🎄 Holiday Foods Dogs Should Avoid: Keep Your Pup Safe This Christmas | Fetch Pet Boutique Etobicoke

(Please note: the below blog is for informational purposes only. It is NOT advice. Always consult your veterinarian for expert advice about your pet and their diet.)

Holiday Foods Dogs Should Avoid: 🎄 Christmas Treats That Can Harm Your Pup

The holidays bring out the best parts of winter in Etobicoke — family time, snowy walks, warm dinners, and plenty of festive treats. But while many Christmas foods are safe (and delicious!) for us humans, some can be dangerous for dogs, even in small amounts. At Fetch Pet Boutique, we talk to pet parents every year about accidental holiday snacking and tummy troubles, so we’ve put together this helpful guide to keep your pup safe and feeling their best this season.

Whether you're hosting, cooking or visiting loved ones, here are the top holiday foods your dog should never have — plus what you may wish to offer instead.

Why Christmas Foods Can Be Risky for Dogs

Dogs are part of the family, and it’s tempting to include them in the holiday feast. The problem? Many traditional Christmas dishes contain rich fats, sugars, spices or ingredients toxic to dogs that can lead to:

Because we want every pup in West Toronto and Etobicoke to enjoy a safe and joyful holiday, let’s look at the foods most likely to cause issues.

Foods to Keep Away From Dogs During the Holidays

1. 🦃 Turkey Bones & Fatty Skin

Turkey is a Christmas staple, but dogs should never eat:

If your dog reacts to rich foods easily, even small scraps can cause an upset stomach.

Safe alternative:

Choose a high-quality, protein-rich kibble or freeze-dried topper instead. ACANA, Orijen, Stella & Chewy's, Open Farm and GO! Solutions, all offer nutrient-dense poultry recipes perfect for dogs who love holiday flavours. You may even wish to spoil your pup with raw poultry offerings: Big Country Raw, Iron Will Raw, Back2Raw, Just Raw, among others!

2. 🍫 Chocolate (All Types)

Chocolate is one of the most common holiday hazards. It contains theobromine, a compound dogs can’t metabolize.

The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.

Signs of chocolate toxicity include:

Keep it away: brownies, chocolate-covered nuts, advent calendar treats, hot chocolate packets and baking chocolate.

Safe alternative:

If your dog loves treats, offer festive-themed biscuits or “safe holiday chews” from our shop instead. They're absolutely love Bosco & Roxy's cookies, Bocce Bakery's holiday choices and Earth Animal holiday chews!

3. 🍇 Grapes, Raisins & Holiday Baking

From fruitcake to Christmas cookies, raisins appear everywhere during the season. Unfortunately, grapes, raisins and currants are extremely toxic to dogs and can cause sudden kidney failure.

This includes:

Safe alternative:

Try a freeze-dried fruit treat like blueberries from Loopy Paws or dehydrated sweet potatoes from Crumps Naturals. Even better? Stop by Fetch for a Fidovet Panettone - a Made-in-Italy, dog-safe holiday treat!

4. 🧅 Onions, Garlic & Savoury Stuffing

Stuffing may smell irresistible to dogs, but it’s full of ingredients they shouldn’t have. Onions, garlic and other alliums can damage a dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.

This includes:

Safe alternative:

If you want to treat your pup, choose a simple, dog-safe bone broth topper from Tom&Sawyer or Open Farm, or raw goats milk Big Country Raw!

5. Rich Gravy & Creamy Sauces

Holiday gravy is usually salty, fatty and filled with onions or garlic — a triple threat for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Creamy dishes like scalloped potatoes or casseroles can also cause:

Safe alternative:

A spoonful of plain Weruva pumpkin purée (not pie filling!) is safe, healthy, and great for digestion. Other options include pure pumpkin powder from Blends for Life or Thrive Supplements! 

6. 🍖 Ham, Bacon & Salted Meats

Smoked holiday meats are high in sodium and fat, which can quickly overwhelm a dog’s system.

Too much salt can cause:

Safe alternative:

Lean, freeze-dried meats — such as Benny Bully’s freeze-dried treats — are a healthier, safer choice.

7. 🍸 Alcohol & Holiday Drinks

Eggnog, mulled wine, holiday cocktails and even alcohol-infused desserts can be dangerous for pets.

Dogs are highly sensitive to alcohol, and even a small amount can cause:

Safe alternative:

Fresh water in a festive bowl — simple, safe, and refreshing after a snowy walk! Alternatively, you may wish to spoil them with some Happy Days raw goats milk, a sure palette pleaser. 

8. 🍬 Xylitol in Sugar-Free Sweets

More holiday treats are being made sugar-free, but many use xylitol, a sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. It can cause rapid drops in blood sugar and liver failure.

Look out for xylitol in:

Safe alternative:

Stick to dog-safe cookies, natural treats, or premium wet food with simple, wholesome ingredients. Consider Bocce Bakery's, Bosco & Roxy's and Oven-Baked Tradition baked treats. 

Holiday Foods That Are Safe for Dogs (in Moderation)

If you’d like to include your pup in the holiday festivities, here are a few safe options:

Still, keep portions small — holiday food can be rich, and digestion is extra sensitive during the winter.

Holiday Safety Tips for Pet Parents in Toronto

1. Watch the garbage closely

Turkey bones, chocolate wrappers, and food scraps are irresistible to dogs. Make sure the garbage lid is always closed.

2. Ask guests not to feed the dog

A simple, “He’s on a special diet!” works wonders.

3. Keep food on high counters

Especially during busy gatherings.

4. Stick to your dog’s regular diet

Sudden changes can cause stomach upset — especially in winter months.

Final Thoughts: Keep the Season Merry (and Safe!) for Your Dog

Christmas in Etobicoke is a magical time, and with a little planning, your pup can enjoy the holidays safely. By avoiding risky foods and offering dog-appropriate alternatives, you’ll help your pet stay healthy, happy and ready for snowy adventures all season long.

If you need safe treats, premium pet food or holiday grooming before family photos:

👉 Browse our premium dog food selection online
👉 Book your dog’s grooming appointment today
👉 Visit us at Fetch Pet Boutique at Rathburn & Islington for friendly, expert advice