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Holiday People Food: Safe & Unsafe Foods for Dogs
Published on October 14th, 2024
Updated on June 18th, 2026
Treating your pet during the holiday season helps it feel like they're part of the celebration. But, be sure you know what is safe - and not - for them to taste test.
You're whipping up your family's secret holiday cookie recipe when you notice your pet staring at you, hoping you might share a taste. As the holiday season rolls around, you might wonder if it's okay to indulge your dog or cat with a treat or two from your favorite festive recipes. While it can be tempting to give in to your pet's endearing begging stares, the reality is that a lot of people food isn't healthy for animal consumption.
Avoiding an upset stomach or a trip to the vet for food-related issues during the holiday season is all about understanding what foods are and aren't safe for your pet. In this guide, we'll take a look at common seasonal foods and what items are okay to share with your pets in moderation and which ones should be kept away. While each list contains foods that are typical for that holiday, make sure to read through them all for a comprehensive look at popular holiday foods. As a rule, any people food you offer your pet should have no added seasoning, oil, butter or other ingredients, as they are unhealthy for your pet and have potential to be toxic.
It’s also important to keep in mind that your pet’s commercially available dog or cat food is balanced to meet their nutritional needs and should make up 90% or more of their diet, while treats and people food should comprise no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Offering too many treats can lead to obesity as well as a number of weight-related diseases.
Thanksgiving
Ah, Thanksgiving! The ultimate foodie holiday when plates are stacked high with steaming mashed potatoes, rich stuffing and a big slice of turkey. This Thanksgiving, when your pup is pawing at your plate or your cat is jumping onto the counter to steal a savory morsel, make sure you are aware of which foods are safe for your pets to eat and which ones should be kept carefully out of reach.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, or The Festival of Lights, is a beautiful time spent reflecting and celebrating with family and friends. Your furry family member will surely enjoy the joy of the special holiday season, but not all Hanukkah treats are an ideal snack for your dog or cat. Keep the following food do's and don'ts in mind to keep your pet safe during the Hanukkah season.
Christmas
Christmas is often a holiday season full of indulgences. From tasty Christmas cookies to a beef pot roast, however you plan to celebrate, make sure you pay careful attention to any food your pet consumes. Christmas treats for your dog or cat should be kept to pet-safe choices only.
What to do in an emergency
If you suspect your pet has gotten into something harmful or they are showing signs of illness—such as vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive water intake or abnormal behavior—contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. If your veterinarian's office is closed for the holidays, call an emergency veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.
Bonus tip: Build a pet-safe barkuterie treat board
Safe vs. Unsafe Holiday Foods for Dogs: The Complete Guide
Before we get to the fun of holiday sharing, let's cover the most important ground first — what your dog can and cannot eat from your holiday spread. Keeping this list handy during gatherings can make all the difference.
Holiday Foods That Are Safe for Dogs (in moderation)
The following whole foods are generally considered dog-friendly when served plain, unseasoned and in small amounts as an occasional treat. Remember: treats of any kind — including people food — should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals.
| Safe Holiday Food | Serving Notes |
|---|---|
| Plain turkey (white meat) | Fully cooked, boneless, skinless — no butter, salt or seasoning |
| Plain sweet potato | Cooked, no added sugar, marshmallows or spices |
| Plain pumpkin puree | 100% pure pumpkin only — not pumpkin pie filling |
| Green beans | Plain, steamed or raw — no casserole sauce or onions |
| Plain carrots | Raw or cooked; a crunchy, low-calorie option |
| Plain cooked peas | Fresh or frozen; avoid canned peas with added sodium |
| Plain cooked salmon | Boneless, fully cooked — never raw or smoked |
| Plain apple slices | Remove seeds and core; seeds contain trace cyanogenic compounds https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Plain cranberries | A few fresh or frozen berries only — no sweetened sauce |
| Plain cooked rice | A gentle, easy-to-digest addition in small amounts |
Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Dogs — Never Share These
Some of the most beloved holiday staples are genuinely toxic to dogs. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center identifies the following as significant hazards https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control:
| Dangerous Holiday Food | Why It's Harmful |
|---|---|
| Grapes and raisins | Can cause acute kidney failure — even small amounts are dangerous |
| Onions, garlic, leeks and chives | Damage red blood cells and can cause hemolytic anemia; this includes powdered forms hidden in stuffing and gravies |
| Xylitol (artificial sweetener) | Found in sugar-free desserts, gum and some peanut butters; can cause rapid blood sugar drop and liver failure |
| Macadamia nuts | Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors and fever |
| Chocolate (all types) | Contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize safely; dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous |
| Alcohol (including eggnog) | Even small amounts can cause serious toxicity |
| Cooked bones (turkey, ham) | Splinter easily and can cause internal injury or obstruction |
| Nutmeg | Found in many holiday baked goods; toxic to dogs in larger amounts |
| Ham and fatty meats | High fat content can trigger pancreatitis |
| Raw yeast dough | Expands in the stomach and produces alcohol as it ferments |
| Caffeinated beverages | Coffee, tea and hot cocoa can cause rapid heart rate and tremors |
If you suspect your dog has eaten any of the foods above, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Build a Dog-Safe Holiday Treat Board (Barkuterie)
Once you know what's safe, putting together a festive treat spread for your dog is a genuinely fun way to include him in the celebration. Think of it as a curated, dog-friendly version of the charcuterie board on your own table.
