Keeping Your Pets Healthy This Christmas – Food Guide

Chocolate – The chemical theobromine, which in a way is like caffeine, is found in chocolate and is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause agitation, hyperexcitability, tremors, convulsions and problems with the heart. The darker the chocolate, the more potent levels of theobromine become – with baker’s chocolate one of the most dangerous.

Nutmeg – Nutmeg is also a very toxic food for dogs, containing a toxin called myristicin which is extremely poisonous.

Grapes and raisins – Grapes and their dried products (currants, sultanas and raisins) are toxic to dogs. Ingestion of even a small quantity can cause severe kidney failure. Don’t forget this will include food items that contain dried fruits such as Christmas pudding and mince pies. Be aware that chocolate-coated raisins run the additional risk of chocolate toxicity.

Macadamia nuts – Macadamia nuts can cause lethargy, increased body temperature, tremor, lameness and stiffness in dogs.

Onions and garlic – Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives all belong to the Allium species of plants and can cause toxicity, whether uncooked or cooked. Initially there can be vomiting and diarrhoea, but the main effect is damage to red blood cells, resulting in anaemia. This may not be apparent for several days after ingestion.

Turkey skin, pork crackling, sausages and fatty meats – Unfortunately, these dog foods can be able to cause inflammation of the pancreas because of their high-fat content.

Alcohol – Dogs can exhibit severe central nervous system symptoms, hypothermia, vomiting, coma, and diarrhea from consuming alcohol or absorbing alcohol through their skin. As even small amounts of alcohol can trigger life threatening levels of toxicity, including a dangerous condition called metabolic acidosis.