What Not to Feed Pets During the Holidays (& Everyday)

Keeping Dogs & Cats Safe During Celebrations

The holidays are full of food, family, and festivities — but many of the dishes we love can be dangerous, or even life-threatening, for pets. Each year, emergency vet visits spike around the holidays due to accidental ingestion of unsafe foods.

At Mt. Pleasant Animal Rescue, we believe prevention is one of the most powerful ways to protect pets. Knowing which foods to avoid can help keep your furry family members safe, healthy, and out of harm’s way during celebrations.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or attending a gathering with pets nearby, here’s what to keep off their plates.

Foods Pets Should Never Have

Chocolate & Cocoa

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to both dogs and cats. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate, and cocoa powder are especially dangerous and can cause vomiting, tremors, seizures, or worse.

Keep away: brownies, cookies, cakes, hot cocoa, chocolate candy

Grapes, Raisins & Currants

Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs. The exact toxic compound is unknown, which makes these foods especially risky.

Keep away: fruit trays, raisin bread, stuffing with raisins, trail mix

Onions, Garlic & Leeks

These ingredients can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia in pets — whether raw, cooked, powdered, or dried.

Keep away: stuffing, gravy, casseroles, soups, seasoned meats

Alcohol & Foods Containing Alcohol

Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing issues, and dangerous drops in blood sugar or body temperature.

Keep away: beer, wine, cocktails, rum cake, desserts made with alcohol

Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)

Xylitol causes a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to dangerous drops in blood sugar and potential liver failure.

Keep away: sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, peanut butter, some medications

Fatty Foods & Cooked Bones

Rich, fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis, while cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injury.

Keep away: turkey skin, ham fat, bacon, gravy, cooked poultry bones

Macadamia Nuts

These nuts are toxic to dogs and can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, and fever.

Keep away: cookies, nut mixes, desserts

What About “Just a Little Bite?”

Even small tastes can add up especially with multiple guests offering “just one bite.” Many pets end up sick not from one large portion, but from repeated small indulgences throughout the day.

If you want to include your pet in the celebration, offer:

• their regular food

• vet-approved treats

• plain cooked meat (unseasoned, no bones)

• pet-safe chews or enrichment toys

Extra Holiday Safety Tips

• Keep food platters out of reach

• Secure trash cans and leftovers

• Remind guests not to feed pets

• Watch for dropped food during gatherings

Holiday Safety Goes Beyond the Table

Loud noises, unfamiliar guests, and changes in routine can add extra stress for pets during celebrations. In addition to food safety, it’s important to plan ahead for fireworks and noise-related anxiety.

👉 Be sure to read our New Year’s Eve Pet Safety Tips to learn how to help keep dogs and cats calm, secure, and safe during fireworks and celebrations.

Local Emergency Veterinary Clinics (After-Hours Care)

If you believe your pet has eaten something unsafe or is showing signs of distress, contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. Quick action can save lives.

For after-hours or emergency care in the Cabarrus County, North Carolina area:

• Carolina Emergency Veterinary Center (CEVC – Kannapolis)

  📍 Kannapolis📞 704-932-1182

• Carolina Veterinary Specialists (CVS – Matthews)

  📍 Matthews📞 704-815-3939

• Carolina Veterinary Specialists (CVS – Huntersville)

  📍 Huntersville📞 704-949-1100

• CARE | Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency

  📍 Charlotte📞 704-457-2300

Clinic hours and availability may vary. If possible, call ahead before arriving.

Protecting Pets Protects Our Community

Many dogs and cats available for adoption come into rescue because of preventable emergencies or accidents. A little awareness can spare pets discomfort and families heartbreak.

If you’re caring for a longtime pet or have recently welcomed home a new pet, these precautions help ensure a safe, healthy holiday season for everyone.

Thank you for helping keep pets safe, healthy, and loved, not just during the holidays, but all year long.

Holiday treats aren’t always pet-safe. Choosing the right food helps keep puppies and kittens healthy all season long.