How to Build It
Step 1: Start with a nutritious base Anchor the board with a portion of your dog's regular dry dog food or kibble. This keeps his meal familiar and helps you stay within his daily calorie budget — because everything else on the board counts toward that 10% treat limit https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals.
Step 2: Add a holiday-themed treat front and center Choose a festive dog treat shaped or flavored for the season and place it where it's easy to spot. This is the centerpiece — the signal to your dog that something special is happening.
Step 3: Fill in with safe flavors and textures Use small portions of the safe foods from the table above — a spoonful of plain pumpkin puree, a few cooked green beans, a slice of plain apple — to add variety. You can also add a small bowl of a dog-safe gravy or food topper for extra appeal. Variety in texture and aroma makes the board engaging without overloading his system.
Step 4: Mind the math before you serve Before you set the board down, do a quick mental tally. If the treats and extras add up to more than 10% of your dog's daily calories, set a portion aside to serve the next day rather than letting him graze freely. Overindulgence — even on safe foods — can cause digestive upset, and high-fat additions like rich gravies can be a pancreatitis risk for some dogs https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control.
A good rule of thumb: Keep the board small, supervise the whole time and make sure holiday guests know not to add anything from the human table without checking the safe list first.
Keep the Celebration Safe — and the Memories Lasting
The holidays are genuinely one of the best times to strengthen the bond you share with your dog — and the safest way to do that is to stay mindful of what ends up in his bowl. Before the festivities wind down, take a moment to review the key safety points from this guide so they stay top of mind when the table is full and the mood is generous.
Quick safety recap:
- Stick to dog-approved foods only — plain, unseasoned, and offered in small amounts
- When in doubt, skip the table scrap and reach for a purpose-made dog treat instead
- Keep grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, chocolate, alcohol, and cooked bones completely out of reach — these are genuinely dangerous, not just "not ideal" https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
- Rich, fatty foods like turkey skin and gravy can trigger digestive upset or, in serious cases, pancreatitis — even in dogs who seem to handle people food well https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals
- Treats of any kind — holiday or everyday — should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/
If something goes wrong, don't wait to see how it plays out. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away. Quick action makes a real difference.
Beyond the food, the most meaningful thing you can give your dog this season costs nothing: your time and attention. A backyard game of fetch, a slow sniff-walk through the neighborhood, or a long quiet evening on the couch together — those moments matter to him just as much as anything on the holiday table. Snap a photo if you'd like, but the memory he'll carry is the one you made together.
When you're ready to restock for the new year, explore Petco's full range of dog food and dry dog food options — wholesome, nutritious choices formulated specifically for dogs, so every meal supports his health long after the holidays are over.
Holiday People Food for Dogs: Safe vs. Unsafe at a Glance
The table below covers the most common foods that appear on holiday tables from Thanksgiving through Christmas and Hanukkah. Because dogs are omnivores, some whole, unseasoned foods can fit safely into the 10% treat allowance — but many festive staples are genuinely dangerous. Always serve people food plain, with no butter, oil, salt, garlic, onion, or other seasonings, and keep total treats (including any people food) to no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/
| Holiday Food | Safe for Dogs? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain roast turkey (white meat, no skin, no bones) | Yes — in moderation | Boneless, skinless, unseasoned only. Cooked bones splinter and are a choking and puncture hazard. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Turkey skin, drippings, or gravy | No | High fat content can trigger pancreatitis; gravy often contains onion or garlic. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Cooked turkey or chicken bones | No | Cooked poultry bones splinter easily and can cause internal injury or obstruction. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Plain mashed potatoes (no butter, milk, garlic, or chives) | Use caution | Plain cooked potato is not toxic, but most mashed potato recipes include butter, milk, garlic, or chives — all harmful to dogs. Offer only if you are certain the preparation is completely plain. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Stuffing / dressing | No | Almost always contains onions, garlic, chives, leeks, or high-sodium broth — all toxic or harmful to dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Plain cooked sweet potato (no sugar, marshmallows, or spices) | Yes — in moderation | A nutritious, fiber-rich option when plain and cooked. Avoid canned sweet potato with added sugar or syrup. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/ |
| Cranberry sauce (canned or homemade) | No | Typically very high in sugar; homemade versions may contain grapes, raisins, or xylitol — all toxic to dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Plain fresh cranberries | Use caution | Not toxic in very small amounts, but tart and high in natural sugars; most dogs will refuse them. Offer only a small quantity if at all. |
| Green beans (plain, fresh or frozen, no seasoning) | Yes — in moderation | A low-calorie, fiber-rich snack. Avoid canned green beans with added salt, or green bean casserole (contains onion and cream). https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/ |
| Corn on the cob | No | The cob itself is a serious obstruction risk even if the kernels are safe. Plain kernels off the cob are acceptable in very small amounts. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Plain cooked carrots | Yes — in moderation | Low in calories, good source of fiber and beta-carotene. A crowd-pleasing, dog-friendly snack. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/ |
