Does your pup get joyful and triumphant over holiday table scraps?

It happened. Your entire batch of green bean casserole just fell onto the kitchen floor. As you scurry to scoop up the mess, your dogs come running in full charge, and like something out of a horror film, they gobble up the mess just as quickly as you dropped it. And now, your panic over wasted food turns quickly into panic over ingested food. For many of us, this scene is all too familiar, yet it happens more often than we’d like to admit. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared!

So let’s rewind. Before this potential scenario occurs — because it could by either dropped food, scrappy table manners, or your 8-year-old nephew hand feeding under the table … ugghh — here are 28 foods and spices both safe or toxic for your dog to eat over the holidays.

Safe

Toxic

Signs your dog has ingested something (or too much of something) they shouldn’t have:

  • Lethargy
  • Salivation
  • Decreased appetite
  • Excessive thirst or urination
  • Uncontrollable shaking
  • Weakness
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Disorientation
  • Coordination Problems

Our best advice is to be cognizant of your kitchen surroundings when preparing for all the upcoming holiday meals. Toxic ingestions increase during this time of year and we want your companion animals safe. Keep items stored high in cupboards and pushed away from the edge of kitchen countertops when cooking.

If you feel your dog has ingested something (or too much of something) they shouldn’t have, call your vet or local emergency clinic as soon as possible. Consult with your vet before ever feeding your dog something new.

Looking for pet insurance coverage that will help you care for your pet during holiday (and year-round) mishaps? We’ve got your back.

Shayne Storey with her friend, Helga, the pig!SHAYNE STOREY
Marketing Specialist

Shayne has a few years experience in digital marketing, content creation and animal care, with her previous role as New Media Intern at The Humane League. In her free-time she loves to cycle (with her dog on her back) and practice yoga. A social cause she cares about is climate change, the welfare of factory farmed animals, and racial equality. Her favorite food is vegan mac & cheese.

toxic food for dogs