snack plates out of reach.

7. Xylitol and Sugar-Free Foods

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is highly dangerous to dogs.

It may be found in some:

sugar-free gum
lollies
mints
baked goods
protein snacks
diet foods
some peanut butters

Xylitol can cause serious illness very quickly in dogs.

Always check labels before sharing any human food with pets, especially “sugar-free” products.

8. Alcohol and Caffeinated Drinks

Alcohol and caffeine should never be given to pets.

During parties or gatherings, pets may access unattended glasses, cocktails, coffee cups or desserts containing alcohol.

Keep pets away from:

beer
wine
spirits
cocktails
coffee
energy drinks
desserts containing alcohol or coffee

Even small amounts can be harmful.

9. Yeast Dough and Raw Dough

Raw dough can be dangerous if eaten by pets.

Yeast dough may expand in the stomach and can also produce alcohol as it ferments.

Keep rising dough, baking trays and uncooked pastry products out of reach.

10. Avocado, Fatty Foods and Other Risky Scraps

Some foods are best avoided because they are too rich, fatty or species-dependent.

These include:

avocado
fatty meat trimmings
ham
bacon
sausages
heavily salted foods
creamy desserts
buttery leftovers

While your pet may beg for a bite, rich foods can quickly lead to an upset stomach or worse.

A little “treat” is not worth a vet visit.

What Can Pets Eat During the Holidays?

If you want your pet to feel included, offer simple pet-safe options.

Depending on your pet’s usual diet and health needs, safe treat ideas may include:

plain cooked chicken with no bones, skin or seasoning
plain cooked turkey with no bones, skin or seasoning
small pieces of carrot
small pieces of apple without seeds
plain pumpkin
pet-safe treats
their usual food served in a fun enrichment toy

Keep portions small and avoid introducing lots of new foods at once.

If your pet has allergies, pancreatitis, kidney disease, diabetes or other health issues, ask your vet before offering new treats.

How to Keep Pets Safe Around Holiday Food

A few simple steps can prevent most food-related accidents.

Before guests arrive

move chocolate and food gifts out of reach
secure bins
remind children not to share food with pets
prepare pet-safe treats in advance
give your pet a safe place away from the food table

During the meal

do not leave plates unattended
keep pets away from serving areas
watch for dropped scraps
avoid feeding from the table

After the meal

clear plates quickly
dispose of bones safely
store leftovers securely
check that desserts and chocolates are packed away

Pets are fast. Holiday leftovers are faster. Supervision is your friend.

What Should I Do If My Pet Eats Something Unsafe?

If your pet eats something potentially toxic or dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Try to have the following information ready:

what your pet ate
how much they may have eaten
when they ate it
your pet’s species, breed and weight
any symptoms you have noticed

Do not try home treatments unless directed by a veterinarian.

Fast advice can make a big difference.

Final Reminder

Holiday food safety is about prevention.

Many pet food emergencies happen when people are busy, distracted or assuming “just a little bit” will be fine.

Keep risky foods out of reach, offer pet-safe treats instead, and speak to your vet if you are ever unsure.

At Aquabird Pet Centre, we love helping pet owners keep their animals safe, healthy and happy all year round.