The holidays come with rich foods, sugary desserts, and fun celebrations — but many of the foods we enjoy can be unsafe for dogs. Offering the right chews and treats during festive seasons helps keep your dog included without risking stomach upset, toxicity, or holiday emergencies.
What Holiday Treats Are Safe for Pets?
Most traditional holiday foods — chocolate desserts, gravy, stuffing, cookies, fruitcakes — are unsafe for dogs. Even small amounts can cause digestive issues or, in some cases, toxicity.
Safer holiday alternatives are simple, natural treats with predictable ingredients. Single-ingredient chews like Sweet Potato Slices, Lamb Lung, or Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Bites work well because they’re gentle, easy to digest, and free of the spices or additives common in holiday foods.
Many pet owners on r/dogs mention that they keep natural treats on hand during gatherings to prevent guests from sneaking table scraps — a very real holiday issue.
What Christmas Treats Can Dogs Have?
Dogs can enjoy festive treats as long as the ingredients stay simple and safe. Good Christmas-friendly options include:
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Soft jerky-style treats made from whole ingredients
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Single-ingredient chews like sweet potato or lung
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Light protein treats that won’t cause stomach upset
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Frozen or chilled versions of natural treats (nice for busy holiday homes)
For example, Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky is a great Christmas treat because it's flavorful but gentle — no spices, no sugar, no oils.
The AKC has a helpful list of safe holiday ingredients for dogs, and they emphasize avoiding anything seasoned, sweetened, or glazed.
Holiday Foods That Are Safe in Small Portions
While most festive dishes should be avoided, there are a few plain, dog-safe options:
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Plain cooked turkey (no skin, no seasoning)
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Steamed sweet potato
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Plain green beans
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Small amounts of unseasoned pumpkin
But treats should still follow the 90/10 rule:
90% of calories from balanced dog food, 10% or less from treats, even during holidays.
That’s why using clean snacks like Sweet Potato Slices, Lamb Lung, or Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Bites is safer than relying on modified table foods.
What Are Frozen Treats for Dogs on Hot Holiday Days?
Many families celebrate Christmas or holidays in warm climates. Frozen dog treats can keep your pup cool and entertained while guests are around.
Easy safe options include:
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Frozen broth cubes
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Frozen plain yogurt bites
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Frozen fruit like seedless watermelon (holiday-themed and hydrating)
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Frozen natural treats (Sweet Potato Slices freeze especially well)
Dog owners often share their simple frozen treat hacks on platforms like Dogster and Reddit, and the ideas are always the same: keep it simple, keep it clean, and keep it cold.
Holiday-Friendly Chews to Offer Instead of Table Food
During gatherings, it’s helpful to give your dog something to enjoy while everyone else eats, especially if they tend to hover around the dining table.
Great festive-season options include:
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Sweet Potato Slices – safe, seasonal, and can be chilled
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Lamb Lung – light crunch with no risk of greasy stomach issues
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Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Bites – high-value reward without holiday additives
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Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky – perfect for a holiday “special treat” without the danger of Christmas foods
These treats help redirect your dog’s attention away from table scraps, which are often salty, fatty, or toxic.
Final Thoughts
Holidays are fun for the whole family, but food safety matters — especially with excited guests, dropped food, and tempting smells everywhere. By using natural, gentle chews like Sweet Potato Slices, Lamb Lung, or Chicken & Sweet Potato Jerky, you can keep your dog happy and included without risking the dangers of holiday dishes.
The key is to stay festive but simple: safe ingredients, clean treats, and no holiday spices or sugary add-ons. Your dog will enjoy the season just as much — safely.