Pet experts have issued a warning to all dog owners this festive season about dangerous Christmas food items. The surprising culprits are gravy and stuffing, which are causing a shocking number of
Many owners are unaware that these ‘harmless’ trimmings can be the opposite and actually be harmful to dogs. This is in addition to well-known dangers like chocolate and raisins which can cause a number of issues. Now, research by ManyPets indicates that gravy and stuffing are behind the chaos in emergency vet clinics every Christmas.
Dr Kirsten Ronngren, ManyPets’ resident vet, says: “People might think it’s ok to hand over a little gravy or stuffing, but both can contain ingredients that are harmful for dogs.
“It’s not always the obvious things like chocolate – the biggest dangers can be hiding in plain sight on your Christmas plate. Stuffing often contains onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs, while gravy is packed with salt and fat.”
ManyPets conducted a survey of 2,000 UK pet owners just last month in November 2025 and discovered one in three pet owners admitted their furry friend caused some Christmas chaos. From wrapping paper being ripped apart to toppled trees and chewed fairy lights, the list does not end, and we can’t forget to mention pets swallowing decorations like baubles and tinsel.
Food consumption is the main cause of “carnage,” with over 40% of owners reporting their pet ate something they shouldn’t. The top problematic foods consumed by pets were:
Gravy
Stuffing
Pigs in blankets
Mince pies
Many of these festive foods hide dangerous ingredients that are toxic to dogs, including:
Onions
Garlic
Cooked bones
These hidden ingredients can trigger severe health issues in pets, such as vomiting, digestive problems, and even organ damage.
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Pet emergencies during Christmas are costly for owners. Half of the owners asked reported forking out between £251 and £500 to fix festive mishaps. In some severe cases, emergency vet bills for some owners have tipped past £1,000. The vet added that the chaos of Christmas – including noise, smells, and visitors – also significantly ramps up stress for pets.
The expert concluded by urging people to give their pets time and space: “The noise, the smells, the visitors – it can be overwhelming. Give your pet a quiet ‘safe zone’ with their bed and toys to help provide a space to decompress if they’re feeling anxious.”
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