Dog-Friendly Christmas Dinner
Christmas is a time for celebration, family, and delicious meals – so why let your furry friends miss out (they are a part of the family, after all!). But creating a Christmas dinner that’s safe for pups requires careful planning and consideration to ensure your pet enjoys a safe and nutritious meal.
Here’s a handy guide to crafting a tail-wagging Christmas meal for your dog, foods to avoid, and how to create special treats designed just for them.
Which Christmas Foods Are Dog Friendly?
When preparing a dog-friendly Christmas dinner, the key is choosing savoury, wholesome foods that align with your pet’s dietary needs.
Here are some safe and delicious options to include:
Lean Meats: turkey and chicken can be excellent sources of protein for your dog. Ensure they are thoroughly cooked, free from added oils, seasonings or marinades, and stripped of any skin or bones (as these can splinter and cause choking hazards).
Vegetables: many vegetables served during Christmas dinner are healthy and tasty for dogs, especially carrots and green vegetables such as green beans and Brussel sprouts. When cooked plain (with no added butter or oils), they’re a safe and nutrient-rich choice.
Pumpkin or Squash: plain, cooked pumpkin or squash is a festive addition to your dog’s meal, which is rich in vitamins and gentle on their digestive system.
Cranberries: in small quantities, cranberries can be a festive and antioxidant-rich treat. Avoid any sweetened varieties or cranberry sauces, which often contain added sugar or harmful ingredients such as xylitol.
Which Christmas Foods Should You Avoid?
Some traditional Christmas foods are unsafe for dogs. Here are the main culprits to steer clear of:
Chocolate: chocolate contains theobromine, a compound toxic to dogs. Even in small quantities, this can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or serious complications.
Mince Pies and Christmas Puddings: these festive staples are often full of raisins, currants or sultanas – all of which are toxic to our furry friends. As well as this, their high alcohol and sugar content can pose additional risks.
Onions and Garlic: common ingredients in stuffing, gravy, and other dishes – onions and garlic can damage a dog’s red blood cells.
Fatty Foods: fatty cuts of meat, butter, or creamy dishes can trigger pancreatitis and other complications in dogs.
Making Your Dog Their Own Dog-Friendly Dinner with Pointer Treats;
Why not go the extra mile for your furry friend and prepare a dedicated Christmas meal, especially for them?
Pointer Pet Foods offers a wide variety of safe and tasty options to help you craft a feast tailored to your needs. Consider pairing your favourite treat with the safe foods mentioned above for a meal that’s nutritious and indulgent.
For example, you could craft a ‘Christmas dinner bowl’ featuring:
Slices of plain cooked turkey or chicken
Steamed green beans or carrots
A few crumbled Grain Free Stars with Turkey for an added crunch and flavour
For Afterwards: Sweet Dog-Friendly Puddings
Whilst savoury options are safer, it’s still possible to treat your dog to something sweet – provided it’s specifically designed for pets.
Take a look at our Great British Bark Off recipes for everything from dog-safe cupcakes to delicious biscuits, to even a pooch-approved rocky road. All recipes are easy to follow, completely safe for dogs, and add a fun festive ending for your pup’s big day!
Indulge your furry friend by treating them to a Pointer Christmas Bone. Coated in tasty yoghurt and topped with cranberry sprinkles, they’re the perfect gift to spoil your four-legged friends.
Final Tips to Consider:
Portion Control
Even dog-safe foods should be served in moderation to avoid overfeeding. Don’t overdo it – our furry friends have much smaller stomachs than us!
Avoid Table Scraps
Feeding your dog directly from the table can encourage bad habits and foods may have been cross contaminated. Instead, serve their own meal in their own bowl.
Supervision
Always keep an eye on your dog to ensure they don’t sneak any harmful foods.
Hydration
Always provide plenty of fresh water alongside their meal.
By following our safe tips and focusing on dog-safe foods, you can ensure your furry friends have a very merry Christmas meal that is delicious and nutritious.
Happy holidays to you and your pup, from Pointer!