| Plain cooked peas | Yes — in moderation | Fine as an occasional treat; avoid canned peas with added sodium. Dogs with kidney concerns should avoid peas — consult your veterinarian. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/ |
| Onions, garlic, leeks, chives, or shallots (any form) | Never | All members of the Allium family are toxic to dogs and can cause hemolytic anemia even in small amounts or in powdered form. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Grapes and raisins | Never | Can cause acute kidney failure in dogs; no safe threshold has been established. Even a small amount is an emergency. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Latkes / potato pancakes | No | Typically contain onion, garlic, and are fried in oil — all harmful to dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Applesauce (plain, unsweetened) | Yes — in moderation | Plain, unsweetened applesauce is fine in small amounts. Check the label carefully; many brands contain xylitol or added sugar. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Plain cooked apple slices (no core or seeds) | Yes — in moderation | Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide when metabolized. Always remove the core and seeds before offering. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Chocolate (all types) | Never | Contains theobromine and caffeine, both toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous; even small amounts can be fatal. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Holiday cookies, cakes, and pies | No | May contain chocolate, xylitol (an artificial sweetener that is acutely toxic to dogs), raisins, macadamia nuts, nutmeg, or high amounts of sugar and fat. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Xylitol (in sugar-free baked goods, peanut butter, gum) | Never | Causes a rapid, life-threatening drop in blood sugar and can lead to liver failure in dogs. Always read ingredient labels. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Macadamia nuts | Never | Toxic to dogs; can cause weakness, hyperthermia, vomiting, and tremors. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Walnuts | No | Black walnuts are toxic to dogs; all walnuts carry a risk of mold (juglone toxicity) and are high in fat. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Plain cooked pumpkin (no spices, no pie filling) | Yes — in moderation | Plain canned or cooked pumpkin (not pie filling, which contains spices and sugar) is a fiber-rich, digestive-friendly treat. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/ |
| Nutmeg | Never | Contains myristicin, which is toxic to dogs and can cause seizures, tremors, and disorientation. Often found in eggnog, pumpkin pie, and holiday baked goods. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Eggnog | No | Contains raw eggs (Salmonella risk), nutmeg (toxic), high fat, and often alcohol — all harmful to dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Alcohol (wine, beer, spirits, spiked punch) | Never | Even small amounts can cause vomiting, disorientation, dangerously low blood sugar, and respiratory failure in dogs. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Plain cooked beef or ham (lean, unseasoned, no bone) | Use caution | Lean, plain cooked beef in a small amount is not toxic, but holiday roasts and glazed hams are almost always seasoned, salted, or glazed with sugar and spices. Ham is also very high in sodium. Offer only if you are certain the preparation is completely plain and unseasoned. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control |
| Plain cooked salmon or whitefish (boneless) | Yes — in moderation | A good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids when fully cooked and boneless. Raw fish carries a risk of parasites and bacteria. https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/ |
When in doubt, leave it out. If you are unsure whether a specific preparation of a food is safe, do not offer it to your dog. Contact your veterinarian or, in an emergency, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat turkey on Thanksgiving? Plain, fully cooked turkey breast (no skin, bones or seasoning) is generally fine for dogs in small amounts. Turkey skin is high in fat and can trigger pancreatitis, and cooked bones can splinter and cause serious internal injury — so keep both well out of reach. Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Is chocolate really toxic to dogs, and how serious is it? Yes — chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which dogs metabolize far more slowly than humans do. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures or worse, and dark chocolate and baking chocolate carry the highest risk. If your dog has eaten any chocolate, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) immediately. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Can dogs have alcohol, including foods made with wine or spirits? No. Alcohol — including beer, wine, liquor and foods cooked or prepared with alcohol — is toxic to dogs. Even small quantities can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, body temperature and blood pressure. Keep all alcoholic beverages and alcohol-containing dishes completely away from your dog during holiday gatherings. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Are grapes and raisins dangerous for dogs? Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can cause sudden kidney failure, even in small quantities. Because holiday baking, fruit cakes and stuffing recipes often contain raisins, read every ingredient list carefully and store these foods where your dog cannot reach them. If ingestion is suspected, seek emergency veterinary care right away. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
How much people food is actually safe to share with my dog over the holidays? Treats and people food combined should make up no more than 10% of your dog's total daily caloric intake. Your dog's commercially prepared food is nutritionally balanced to meet his needs, and exceeding that 10% threshold — even with "safe" foods — can contribute to weight gain and related health problems over time. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals https://petnutritionalliance.org/
What should I do if my dog eats something harmful at a holiday gathering? Act quickly. Call your veterinarian first; if the office is closed, contact an emergency veterinary clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). Watch for warning signs including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive drooling, tremors or unusual behavior, and report exactly what was eaten and how much when you call. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.
