Sharing the joy of Christmas with your dog is wonderful, but keeping them safe is very important. Some Christmas foods are a big no-no for dogs leading to digestive upset or even worse. 

We've got a list of yummy, safe Christmas foods for dogs to keep them safe, healthy, and festive this year.

What Can My Dog Eat at Christmas?

Turkey

Turkey is a Christmas classic, and you can share small amounts with your dog. Small portions of boneless, well-cooked, unseasoned turkey are fine, but always avoid giving your dog bones or skin, which can be difficult to digest and cause choking or intestinal blockages.

Green Beans

Plain green beans—fresh or lightly steamed—are a low-calorie snack full of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and other essential nutrients. However, remember that your dog already receives these nutrients from their complete and balanced diet. 

Therefore, green beans should only be given in small amounts as an occasional special treat. Always cut them into bite-sized pieces before serving to prevent choking and ensure safety. Avoid canned green beans because they’re often high in sodium, and never add butter, spices, garlic, oil, salt, or onions—these additions can be harmful to your pet. Fresh or lightly steamed green beans are the best option for a safe holiday snack.

Turnips

Turnips, a tasty part of some Christmas dinners, can also be a healthy treat for your dog (in moderation). They contain a high level of antioxidants that boost immunity and help protect cells. However, if your dog has a thyroid condition, skip the turnips as they can interfere with thyroid function.

Brussels Sprouts

Want to share some Brussels sprouts with your dog this Christmas, but afraid of upsetting their tummy? If they're perfectly cooked and plain, with no butter or salt, they make a safe and tasty treat.

Sweet Potatoes

Plain, cooked sweet potatoes make a nutritious and yummy treat for your dog! Just skip the butter, cream, salt, sugar, garlic, or any other seasonings we humans love—those can be bad for their tummies and even cause pancreatitis.

A little sweet potato goes a long way, so give it to them as an occasional snack.

Plain Mashed Potatoes

Plain mashed potatoes are okay as a small, occasional treat for your dog—but keep them plain. No butter, milk, or other yummy toppings for them. While they might help settle an upset tummy (a little fiber never hurts!), don't replace their regular food or any vet-recommended medicine with them. And keep in mind that bland food isn't a long-term solution. If your dog has diarrhea, always check with your vet.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is a fantastic addition to your dog's diet, offering a wealth of nutritional benefits. It's a great source of natural fiber to promote healthy digestion and provides essential carbohydrates for sustained energy. Brown rice is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals necessary for your dog's health, including B vitamins (like riboflavin and folate), vitamin D, calcium, and iron. 

These nutrients power energy, boost immunity and build strong bones. When you see brown rice listed as an ingredient in a high-quality dog food, you can be confident that it's been carefully included as part of a balanced and nutritious recipe.

Carrots

The perfect crunchy, Christmas stocking stuffer for your dog. Serve them raw or lightly steamed—no butter or salt needed. Dogs love the taste, and carrots contain essential vitamins and minerals like beta-carotene which turns into vitamin A, vitamin K, antioxidants, potassium, and fiber. From the root to the leafy greens, it's all good! They're a great way to add variety to your dog's snack routine.

Peas

You can add some plain peas to your dog's festive menu! English peas, snap peas, or snow peas are all safe and healthy options, rich in zinc and antioxidants—ingredients you'll often find in high-quality dog food. Just remember to skip any added seasonings.

Fresh Cranberries

A few cranberries can be a fun safe Christmas treat for your dog, but remember, moderation is key! Dogs have sensitive stomachs, so avoid overfeeding snacks. Give only one or two as an occasional treat.

It's also worth remembering that grapes are toxic to dogs. While cranberries are generally considered safer, they share some similarities, so it's best to be cautious. To prevent choking, especially in smaller breeds, always cut any cranberries into tiny pieces before giving them to your pooch. 

And finally, keep in mind that every dog is unique. Some dogs will gobble up anything, while others are much pickier. While cranberries aren't usually as appealing as, say, sausages or cheese, some dogs might still enjoy them—just keep a close eye on your pet when introducing this new treat.

Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin puree is just fantastic for many reasons, it contains fiber and moisture, which helps regulate their digestion—easing both constipation and diarrhea. 

Regularity also means less gas, a real plus for some breeds! Pumpkin is also full of vitamins (A and C, plus beta-carotene), minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc), and fatty acids, all boosting your dog's immune system and eye health. On top of that, the omega-3 fatty acids in pumpkin can even help prevent urinary tract infections and incontinence. So, adding a touch of pumpkin puree can noticeably improve your dog's health.

Cauliflower

Planning a vegetarian or vegan Christmas dinner? Cooked cauliflower makes a healthy addition for your dog, too! Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C and magnesium, but remember to keep it plain—no cheese sauce or seasonings.

Christmas Foods to Keep Away From Your Dog

We've got the delicious part covered, but safety is always first! Before we get to the fun part, knowing which festive foods to avoid giving your dog is significant.

Here's a list of ingredients that could cause serious problems. Remember, this simple precaution will save you stress and potential vet bills.

• Alcohol
• Chocolate
• Desserts
• Cooked bones
• Onions
• Turkey skin
• Cranberry sauce
• Gingerbread cookies
• Green bean casserole
• Deviled eggs
• Nuts
• Jello
• Garlic
• Gravy
• Leeks
• Fruitcake
• Stuffing
• Glazed dishes
• Shallots

3 Safety Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe During the Festive Christmas Feast

Ensure a safe Christmas for your dog, no matter the size of your celebration, these simple safety tips will help prevent holiday hazards.

#1 Exercise Your Dog Before Christmas Dinner

All that holiday excitement can be overwhelming, especially with unfamiliar guests. Give your dog a good workout beforehand—a long walk, a puzzle-solving session, or a challenging game of fetch —to keep them calm and content during the meal. A tired pet is a happy and well-behaved pet.

#2 Teach Your Dog Not to Beg at the Table

Keep your dog from begging at the table this Christmas by starting training now. A little advance preparation will prevent unwanted table-side scavenging.

#3 Create a Relaxing Space for Your Dog During Dinner

Even though your dog's not joining you at the table, they deserve to enjoy Christmas too. A quiet, comfortable space—like a comfy bed or a separate room—will help them relax amidst the holiday excitement and keep them out of trouble.

Merry Christmas From Healthy Dogma 

We're wishing you and your canine companions a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year 2025! ♥