Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Pets: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Pet Safe

The holiday season is full of family gatherings, festive meals, and plenty of delicious treats. While it’s a joyful time for us, it can be accidentally dangerous for our pets, especially when curious noses end up near the dinner table or food-filled trash. Many traditional holiday foods can cause serious illness in dogs and cats, even in small amounts.

At Cumberland Animal Hospital, we want to help keep your pets safe this winter. Here’s a guide to the most common holiday foods that can harm pets and what to do if your furry friend gets into something they shouldn’t.

1. Turkey Bones & Fat Trimmings

It’s tempting to slip your pet a piece of turkey, but bones, especially cooked bones, can splinter and cause:

• choking
• intestinal blockages
• internal perforations

Fatty skin or drippings may cause pancreatitis, a painful inflammatory condition that often requires emergency care.

Pet-safe alternative: small amounts of plain, cooked turkey breast with no seasoning.

2. Stuffing & Casseroles

Many holiday sides contain onions, garlic, leeks, and shallots, all of which are toxic to pets. These ingredients can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Even small amounts may cause vomiting, weakness, and lethargy.

Pet-safe alternative: plain cooked veggies like green beans or carrots.

3. Chocolate & Holiday Sweets

Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that pets can’t metabolize well. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous. Symptoms include:

• vomiting
• rapid heart rate
• tremors
• seizures

Also, beware of baked goods containing xylitol, a sugar substitute that can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.

4. Grapes, Raisins & Fruitcakes

Even a single grape or raisin can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, depending on their size. Since raisin-containing foods, like fruitcake, trail mix, or holiday breads, are common this time of year, keep them well out of reach.

5. Ham & Salty Meats

Ham, cured meats, and heavily seasoned holiday roasts contain extremely high levels of salt and fat. Too much can cause:

• vomiting and diarrhea
• dehydration
• salt toxicity
• pancreatitis

Pet-safe alternative: commercially made holiday pet treats or vet-approved chews.

6. Alcohol & Eggnog

Alcoholic drinks left on coffee tables are easy for pets to access during gatherings. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and body temperature.

Eggnog is another concern, it often contains alcohol, nutmeg, and lots of sugar.

7. Yeast Dough

If you bake homemade rolls or breads, keep raw yeast dough far from pets. The dough can expand in the stomach, causing painful and potentially life-threatening bloating. Fermenting yeast also produces alcohol internally.

What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Dangerous

Give us a call if you suspect your pet ate a toxic or unsafe food. Timing matters, and early treatment leads to better outcomes.

Cumberland Animal Hospital
Phone: (910) 822-3337
Address: 1731 Convoy Lane, Fayetteville, NC 28303

You can also contact Pet Poison Helpline or ASPCA Poison Control, but do not wait if your pet is showing symptoms.

Pet Poison Hotline: (855) 764-7661

ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

A Safe & Happy Holiday for Every Pet

With a little preparation, you can keep holiday meals both festive and safe. Remind guests not to slip pets table scraps, secure trash cans, and provide pet-friendly treats so your furry family members can join the celebration without risk.

If you’d like help preparing your pet for winter or scheduling a wellness exam, Cumberland Animal Hospital is here for you all season long.