This version combines the toxic produce from the first list with the premium holiday proteins from the second. It’s a comprehensive guide that covers everything from the "Feast of the Seven Fishes" to the traditional glazed ham.
The Naughty & Nice Holiday Food List For Pet Parents
Whether you’re serving a salt-cured ham, a buttery prime rib, or a traditional "Seven Fishes" spread, the holiday kitchen is a sensory wonderland for your pet. But while the smells are heavenly, many of our favorite traditions are hidden hazards for cats and dogs.
To keep your holiday "merry and bright" (and out of the emergency vet), here is our Naughty and Nice List for the modern holiday feast.
🔴 The Naughty List (Strictly Forbidden)
These items are toxic or cause serious internal damage. Do not share these, even in small amounts:
🔴 The "Flavor Bases" (Onions, Garlic, Leeks)
Whether they are in your stuffing or rubbed onto your Prime Rib, these cause oxidative damage to red blood cells.
🔴 Glazed Ham & Bacon
Ham is dangerously high in sodium and fat. It is a leading cause of pancreatitis in pets—a painful condition that requires immediate veterinary care.
🔴 Cooked Bones (Ham, Beef, or Poultry)
Cooked bones splinter easily. They can cause choking, broken teeth, or internal punctures.
🔴 Grapes & Raisins
Found in fruitcakes, salads, and charcuterie boards, these can cause acute kidney failure.
🔴 Chocolate, Caffeine & Xylitol
Keep the dessert tray high up. Xylitol (often found in "sugar-free" baked goods) is especially lethal to dogs.
🔴 Alcohol & Yeast Dough
Raw dough can expand in a pet's stomach, leading to bloating and alcohol poisoning.
🟡 The "Proceed With Caution" List
These are safe only if they are unseasoned and given in very small portions:
🟡 Lean Roast Beef or Lamb
A small, thin slice from the center of the roast is okay, provided it hasn't been touched by salt, garlic, or onion rubs.
🟡 Plain Fish (Salmon or White Fish)
Excellent for coat health, but it must be fully cooked and 100% free of bones. Avoid fried seafood or fish in heavy sauces.
🟡 Dairy (Cheese & Butter)
A tiny cube of cheese is a fine high-value treat, but too much dairy leads to major digestive upset.
🟢 The Nice List (The "Go-Ahead" Snacks)
Want to make them a special holiday plate? Stick to these pet-safe favorites:
🟢 Plain Pumpkin: (Pure puree only, not pie mix!)
Great for fiber and settling "holiday tummies."
🟢 Green Beans & Carrots
Crisp, low-calorie, and a great way to let them "crunch" along with the family.
🟢 Blueberries
A festive, antioxidant-rich treat.
🟢 Apples
A sweet snack (just ensure there are no seeds or core!).
The Secret to a Stress-Free Celebration
The safest way to include your pet in the festivities is to stick to their routine. Instead of risking a mishap with salty ham or fatty beef, treat them to a scoop of our Nice to Meat You USDA-Grade Beef Food or a handful of our Wild Sockeye Salmon Fishball Treats. You get the peace of mind, and they get a delicious feast designed just for them.