What Not to Feed Your Dog at Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but it can also be one of the riskiest seasons for our dogs. As a professional dog trainer, I see a spike in preventable health and behaviour issues every December, often linked to festive foods. Good dog training helps with manners and impulse control but knowing what not to feed your dog at Christmas is just as important.

Living and working in Melbourne, I often remind families that many traditional Christmas foods are dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. No matter how well your dog responds during dog training sessions, it’s unfair to expect them to make safe choices when tempting food is within reach.

Christmas Foods That Are Toxic for Dogs

One of the most common hazards is grapes and raisins. These are highly toxic to dogs and can cause sudden kidney failure. They’re often hidden in festive treats, so foods like Christmas cake and pudding are especially risky.

Onions are another big no-no. Whether raw, cooked, or powdered, onions damage a dog’s red blood cells and can lead to serious illness. Many gravies, stuffing, and leftovers contain onions without people realising.

Macadamia nuts are extremely toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and lethargy. Even a small handful can lead to an emergency vet visit.

Uncooked dough containing yeast is particularly dangerous. As the dough rises in your dog’s stomach, it can cause painful bloating and alcohol poisoning. I’ve personally seen dogs rushed to emergency clinics after stealing bread dough from kitchen benches.

You should also avoid feeding cooked bones, especially from poultry or roasts. Cooked bones splinter easily and can cause choking, internal injuries, or blockages. Ham and other cured meats are also unsafe due to their high salt and preservative content, which can stress your dog’s organs.

And of course, remember chocolate is also toxic to dogs.

Training, Safety, and Festive Boundaries

This is where dog training really matters. Teaching your dog to settle, stay out of the kitchen, and ignore dropped food can genuinely save their life. I often tell clients that dog training isn’t just about behaviour—it’s about safety.

If you’re in Melbourne and searching for “dog training near me”, setting clear food boundaries should be part of your plan. I include festive-specific strategies in my dog training programs because Christmas presents unique challenges for dogs and owners alike.

If you’d like to learn more about keeping your dog calm and safe during the holidays, you can visit my website to view the many educational blogs, one specific blog that is related is “the importance of canine nutrition”.

For safe, dog-friendly treats and enrichment ideas, I recommend checking out Animal World of Boronia, a trusted local pet supply business many Melbourne dog owners rely on.

At the end of the day, I want dogs to enjoy Christmas too—but safely. With smart choices, supervision, and consistent dog training, you can enjoy the festive season without an emergency vet visit ruining the celebration.

Written by Emilia Borkowski 

24.12.25

Images credited to:

Charles Deluvio , Freestocks and Jed Owen