Pet owners warned about toxic festive foods

Dog owners have been warned of which festive foods to keep their furry friends far away from this Christmas. 

Pet insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk are alerting animal lovers to six Christmas foods which could poison their pooch. 

Foodies should be aware that some festive favourites such as Christmas pudding, mince pies and cheese boards can be harmful if dogs consume them.

Dogs digest food differently to the way humans do, so what may be safe for us could be potentially dangerous for them.

If they somehow get their paws on toxic foods, dogs can experience a range of problems such as vomiting and even organ failure if severe.

CEO and pet insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, Greg Wilson, said: “Christmas is a time to enjoy snacks and treats that may not usually be in your cupboards, so it’s important to be aware of certain foods that could harm your four-legged friends.

“Unfortunately, many classic Christmas favourites pose a serious risk to dogs if ingested. Foods like Christmas pudding, mince pies and Christmas cake, contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

“Even leftovers that might seem harmless, such as turkey bones, can be dangerous for your pup, so always double-check before sharing.

“The festive period can also be a time for lots of guests visiting your home who may not have pets or realise these potential dangers, it may be sensible to keep pups elsewhere when food is being served, to prevent guests accidentally sharing something dangerous.”

Here are six festive foods which can be harmful to dogs:

1.Chocolate

Although chocolate may be a commonly known food to keep away from dogs, it is important to emphasise the importance of this especially around Christmas time when there might be chocolate gifts under or hanging from the tree – you need to be sure it’s kept out of your pup’s reach.

2.Cheese

Cheese boards are a popular Christmas treat, but it’s important to keep them away.  Dogs struggle to digest lactose, and eating too much cheese can lead to an upset stomach or other digestive issues.

3.Mince pies and Christmas pudding

Grapes are widely known to be toxic to dogs, but raisins, sultanas, and currants can be equally harmful – if not worse. Foods like Christmas pudding, Christmas cake, and mince pies often contain these ingredients. 

4.Gravy and stuffing

Most stuffing recipes include onions, which are highly toxic to dogs. Onions contain compounds that can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia. Gravy is another hazard – it’s often too fatty and salty for dogs, so be sure to keep it off their menu.

5.Turkey bones and skin

While some meat leftovers are safe for dogs, turkey skin and bones should be avoided. Turkey bones can easily splinter, posing a choking hazard, and the skin is too fatty, which can upset their stomach.

6.Nuts 

Some nuts are toxic to dogs, so it’s best to avoid giving them any, especially as mixed nut bags are a common festive treat. Macadamia nuts are particularly dangerous – they can cause sickness, high temperatures, tremors, and even heart palpitations. Macadamia nut poisoning can occur quickly, so it’s important to stay vigilant.

If you suspect your dog has eaten any of the foods mentioned above – or you’re unsure – it’s best to contact your vet immediately. Many pet insurance providers now offer a free 24/7 veterinary helpline, so check if your policy includes this feature and save the number to your phone for added peace of mind.