What Can Dogs Eat at Christmas?
Short answer. Blue Cross lists turkey (no skin or bones), salmon, lamb (no bones), green beans, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots, peas, swede, mashed potato without butter, new potatoes and sweet potatoes as safe in small amounts for a healthy dog that is not allergic. Christmas pudding, mince pies, chocolate, stuffing, gravy and cooked bones stay off the plate. Not veterinary advice.
On this page (5 sections)
The safe plate
Blue Cross says these are safe in small amounts if your dog is healthy and not allergic: turkey meat with no skin or bones; salmon (fillets or cooked in spring water rather than smoked); lamb with no bones; green beans, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots, peas and swede; mashed potato, best without butter; new potatoes and sweet potatoes. Source: Blue Cross, Christmas dangers for dogs. Food by food: turkey, sprouts, parsnips, carrots, mashed potatoes.
What stays off it
Blue Cross says foods high in fat or salt should be avoided. The dangerous ones have their own pages: Christmas pudding, mince pies, Christmas cake, chocolate, stuffing, gravy and turkey bones. Source: Blue Cross, Christmas dangers for dogs.
Decorations and plants
Blue Cross says baubles and tinsel can cause a dangerous stomach blockage if swallowed, chocolate decorations should never be hung on the tree, too much wrapping paper can cause a blockage, and fallen pine needles pose a risk. It lists poinsettia, holly, mistletoe, ivy and potpourri as toxic. Source: Blue Cross, Christmas dangers for dogs. More: Christmas trees and holly and mistletoe.
How much
Blue Cross says new foods should be introduced slowly. A spoonful of plain turkey and vegetables on top of the usual meal, not an extra dinner, is the idea; cut the dog's own food to match. Source: Blue Cross, Christmas dangers for dogs.
Sources
- Blue Cross, Christmas dangers for dogs, read 7 November 2026.
Related pages
Christmas pet safety, Christmas leftovers, chocolate and xylitol at Christmas and human foods dogs can eat.
