Ah, the holidays — sunshine, BBQs, and that glorious smell of food everywhere you turn.

While you’re stacking your plate with Christmas trifle and leftover sausages, your furry friend is probably giving you that look — the one that says, “Surely you’re going to share, right?”

We get it. It’s tempting to slip them a festive bite or two (or ten). But before you hand over that ham bone or leftover pudding, let’s chat about how to keep your pets safe, happy, and out of the emergency vet this silly season.

Chocolate Is Still a No-Go (Even at Christmas)

It’s festive, it’s everywhere, and it smells amazing — to both you and your dog. But chocolate is one of the biggest no-nos on the list of holiday hazards.

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that dogs (and cats) can’t metabolise. Even a small amount can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors, or worse.

So, keep the choccies and puddings far out of reach; even the “just one bite” rule doesn’t apply here. And if your dog does manage to swipe a choc-covered Santa, call your vet straight away because your holiday season just got even more expensive.

BBQ Leftovers Aren’t Treats (Sorry, Mate)

Aussie summer means barbies and while your dog might think burnt sausages and lamb chops are a five-star meal, their stomach would strongly disagree.

Greasy, salty, or fatty BBQ leftovers can lead to pancreatitis (a painful and dangerous inflammation of the pancreas). Bones, especially cooked ones, can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.

Instead, give them a treat that won’t land them in the vet’s office. Something wholesome, clean, and made with real ingredients (you know where to find those — Pet Food Australia).

Watch the Weather — Summer Heat + Pets = Trouble

Christmas in Australia isn’t snowflakes and hot cocoa. It’s sizzling footpaths and sticky sunscreen.

Make sure your pets always have:

Fresh, cool water available (and plenty of it).
Shady spots to rest when it’s hot.
Early morning or evening walks to avoid burnt paws.

And remember: if you wouldn’t walk barefoot on the road, neither should your dog.

Treats in Moderation (Even the Safe Ones)

Even pet-friendly foods need portion control. Too many treats (or sudden diet changes) can upset your pet’s tummy, and nobody wants that on Christmas morning.

Stick to their regular diet, and if you want to spoil them a little, choose healthy add-ons like:

A spoonful of hemp seed oil for a glossy coat.
A few blueberries or carrot sticks for a nutrient boost.
Or their favourite Pet Food Australia kibble served with extra love.

Keep an Eye on the Sneaky Stuff

During the holidays, your house becomes a minefield of “oops, dropped that” moments — skewers, toothpicks, onion scraps, mince pie crumbs... and that one prawn tail that got flicked under the table.

A quick clean-up after meals can save you a world of stress (and a hefty vet bill). Remember, pets don’t know what’s safe; that’s your job.

The Best Gift You Can Give? A Happy, Healthy Gut

Between the excitement, visitors, and table scraps, the holidays can be a lot for your pet’s digestion. A stable, nutrient-dense diet helps keep things balanced from the inside out — so they can enjoy the season by your side instead of at the vet.

All Pet Food Australia formulas are made right here in Australia, packed with:

Real, grain-free proteins.
Superfoods like hemp seed oil, turmeric, and coconut oil.
No fillers, no nasties, no fake stuff — ever.

Because while we love seeing pets enjoy a festive nibble, we love seeing them healthy, happy, and full of life even more.

This holiday season, share the love, not the leftovers.

Keep chocolate and fatty foods out of reach, serve fresh water instead of ham bones, and give your pets the gift of good health with real, wholesome nutrition.

Explore our grain-free, nutrient-rich recipes here and keep your pets thriving all summer long. Maybe even grab a few packs of treats for your pets to unwrap themselves on Christmas morning!