We thought it would be a good reminder to all doggo parents this festive season that no matter how tempting it is to treat our dogs to more than their standard fare of regular dog food, you should think twice before doing it.

Most of us would love to give our dog a little holiday cheer by showering them with delicious treats, and in particular, more table scraps. After all, who can resist those puppy eyes?

Nevertheless, it’s important to remind ourselves of what our dogs can and cannot eat. Can dogs eat cheese? Can dogs eat potatoes? Can dogs eat peanuts? Can dogs eat rice? These are all valid questions to ask! Some seemingly normal foods are actually toxic and poisonous to our furry friends. It is always advisable to do your research or speak to your vet before feeding anything you are unsure of to your dog.

Let’s take a look at 5 toxic foods your dog cannot eat, plus great alternatives that are non-toxic and safe for your dogs! 

#1 Macadamia Nuts

It’s good to know that not all nuts pose harm to your dog’s health, but nuts technically don’t add much value to a dog’s diet and should generally be avoided. 

Macadamia nuts, however, are some of the most poisonous foods for dogs.

Part of the Protaceae family, if consumed by a dog, Macadamia nuts can cause anything from vomiting and fever to the inability to walk and lethargy. Worst of all, they can have an adverse effect to your pup’s nervous system.

Instead, if you want to go the extra mile this festive season, make Puppy Cake Microwaveable Cake Mix (Red Velvet) for your dog!

#2 Chocolate

Another common human treat during Christmas, it might be tempting to offer a little chocolate to your pup this holiday. But chocolate contains a substance called methylxanthines, which can be extremely dangerous for dogs.

It can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, seizures, irregular heart function and in some cases, death. If your pup ingests any chocolate, make sure to contact a veterinarian right away.

A better sweet treat for dogs is Grandma Lucy’s Organic Oven Baked Banana & Sweet Potato Dog Treat! With no artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors, this delicious and healthy dog treat is delicious and packed with nutrients. 

#3 Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a familiar holiday topping on many desserts and drinks, but in reality, they can have a harmful effect on dogs. 

While not strictly poisonous to dogs, cinnamon can irritate your dog’s mouth, making them very uncomfortable. It may also lower your dog’s blood sugar, leading to diarrhoea, vomiting and on extended exposure, liver disease.

In its powdered form, cinnamon and other similar powders can cause difficulty in breathing, coughing and even choking. Steer your pup clear of any human food that contains cinnamon!

#4 Grapes/Raisins

While it’s not exactly known why grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs, it’s still vital to keep them away from our pups.

Grapes and raisins can cause your dog to experience decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration. Instead, offer your pup other delicious fruits and berries safe for them like bananas and blueberries!

For extra convenience, go for Fruitables dog treats range with enticing flavours such as Greek Strawberry Yogurt, Watermelon and Apple Bacon. 

#5 Avocados

Avocados contain a chemical called Persin and is highly toxic to dogs when consumed. Because of the high conentration of Persin in the leaves, bark and seeds of avocados, it is best to keep your dog away from it!

Great Alternatives

If you are still keen to feed your dog some food safe for both humans and dogs, here are some human foods dogs can eat: 

• Fruits: Apples, Bananas, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Pumpkin
• Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Celery, Kale, Spinach

And if you’re one that loves a little bit of creativity, there are many fun KONG stuffing ideas using KONG toys like the KONG Classic Dog Toy. Have some fun stuffing healthy treats for your dog like yogurt, peanut butter and some fruits and vegetables. Freeze it for that extra kick.

For a more convenient yet classy alternative, GDP’s Free-Range Soft Treats Premium Christmas Box contains some of the healthiest and tastiest treats. Shower your pup with plenty of love and delicious today with Dear Deer treats!

Happy Holidays and stay safe!

Editor’s Note: 

GDP supports ethical and responsible dog ownership and you can be assured that all the products featured on our online store are responsible products. You may check out our Academy to learn more about various interesting topics that might guide you to becoming an even better dog owner for your furry friend. If products listed below are 'out of stock', that means they are super popular, but before you get disappointed, check out the drop down bar to discover other flavours or sizes. 

Tammi writes articles about anything from data analytics to animal health, and loves doing the occasional craft. But most importantly, she loves hanging out and doing photo-shoots with her dog.