Sweet Potatoes: When plainly cooked and served, it’s okay for your dog to try a bite of sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Potatoes: A plain, cooked white potato is okay for your dog to try a bite. White potatoes contain vitamins C and B6.
Apples: High in fiber, a small, plain slice of apple can be a good low-calorie treat for your pet.
Green beans: Plain green beans, cooked or served raw, are also a good low-calorie treat to offer your pet. Green beans contain fiber, manganese and vitamins C and K.
Turkey meat: Unseasoned, cooked and served in moderation, a small piece of turkey without bones or skin is a healthy protein treat for your pet.
Pumpkin: Wonderful for digestion, plain, cooked pumpkin can be used in small amounts as a topper for your pet's Thanksgiving meal.
Gravy: High in sodium content, seasonings and fat, gravy can cause an upset stomach in pets and may be toxic depending on what ingredients have been added during the cooking process.
Turkey bones: Turkey bones should always be kept away from pets as they pose a choking hazard and can cause GI obstruction or perforation.
Garlic and onions: These two foods contain n-propyl disulfide, which is toxic to pets, and should never be served.
Stuffing and casseroles: High in sodium and often containing onion, stuffing and casseroles can cause an upset stomach or be toxic to your pet.
Raisins and grapes: These foods are toxic to pets and can lead to organ failure.
Desserts: With high amounts of sugar, these treats can be hard on your pet's stomach. Particularly dangerous are any sweets containing xylitol, which can be lethal when ingested by pets.
Alcoholic beverages: Pets should never consume alcoholic beverages, as theycan be toxic and may lead to vomiting, lethargy and organ damage.
Chicken: Similar to turkey, unseasoned, cooked boneless chicken with the skin removed can be provided in moderation as a healthy protein. Avoid raw chicken as the bacteria could be harmful to your pet’s stomach.
Applesauce: When prepared without additional sugar, spices or seasoning, small amounts of applesauce can be a delicious addition to your pet's Hanukkah dinner.
Carrots: Raw or cooked, a plain carrot is a low-calorie treat. Carrots are high in fiber and beta-carotene.
Latkes: While the potato in latkes is safe, they often contain oil, seasonings and onions, which are toxic to pets.
Brisket: This meat is high in fat and is not a healthy choice for your pet, as it can lead to obesity and compounding health concerns. High-fat foods can also be hard on your pet's stomach and pancreas.
Gelt: Keep these chocolate coins out of reach of your pets, as the chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to pets.
Sufganiyot: These fried doughnuts are high in fat, oil and sugar, which are all hard on your pet's digestive system.
Kugel: Made with cream and butter, this dish is best kept out of the reach of pets, as these rich ingredients are not only unhealthy for your pet but can also be difficult for them to digest.
Roast beef: When cooked without oils, salt or seasoning, a small slice of roast beef can be a tasty high-protein treat.
Pears: Pears are a low-calorie treat that can be provided in moderation. Pears contain vitamins C and K, as well as fiber.
Squash: Cooked squash can be chopped up and added to your pet's food dish as a low-calorie topper—just make sure it isn't seasoned or buttered. Squash is high in fiber and vitamins.
Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants, a small handful of fresh blueberries sprinkled over your pet's food dish is a great Christmas treat.
Cheese: Offered in small amounts on occasion, plain cheese is okay for your pet.
Rice: Plain, cooked rice is generally considered easy on the stomach and can be added to your pet's Christmas plate in moderation.
Walnuts and macadamia nuts: These nuts are toxic to pets and can cause lethargy, weakness, vomiting and tremors.
Baking powder or baking soda: When baking Christmas cookies or other desserts, be sure to keep these two ingredients out of the reach of pets, as they can be toxic.
Nutmeg: Nutmeg can also be toxic.
Christmas cookies: While you may love a sugary cookie during Christmastime, keep these items away from your pets, as sugar can upset your pet's digestive system.