Holiday Food Dangers for Pets
Holiday tables are full of tempting foods, but many seasonal favorites can make dogs and cats sick. Learn which foods are risky, what warning signs to watch for, and when to contact a veterinarian right away.
When to call a vet about holiday food exposure
Go to the ER now
- ● Call an emergency veterinarian immediately if your pet ate chocolate, xylitol-sweetened candy or baked goods, grapes or raisins, alcohol, raw yeast dough, or cooked bones and is showing signs such as collapse, seizures, tremors, trouble breathing, severe weakness, or repeated vomiting.
- ● Seek urgent care right away if your pet may have swallowed a bone and is choking, gagging, has abdominal pain, or cannot keep food or water down.
- ● Go to an emergency clinic immediately if your pet has sudden disorientation, severe lethargy, stumbling, or a bloated or painful abdomen after eating holiday foods.
See a vet within 24 hours
- ● Call your veterinarian promptly if your pet ate a known toxic food even if signs have not started yet, because some poisonings can be delayed.
- ● Contact your vet the same day for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, restlessness, increased thirst, pacing, or decreased appetite after getting into table scraps, rich foods, or desserts.
- ● Call your vet if your pet may have eaten onions, garlic, chives, stuffing, gravy, or other seasoned leftovers.
Watch at home, call if it worsens
- ● If your pet only had a tiny amount of a non-toxic plain food and is acting normally, monitor closely for stomach upset and call your vet if any symptoms develop.
- ● Mild, short-lived stomach upset may still deserve a call if your pet is very young, elderly, has underlying disease, or is prone to pancreatitis.
- ● When you are not sure what was eaten, how much was eaten, or whether an ingredient was toxic, call your vet for guidance rather than waiting.
Top Dangers This Season
Chocolate
Chocolate contains methylxanthines that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases death. Dark and baking chocolate are especially concerning.
Xylitol-sweetened treats
Sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and some peanut butters may contain xylitol. In dogs, xylitol can cause rapid low blood sugar and potentially liver injury.
Grapes and raisins
Even small amounts can be dangerous for dogs and may lead to acute kidney injury. Raisins may be hidden in stuffing, desserts, fruitcake, and snack mixes.
Cooked bones and greasy leftovers
Cooked bones can splinter and injure the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines. Fatty meat, skin, gravy, and drippings can trigger severe stomach upset or pancreatitis.
Onions, garlic, and chives
These ingredients are common in holiday dishes and can be toxic to dogs and cats. Seasoned foods, stuffing, casseroles, and gravies are common hidden sources.
Alcohol and raw yeast dough
Alcohol can quickly cause dangerous intoxication in pets. Raw yeast dough can expand in the stomach and also create alcohol as it ferments.
How to Keep Your Pet Safe
Keep holiday meals, desserts, candy bowls, and leftovers out of reach at all times.
Ask guests not to feed table scraps or sneak treats.
Check ingredient labels on baked goods, candy, gum, and peanut butter for xylitol.
Dispose of bones, food wrappers, string, and greasy leftovers in a secured trash can.
Avoid feeding rich, fatty, spicy, or heavily seasoned foods, even if they are not formally toxic.
Store raisins, grapes, chocolate, alcohol, and dough well above counter level.
If you want to share the celebration, offer your pet a veterinarian-approved treat instead of holiday food.
For pets on prescription diets or with pancreatitis, diabetes, kidney disease, or food sensitivities, be extra strict about preventing access to people food.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Stay calm and remove any remaining food from your pet's reach.
Check the package or recipe and write down exactly what your pet may have eaten, how much, and when.
Call your veterinarian right away if the food may have contained chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, yeast dough, or bones.
Do not wait for symptoms to start, because some toxic effects can be delayed.
Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison expert specifically tells you to do so.
Bring the product label, ingredient list, or recipe with you if your pet needs in-person care.
If your pet is choking, collapsed, having seizures, or struggling to breathe, go to the nearest emergency animal hospital immediately.
Holiday food danger FAQs
What holiday foods are most dangerous for pets?
Can a small amount of holiday food really hurt my pet?
What symptoms should I watch for after my pet eats holiday food?
Should I make my pet vomit if they ate something dangerous?
When should I call a vet instead of monitoring at home?
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Reading this content does not establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Every pet is different — always consult a licensed veterinarian before making decisions about your pet's health, diet, or care. If you'd like personalized guidance, you can talk to one of our vets. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency animal hospital immediately.