By JENNIFER SOMERS

Christmas is a time for indulgence and celebration, but amidst the mince pies and mulled wine, it’s easy to forget that some seemingly harmless festive treats can pose serious risks to our four-legged friends. 

So before you get caught up in all the festivities, take a look at my essential guide to festive foods that belong firmly on your dog’s naughty list.

Chocolate 

One of the most widely recognised dangers for our four-legged friends, chocolate contains theobromine which dogs can’t metabolise effectively. More specifically, dark and baking varieties are particularly toxic. 

As a classic Christmas treat, it’s not uncommon to see homes flooded with chocolate over the festive season – whether this be in advent calendars, chocolate tree decorations or wrapped up as gifts – but just because your dog can’t see the chocolate, it doesn’t mean they can’t smell it! 

To avoid any emergency vet visits, ensure that all chocolate items are stored well away from your furry friends and only treat them to dog-friendly alternatives such as carob-based dog chocolate. 

Pets at Home, in particular, offer a wide range of dog-friendly options for Christmas, such as their Mini Pudding Dog Treats – a firm favourite of Vivienne’s!

Xylitol

An artificial sweetener that can cause a rapid release of insulin in dogs, ingestion of xylitol can cause low blood sugar and potentially liver failure in dogs. 

Xylitol is commonly found in peanut butter, a preferred treat among many dogs, so it’s important to source a xylitol free version, such as Vivienne and Trixie’s favourite, Peamutt Butter.

Onions, Garlic, Chives & Leeks

Part of the Allium family of plants, onions, garlic, chives and leeks all contain toxins called disulphides and thiosulfinates that damage red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Garlic, in particular, is considered to be about five times as toxic as onions. 

While some dog products, such as natural sausages, do list garlic as an ingredient (e.g. beef and garlic sausages), I always err on the side of caution and avoid these for my girls. And if you are treating your fur baby to their own Christmas dinner, sage and onion stuffing should also be kept firmly off their menu. 

Raw White Potatoes

While Christmas simply wouldn’t be Christmas without roast potatoes (in my house at least), exercise caution when preparing their raw counterparts as they contain high levels of solanine, which is potentially toxic to dogs. Ingestion causes a number of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy.

Duck fat laden roast potatoes are also not recommended for your furry friends, but there’s no harm in treating them to a small amount of unseasoned boiled or mashed potato as part of their Christmas dinner – and it even makes a delicious dog-friendly cake frosting! 

Raisins, Currants & Sultanas

Commonly found in a number of popular festive foods including Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and mince pies, raisins, currants and sultanas (alongside their undried counterparts) can cause gastrointestinal complaints and even sudden kidney failure in dogs.

As with all other items on this list, it’s important to ensure that these and all products containing them are kept well out of your four-legged-friend’s reach – especially if you’re partaking in some festive home baking!

But that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy their own dog-friendly alternatives! Pets at Home’s Christmas Tarts (another favourite of Vivienne’s) are a great option. 

Alcohol

Alcohol is a staple of the festive season for many, but it’s a big no-no for our four-legged friends! Even a small amount can cause intoxication, low blood sugar, and even respiratory failure.

But that doesn’t mean your fur baby can’t still celebrate in style – Woof and Brew’s Posh Pooch Wine for Dogs is a great way to include them in the festivities, and another firm favourite of Vivienne and Trixie’s!

Cooked Meat Bones

While not inherently toxic, cooked meat bones can splinter easily, posing a choking hazard and causing blockages. If consumed in large quantities, they may also lead to constipation or even perforate the gut, which could be fatal.

For a safe and healthy alternative, treat your fur baby to a small slice of unseasoned meat off the bone or go one step further with their very own pre-made dog-friendly Christmas dinner. Exclusive to Jollyes, NakedDog’s Country Mix and Four Bird Roast complete raw meals both get Vivienne and Trixie’s seal of approval – not only at Christmas, but all year round!

Raw Bread Dough

The art of home bread making may not be as common these days, but if you are challenging yourself this festive season, ensure that all raw dough is kept far away from curious pets.

If consumed, the dough expands in the stomach as it ferments, which can lead to bloating and, in severe cases, cause toxicity from alcohol produced during fermentation. 

Blue Cheese

While most cheeses are safe in small amounts, blue cheese should be strictly avoided as it contains roquefortine C, which some dogs are highly sensitive to. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, a high temperature, and even seizures.

If you are enjoying a cheese board as part of your festive feast and want to include your four-legged friend, a small amount of cheddar is generally the best option.

Or why not try a cheese-flavoured dog treat, such as Pooch and Mutt’s Cheese Fondue Christmas Range? 

Keep Your Dog Safe This Festive Season

Dogs are family, and it’s natural to want to spoil them, especially during the holidays when everyone’s indulging in a few extra treats. But for a safe and happy festive season, it’s vital to avoid these toxic foods.

For a safer approach, there are many human foods your fur baby can enjoy in moderation, like pumpkin, blueberries and Vivienne and Trixie’s favourite, carrots. Plus, all of the products mentioned above have been tried and tested by Vivienne and Trixie so you can rest assured they pass the spoilt dog test!  

And remember: The best gift you can give your fur baby this Christmas is a safe, happy and healthy festive season.

For more tips, tricks and advice from a fellow pet parent, visit Diary of a Dog Mum or follow Vivienne and Trixie on Instagram, @viviennewestiewood.  

Merry Christmas everyone!

Photo: Liam Booth Photography