If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that dogs are opportunists.

And Christmas? That’s their Olympics.

You’re busy serving Christmas lunch, glance around, and realise the dog has gone suspiciously silent and nothing good ever follows that. The truth is, while we’re celebrating, our pets are eyeing off the world’s most dangerous holiday buffet.

So, in the spirit of keeping your dog alive, healthy, and not wanting to head to the emergency vet on Christmas morning, here’s the official Naughty List of the holiday foods your dog should NEVER steal… though they’ll absolutely try.

Ham & Fatty Meats (AKA: Pancreatitis Wrapped in Tinfoil)

Yes, we know. The smell of a Christmas ham is basically dog perfume.

But ham, pork crackling, and fatty cuts are disaster food for dogs.

High-fat leftovers can trigger pancreatitis, which is a painful, expensive condition that usually ends in a large vet bill and a stern lecture you didn’t ask for.

Better option: A clean, balanced, high-protein meal (like our Kangaroo & Ocean Fish Formula) that won’t send your dog into gastrointestinal meltdown.

Chocolate. The Classic Christmas Betrayal

This one feels obvious, but the number of dogs who eat entire boxes of Cadbury Roses every December says otherwise.

Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs can’t process, and yes, dark chocolate is the worst offender.

Better option: Blueberries or turkey treats. Still festive, zero risk.

Christmas Pudding, Fruitcake & Raisins (No... Seriously, No.)

If your dog even looks at a sultana, trouble is brewing.

Grapes, raisins, and sultanas are toxic for dogs. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure.

And fruitcakes? They’re basically a toxic minefield wrapped in sugar and disappointment.

Better option: A few slices of apple or watermelon (seedless). Still sweet, still safe.

Onions, Garlic & “Just a Little Gravy”

That gravy you’re drowning your plate in? It’s packed with onion, garlic, salt, and fats, a combo that ticks nearly every “bad for dogs” box.

Onions and garlic can damage red blood cells.

Salt dehydrates.

Rich fats trigger stomach upset.

And gravy boats spill so easily when you have excited dogs and clumsy uncles.

Better option: A spoonful of cooked pumpkin or sweet potato. Great for digestion, and yes, they’ll actually love it.

Beware the Macadamia. Small Nut, Big Trouble

Aussies LOVE macadamias at Christmas. Dogs, unfortunately, can’t handle them.

Even a few can cause weakness, tremors, and back legs that suddenly stop working.

Better option: Just… don't drop macadamias on the floor. Ever.

Alcohol (Dogs Do Not Need a Festive Drink)

If someone says, “Just a sip won’t hurt,” remove them from the barbecue immediately.

Dogs metabolise alcohol dangerously fast, and even small amounts can cause vomiting, seizures, and respiratory issues.

Better option: A fresh bowl of cold water. Festive. Hydrating. Won’t kill them.

Leftover BBQ Skewers

It’s Christmas in Australia. Which means BBQs.

And BBQs mean Skewers.

And skewers mean emergency vet surgery if your dog gets hold of one.

They can splinter, puncture, lodge, or tear. Pick your trauma.

Better option: Just put them straight in the bin. Not “on the plate for now.” The bin.

So… What CAN Your Dog Have This Christmas?

Plenty. But keep it simple.

Your dog doesn’t need the full holiday buffet. They just need food their body actually recognises.

That’s why every Pet Food Australia recipe is:

✔ Grain-free (no cheap fillers to bloat or irritate)

✔ Packed with REAL protein

✔ Boosted with superfoods like hemp seed oil, coconut oil, turmeric & blueberries

✔ Made right here in Australia

Their digestion, skin, coat, mood, joints, and immune system... ALL of it improves when you feed real, clean food.

Which means fewer vet visits during the holidays. (You’re welcome.)

Big days, visitors, excitement, heat, treats and scraps can mess with your dog’s tummy.

Keep their main meals consistent.

If you want to treat them, do it with something safe.

Your dog doesn’t need ham. They need stability… and maybe a new toy they’ll destroy in 4 minutes because it is Christmas after all.