A Dog-Safe Christmas: Festive Foods, Training Treats, and Tips

Christmas is a time for delicious food, family gatherings, and plenty of festive cheer. While the season can be exciting for us, it can also be overwhelming for our dogs. With so many new sights, smells, and sounds—not to mention tempting food—it’s essential to keep our dogs’ safety and well-being in mind. Here’s a guide to building a dog-safe Christmas roast, foods to avoid, a festive training treat recipe, and tips on creating a peaceful spot where your dog can relax when the celebrations get too lively.

Building a Christmas Roast for Your Dog

If you’d like to give your dog a special Christmas meal, you can safely include a few traditional roast dinner ingredients. Here’s how to build a festive, dog-safe roast that mirrors the family meal:

1. Turkey (Boneless and Skinless) - Cooked turkey is a lean protein that’s safe and nutritious for dogs. Just make sure to remove the skin, bones, and any seasoning, as these can be harmful.

2. Sweet Potatoes - Cooked sweet potatoes are rich in fibre and vitamins. Serve them mashed or cut into small chunks. I won’t tell anyone if you treat your dog to the odd roast potato, though. It is Christmas after all!

3. Carrots - Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene and fibre, and their natural sweetness is appealing to most dogs. Serve them cooked or raw.

4. Green Beans - Green beans are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a healthy addition to your dog’s Christmas roast.

5. Brussels Sprouts - Brussels sprouts are safe for dogs in moderation.

6. Parsnips - Parsnips are packed with vitamins and minerals, and their slightly sweet taste is often appealing to dogs. Serve them steamed or roasted plain, with no added salt or oil.

7. Cranberries - Fresh or unsweetened dried cranberries add a festive touch, but only a few are needed. These can be chopped and sprinkled on top of your dog’s Christmas meal for an extra treat.

Dog-Safe Gravy for a Festive Finishing Touch

A Christmas roast wouldn’t be complete without gravy! Here’s an easy dog-safe gravy recipe to add some festive flair to your dog’s meal:

Ingredients

• 1 cup low-salt chicken or turkey broth (make sure it’s free from onion, garlic, or added seasoning)

• 1/2 cup cooked, mashed butternut squash

• 1 teaspoon plain, unsweetened yoghurt (optional for creaminess)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Simply add to a blender and whizz together.

2. Heat and Stir: Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring until it’s well combined and has a smooth consistency.

3. Add Yoghurt (Optional): For a creamier texture, add a teaspoon of plain yoghurt once it’s off the heat and stir.

4. Cool and Serve: Let the gravy cool slightly before pouring a small amount over your dog’s Christmas roast.

This dog-safe gravy is a festive addition without any harmful ingredients, letting your dog enjoy a special meal safely.

Christmas Foods to Avoid for Dogs

While some festive foods are safe for dogs in moderation, others can be harmful. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Chocolate - Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Keep all chocolates, including advent calendars and selection boxes, safely out of reach.

2. Grapes, Raisins, and Currants - Found in Christmas puddings and mince pies, these can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.

3. Onions and Chives - Often found in stuffing and other dishes, these can damage a dog’s red blood cells.

4. Alcohol and Caffeine - Alcohol is dangerous for dogs, and caffeine can cause hyperactivity and other issues, so be mindful of any festive drinks left within reach.

5. Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener) - Found in some sugar-free treats and peanut butters, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs and should always be avoided.

Recipe: Festive Sweet Potato and Cranberry Training Treats

If you’d like to make some Christmas treats for training and rewarding, here’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for silicone moulds. With dog-safe ingredients like sweet potato and cranberries, they’re a healthy option for rewarding good behaviour during the season.

I bought mine from Amazon.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato

• 2 tbsp unsweetened dried cranberries, finely chopped

• 1 egg

• 1 cup plain yoghurt (unsweetened)

• 1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat, brown rice, or chickpea flour)

• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven - Set your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Prepare the Mixture - Add the mashed sweet potato, flour, egg, yoghurt, cinnamon (if using) and cranberries to a blender. Blend until smooth.

3. Fill the Silicone Mould - Spoon the batter into each cell of your silicone mould, pressing it down to fill each cell evenly. Smooth the tops.

4. Bake - Place the mould on a baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the treats are set and golden on top. Baking time may vary depending on the size of your mould, so adjust as needed.

5. Cool and Remove - Allow the treats to cool completely in the mould before gently popping them out.

6. Storage - Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze to keep them fresh longer.

Creating a Quiet Space for Your Dog During Christmas

The festive season often means a busier home, with more noise, visitors, and general excitement—things that can easily overwhelm dogs. Creating a quiet space for your dog where they can retreat from the activity is essential to their well-being. This could be a crate, a separate room, or just a cosy corner with their bed and a familiar blanket.

Dogs need regular rest to stay calm and balanced. Overstimulation and lack of sleep can lead to stress and even behavioural issues, as dogs rely on down time to regulate their emotions. A designated quiet area lets them recharge and helps them feel secure, especially if the household gets lively.

Tips for Supporting Your Dog’s ‘Down Time’

• Encourage Regular Breaks: Make sure your dog has a chance to rest away from the commotion, especially if guests are visiting.

• Provide Enrichment in Their Space: Leaving a chew toy or interactive puzzle in their quiet area can help them relax and stay settled.

• Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog for using their quiet space so they associate it with positive experiences.

Taking Time for Training and Enrichment During Christmas

While Christmas is a busy time, setting aside a few moments for your dog can help keep them engaged and happy. Whether it’s practising basic commands or setting up a “find-it” game, these small moments help reinforce their skills and provide mental stimulation. A quick training session or some time with a snuffle mat or puzzle toy can also help them feel involved in the Christmas excitement.

Here are a few easy enrichment ideas:

• Scattering treats in a snuffle mat for a fun “foraging” experience

• Using puzzle toys with the homemade treats as rewards

• A festive “find-it” game, hiding treats around the room for your dog to sniff out

These activities are a simple way to give your dog focused attention and enrich their day. Plus, they can help manage their energy when things get busy at home.

With these safe festive foods, a special Christmas roast with dog-safe gravy, and a few moments for training, enrichment, and down time, you can keep your dog happily engaged this Christmas. And if you’re in Colchester and need extra help with walks or training over the season, I’m here to support you both. Get in touch for reliable care that lets you enjoy a stress-free Christmas!

I am part of an amazing blog circle with other canine professionals, please click the link below to see the Aggie’s Dog Walks & Pet Services, for more festive tips to help your dog throughout the festive period.

Christmas with Dogs - A Festive Guide for a Happy Pup