Should I?Reviewed: 2025-12-27~1 min

Should I give my dog human food during holiday gatherings with lots of table scraps?

Short answer

⚠️Depends / use caution

It depends—on what the food is, how it’s prepared, and your dog’s health and manners during festive chaos.

Why people ask this

Holiday gatherings mean buffets, shared plates, and lots of tempting table scraps passed around. Guests may want to treat your dog, and it’s hard to track what’s safe when dishes are heavily seasoned. People worry about upset stomachs, pancreatitis from rich foods, and hidden hazards like toothpicks or xylitol in desserts. They also want to include their dog in the celebration without creating begging or counter-surfing habits.

When it might be safe

Small bites of plain, unseasoned turkey or chicken (no skin, no gravy, no bones)
Plain cooked vegetables like green beans, carrots, or peas without butter, oil, or seasoning
A spoonful of plain mashed sweet potato or pumpkin (no marshmallows, spices, or sugar)
A bit of plain white rice or quinoa as a bland add-on
Your dog’s regular treats or a holiday-themed dog treat you brought specifically for the party

When it is not safe

Cooked bones, turkey skin, and pan drippings/gravies from rich holiday roasts
Stuffing or casseroles with onions, garlic, leeks, chives, or heavy butter/cream
Grapes/raisins in fruit salads or breads, and chocolate desserts
Sugar-free items containing xylitol (gum, candies, some baked goods)
Alcoholic beverages or rum-soaked cakes, and fatty charcuterie scraps
Appetizers with toothpicks or skewers that can be swallowed during the buffet bustle

Possible risks

Gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis from high-fat, salty, or brined holiday foods (e.g., turkey skin, gravies, cheese boards)
Toxicity from common holiday ingredients like onions/garlic in stuffing, grapes/raisins in salads, or xylitol in sugar-free desserts
Choking or injury from party hazards like cooked bones, skewers, and decorative toothpicks on canapés
Overfeeding and unclear portions when multiple guests slip scraps, leading to vomiting/diarrhea overnight
Reinforcing begging, counter-surfing, or food-guarding behaviors in a crowded, distracted environment

Safer alternatives

Pre-portion a safe “dog plate” of plain items before guests arrive and only offer from that plate
Feed your dog their regular meal right before the party, then settle them with a mat/crate during dinner
Use a puzzle feeder or long-lasting dog-safe chew while people eat to prevent begging near the buffet
Bring special dog treats and kindly ask guests to only offer those (post a small sign by the table)
Make a simple dog-safe topper (plain turkey and green beans) to celebrate without risky seasonings

Bottom line

It depends on the specific food and how it’s prepared. During holiday gatherings with mixed, seasoned dishes and distracted guests, stick to tiny amounts of plain, unseasoned items and avoid anything rich, spiced, or with bones. Plan ahead, supervise your dog around the buffet, and direct guests to safe treats only.