Christmas in Australia means backyard barbecues, a table full of rich food, and a house full of visitors, all of which can turn into a minefield for your dog if you don't plan ahead. At ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, we get plenty of questions every December about which festive foods are dangerous and which holiday treats are actually safe. This dog Christmas safety guide covers the foods to avoid, the treats you can give with confidence, and a few extra hazards that catch Sydney and Australian dog owners out every year.
What Christmas foods are toxic to dogs?
The Christmas table is full of everyday hazards that many owners don't think twice about until a dog has already eaten something. Chocolate, especially dark and cooking chocolate, contains theobromine, which dogs process far more slowly than humans do, and even a small amount from a stocking or under the tree can cause vomiting, restlessness, and a racing heart rate.
Christmas pudding, mince pies, and fruit cake are just as risky because of the raisins, sultanas, and currants baked into them. Grapes and their dried forms are linked to sudden kidney injury in dogs, and there is no known safe quantity.
Cooked bones from the Christmas ham or turkey are another common trap, since cooking makes bone brittle and prone to splintering. Onion, garlic, and leek, common in gravies, can damage a dog's red blood cells over time, and macadamia nuts, a very Australian Christmas snack, can cause weakness and tremors even in small amounts.
Are Christmas plants dangerous for dogs?
Beyond the table, plenty of festive plants can cause problems if chewed. Mistletoe and holly berries can trigger vomiting and stomach upset, and lilies, while more of a cat hazard, are still worth keeping away from a curious dog. Poinsettia has a reputation as highly toxic, but in reality it usually causes mild mouth irritation or an upset stomach rather than anything severe, though it's still sensible to keep it out of reach.
Tinsel, ribbon, and string are a different kind of hazard entirely. Dogs, especially puppies, are drawn to the movement and texture, and swallowed string-like material can cause a serious intestinal obstruction that sometimes needs emergency surgery. Keep an eye on wrapping materials once the presents are unwrapped, and empty bins that contain food scraps or packaging before your dog can get to them overnight.
How do I keep my dog calm during Christmas gatherings?
A house full of visitors, new smells, and excited kids is a lot of stimulation for even a well-socialised dog. Set up a quiet space away from the main gathering where your dog can retreat, and let guests know not to feed table scraps, however tempting those big eyes look.
Keep to a normal feeding and walking routine as much as the day allows. Consistency helps dogs feel secure even when everything else around them has changed, and a mid-morning walk before the chaos starts can take the edge off excess energy.
If fireworks or loud celebrations are part of your Christmas or New Year period, as they often are across Sydney and the rest of Australia, plan ahead with a secure, familiar space indoors and background noise like a television or radio.
What treats can I safely give my dog at Christmas?
The good news is there are plenty of festive-feeling options that won't land you at the emergency vet. Small amounts of plain, unseasoned cooked turkey or chicken breast, with the skin and any cooked bones removed, make a nice addition to your dog's usual meal on the day.
Raw meaty bones such as our lamb marrow bones give your dog something to work on that's actually appropriate for their teeth and jaw, unlike a splintery cooked bone from the roast. A frozen stuffed toy or a small serve of pumpkin can also make a fun, safe addition to the day's festivities.
If you're looking to make Christmas Day feel a bit more special without derailing your dog's regular diet, consider a small top-up serve from our beef, chicken, or duck ranges rather than table scraps loaded with salt, fat, and seasoning.
What should I do if my dog eats something dangerous?
If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, grapes, onion, or anything else on the toxic list, don't wait to see if symptoms appear. Contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital straight away and be ready to describe roughly how much was eaten and when. Keeping packaging on hand can help your vet identify the exact ingredients quickly.
The RSPCA publishes a useful seasonal list of common toxic foods and plants each year, which is worth a quick read before the holidays get underway, especially if you're hosting for the first time or have a new puppy in the house.
Is Christmas a good time to bring home a new puppy?
Every year, shelters see a spike in surrendered dogs a few months after Christmas, often from impulse decisions made during the excitement of the season. Before bringing a puppy or dog home as a gift, think honestly about your daily routine and whether the household has the time for training and exercise once the holidays are over.
If you do welcome a new puppy this Christmas, getting their nutrition right from day one matters. Our meal planner quiz can help you work out a feeding plan suited to their breed, age, and size, and a sample pack is a low-pressure way to introduce raw feeding.
How can I make raw feeding part of a dog-safe Christmas?
One of the advantages of feeding raw year-round is that you already know exactly what's in your dog's bowl, which makes it much easier to keep festive extras in check without guessing at hidden salt, sugar, or seasoning. If you haven't made the switch yet, Christmas is as good a time as any to start planning for the new year ahead.
Whether you're in Sydney or elsewhere in Australia, having a clear, balanced base diet in place means the odd safe extra, like a raw meaty bone or a small serve of lean cooked turkey, fits in naturally without throwing off the rest of your dog's nutrition for the week.
Frequently asked questions about dogs and Christmas safety
Can dogs eat Christmas ham?
A small amount of lean, unseasoned ham occasionally is unlikely to cause harm, but ham is typically high in salt and fat, which can upset digestion or contribute to pancreatitis in sensitive dogs. It's best offered sparingly, if at all.
Is Christmas cake dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Christmas cake, pudding, and mince pies usually contain raisins, sultanas, or currants, all of which are linked to sudden kidney injury in dogs, along with rich amounts of sugar and fat that can trigger digestive upset.
Are candy canes bad for dogs?
Candy canes are a choking and blockage risk because of their shape and hardness, and some sugar-free versions contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs even in tiny amounts. Keep them well out of reach.
What Christmas plants are toxic to dogs?
Mistletoe, holly berries, and lilies can all cause vomiting or stomach upset if chewed or eaten. Poinsettia is generally mild but can still irritate the mouth and stomach, so it's sensible to display it somewhere your dog can't reach.
Can dogs have turkey at Christmas?
Plain, cooked turkey breast without skin, seasoning, or bones can be a safe addition in small amounts. Avoid the skin, gravy, and any cooked bones, which can splinter and cause internal injury.
Why do so many dogs end up in shelters after Christmas?
Impulse decisions made during the excitement of the holidays, combined with a lack of planning for the ongoing time, cost, and training commitment, are common reasons dogs are surrendered in the months following Christmas.
What should I keep in my dog's Christmas Day first aid kit?
Keep your regular vet's number and the nearest emergency animal hospital's details somewhere easy to find, along with any medications your dog normally takes. It's also worth noting the RSPCA's seasonal toxic food list in advance.
Is it safe to give my dog a raw meaty bone at Christmas?
Raw meaty bones, such as lamb marrow bones, are generally a safer chewing option than cooked bones from the roast, since raw bone is less likely to splinter. Always supervise chewing and choose a bone sized appropriately for your dog.
