Christmas Dinner and Pets: What Can Dogs & Cats Actually Eat?

Christmas is a time to relax with our nearest and dearest. If your dogs and cats aren’t part of the ‘close family’ umbrella, then…umm…you’re doing it wrong! Loads of us will put a little pet pressie under the tree or give our furkids a special treat for dinner. Some even invite them to join the family meal with all the trimmings. But wait – before you make a Christmas dinner for pets, here’s the lowdown on foods bad for dogs and cats.

Plus, what we reckon they’d love to have dished up on their plate.

Christmas dinner for dogs

Let’s start with the canine side of things. Most dogs eat pretty much anything given the opportunity, so a Christmas dinner plate is full of delicious temptations for dogs. Ok, except the brussels sprouts…

You’d be forgiven for thinking you could simply dish up an extra plate for your dog, but it’s not quite that easy.

As much as they might try to convince you otherwise, some of our indulgences don’t make a great Christmas dinner for dogs. Find out why below…

Can dogs eat turkey, chicken, or beef?

Yes, dogs can eat cooked turkey, chicken and beef as long as they’re not seasoned with the likes of garlic and onion. Remember to give them skinless and boneless pieces, too. Skin is very fatty, so it can cause digestive issues and isn’t healthy for your dog.

So, can dogs eat bones? Bones, especially once cooked, can splinter and cause serious internal damage.

Foods bad for dogs when it comes to meat are cured and salted items like ham. The high sodium content is bad for them in large amounts and can cause bloat.  And as mentioned above, dogs also don’t digest very fatty meats that well. So, they might have an upset stomach enjoying your Christmas roast pork or ham plate.

In more severe cases, very fatty foods can cause pancreatitis in dogs and cats. Stick to lean meats like chicken. Even fish is ok, as long as you’ve removed the bones!

Can dogs eat gravy?

Gravy is the best part of Christmas dinner if you ask us. Your dog might love the smell and taste of it (can you blame them?) but it’s better to leave the gravy off. Gravy is very salty and fatty. It also often uses onion powder, which can be toxic.

However, there’s lots of special dog gravy on the market that you could add to their chicken.

Can dogs eat Christmas vegetables?

Veggies should be fine for your dog’s Christmas dinner, as long as they aren’t heavily seasoned or doused in oil. Dogs are omnivores rather than just carnivores, so vegetables are actually good for them too! They can tolerate almost all of our vegetables including carrots, broccoli, peas, green beans, and cauliflower.

Just remember to rinse or wipe off excess butter or oil.

via GIPHY

As Christmas approaches, many pet parents start to wonder what foods are bad for dogs and what they can safely enjoy from the holiday table. Here are more questions curious pet parents often search on Google:

Can dogs eat courgette?

It might surprise you, but courgette isn’t toxic to dogs. In fact, it’s a healthy veggie! However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, it’s best to serve it in small portions. Too much can cause digestive upset, so keep it simple, just a small, plain piece is enough to let your dog enjoy the flavour without any risks.

Can dogs eat ice cream?🍨

We all love a sweet treat, but when it comes to dogs, ice cream is a bit of a risky business. Not all dogs are lactose intolerant, but many are, which means they could suffer from digestive issues like bloating or diarrhoea if they have too much. So, while it might be tempting to share, it’s safer to stick to ice cream made specifically for dogs or find other dog-friendly treats they can enjoy.

Can dogs eat black licorice?

Here’s the one you really must avoid; black licorice is a definite no-go for dogs. This candy contains glycyrrhizin, which can interfere with your dog’s potassium levels and even lead to serious health problems. So, while you’re enjoying your holiday sweets, make sure to keep that licorice well out of your dog’s reach.

Christmas dinner for cats

Our feline family members are aaaalll about the roast meat this Christmas. We all know that cats can be a bit – ahem – aloof, but have you ever tried to give a cat some broccoli? Let’s just say that disgusted is an understatement.

