Festive treats matter because dogs often face new scents, foods, and excitement at Christmas, and owners want to include them safely without risking digestive issues or toxic ingredients. Safe choices keep celebrations calm, joyful, and free from unnecessary vet visits.
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Our Top 10 tips for dog food this christmas
Fresh Turkey Pieces – Offer plain, cooked turkey breast with no skin, bones, seasoning, or gravy. Small bites only, given slowly, help avoid stomach upset and keep fat intake low while still giving your dog a festive taste.
Carrot Sticks – Use raw or lightly steamed carrots cut into thin strips. Serve chilled for a crunch. They’re low-calorie, safe, and soothing for teething or excitable dogs, making them an ideal Christmas nibble.
Homemade Dog Cookies – Bake simple biscuits using oat flour, mashed banana, and unsweetened peanut butter. Roll thin, bake until firm, cool completely, and serve in moderation. Avoid sugar, chocolate, or artifical sweeteners.
Frozen Yoghurt Drops – Blend plain Greek yoghurt with a little mashed strawberry or blueberry, then freeze in small silicone moulds. Serve one or two at a time as a gentle treat. Ensure the yoghurt is xylitol-free.
Stuffed Kong – Fill a Kong with mashed sweet potato or natural peanut butter, then freeze it for a longer-lasting treat. This keeps dogs entertained and prevents unwanted scavenging around the Christmas table.
Apple Slices – Serve thin slices with seeds removed. Apples offer fibre and a sweet crunch without the dangers of Christmas desserts. They help distract dogs from chasing after mince pies or pudding.
Soft Plush Toy – Choose a durable plush made with reinforced stitching, securely attached features, and no loose eyes or squeakers that could dislodge when chewed. Offer it during supervised moments on Christmas morning to prevent tearing or overstimulation caused by textures and sounds.
Winter Snuggle Blanket – Select a soft, washable blanket that retains warmth without overheating and place it near the tree or a quiet living area. A cosy resting spot helps your dog decompress from festive noise and guests, reducing anxious pacing
Holiday Puzzle Toy – Pick a sturdy puzzle feeder designed for dogs, fill it with safe treats like kibble or tiny carrot cubes, and introduce it slowly so excitement doesn’t turn into frustration. This keeps your dog mentally engaged while visitors arrive.
Festive Outdoor Walk – Give your dog an enriching Christmas walk with safe winter routes, reflective gear, and calm pacing. Let them explore seasonal scents, release stored energy, and decompress from indoor stimulation so they return relaxed rather than overwhelmed by the day’s activities.
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Summary of this article
A thoughtful festive season includes safe snacks, simple homemade treats, dog-friendly toys, slow introductions to new items, and careful avoidance of toxic Christmas foods to keep your dog relaxed.
From the experts – Keep dangerous foods like chocolate, raisins, stuffing, alcohol, and fatty meats completely out of reach. Stick to plain, simple, dog-safe ingredients in every treat. Introduce new festive items slowly, especially toys or foods, to avoid overstimulation.
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