Here’s what your cat is hoping (expecting, who are we kidding) to get on their plate this Christmas.

Can cats eat Christmas dinner meat?

Cats are obligate carnivores, so you can bet they’re going straight to the meat. Your cat will adore you forever (ok, ok, for five minutes) if you share some of your roast turkey with them. The same rule for dogs applies to cats too when it comes to a meaty Christmas dinner for pets. They’ll be perfect with turkey or chicken and can even have a bit of cooked beef.

Stick to boneless and skinless to keep the fat and salt levels down, and don’t dunk it in sauce or seasoning before you serve it to them. On a silver platter, naturally…because that’s what cats expect from their human servants.

Watch this PD Pet Care Vlog with Dr Cath Watson for more on Christmas dinner dos and don’ts for pets:

What about some cream for their dessert?

It can be tempting to feed your cats milk or cream for a special occasion. The saying ‘’you look like the cat who got the cream” didn’t come from nowhere! But actually, cats are lactose intolerant and it’s among the foods bad for dogs and cats. They’ll definitely enjoy their milk or cream, but they won’t digest it well (read about cat milk here). Best to stick to water for the cats’ Christmas drink.

Still not sure what else you might be able to safely feed your pet from the table? Here’s a guide to things that can poison your pet – so you know what to put away safely in the cupboard.

Here are a few more questions you might be asking when it comes to your cat’s Christmas feast:

Can cats eat chicken feet?

You might be surprised, but yes, chicken feet are actually a great source of natural cartilage and collagen for cats, which help support joint health and even gives their coat a little extra shine. Just remember to cook them (no seasoning, please!) and make sure to remove any sharp bones. Keep an eye on your kitty while they enjoy this crunchy snack to make sure they’re munching safely.

Can cats eat chicken hearts?

Chicken hearts are a good source of protein and taurine, which is essential for your cat’s heart and eye health. Cats are obligate carnivores, so chicken hearts can be a tasty and nutritious treat. Just make sure they’re fresh or properly cooked to avoid any potential bacteria.

Can cats eat raw beef?

Raw beef? It’s a bit of a gamble. While some cats love it, raw meat can sometimes carry bacteria that could make your furry friend sick. If you do want to give it a go, make sure you’re sourcing it from a reputable supplier and taking all the necessary precautions. If you’re unsure, cooked beef is always a safer option for your cat.

via GIPHY

Christmas dinner for pets – what to avoid

Chocolate is not only one of the foods bad for dogs and cats, it’s toxic! So while you can tuck into some after dinner (or at 10am 😉), keep it out of reach of your pets.

The same goes for mince pies, Christmas pudding, and fruit cakes. Raisins and sultanas are toxic to both dogs and cats. And, as we said, hold the cream too.

As mentioned, onions and garlic are both toxic to pets as well. That means any stocks, sauces, or powders containing onions or garlic are to be avoided. While garlic has to be ingested in reasonably large amounts to cause toxicity, onions can be very harmful even in small amounts.

If you want to spoil your pet without something a little different, why not steer clear of food and read about five pampering pet care products for their stocking or our guide to ethical Christmas gifts for your pet?

Here are a few more articles to help you get ready for a joyful (and safe) Christmas with your pets:

1. Christmas Dangers for Pets: Watch Out!
2. 5 Pampered Pet Care Products for Christmas Stockings
3. QUIZ: Find Your Dog the Perfect Christmas Present
4. 5 Christmas Dog Treat Recipes That Are Totally Pawsome
5. Awesome Christmas Gift Ideas for Dogs and Cats

Christmas dinner for your pet gone wrong?

If your pet just can’t resist the temptation and somehow gets hold of the chocolate sauce or stuffing, pet insurance can help. Accidents happen, but finances shouldn’t be what stops you treating your pet. Check out our cat insurance and dog insurance to be well covered this Christmas and beyond.

Did you know? PD Insurance gives you one or more months of free pet insurance when you buy online. Why not get a free quote below?