For many, Christmas is synonymous with great-tasting food! Many pet parents want their dogs to be fully involved in the Christmas spirit; they get a stocking with their name on it, nicely wrapped gifts and cute Chritstmassy outfits.

Naturally many owners also want to spoil their dogs with delicious treats and food!

As we know, humans and dogs have different digestive systems - it's important to realise what foods are toxic to all dogs and what foods your dog may be allergic to before giving them anything - if in doubt, stick to their regular food.

Here we won't address dog-specific food allergies, instead, we'll give a quick overview of some Christmas dinner staples and whether they are generally OK for most dogs!

• Turkey - Plain, regular cooked turkey meat is generally ok for most dogs, however be aware of any spices or seasoning applied and avoid giving the skin as this is high in fat and can cause tummy troubles for sensitive dogs.

• Potatoes - You should only give your dog plain boiled or mashed potaotes and avoid seaonsing or added oils or fats. Some dog's strgugle to digest potatoes so give sparringly.  

• Broccoli - Packed with vitamins, and fibre and low in fat streams or raw broccoli is a good additional to their dinner.

• Cabbage - this is in the same family as cauliflower and broccoli, so it is safe to feed a dog cabbage, but only in moderation.

• Carrots - Raw and cooked carrots are healthy options for dogs and make a nutritious add-on to meals.

• Peas - Rich in minerals, vitamins, protein & fibre,  fresh or frozen peas are OK for dogs to find in their bowl on occasion

• Yorkshire Pudding - Make from flour, water, milk and egg - these should be ok in a small amounts.

• Stuffing - This is generally packed with salt, garlic, onions and other herbs and spices that should be avoided.

• Gravy - Human gravy is packed with sodium, onions and garlic and should be avoided.

• Pigs in blankets - While dogs will find this delicious, they are full of fat and sodium so should be avoided.

General guidance: Of course, you need to be aware of any specific food allergies (e.g. carrots are generally ok, but won't be ok if your dog has an allergy to a carrot!). Avoid anything that has been seasoned or cooked in fat/ oil, it may be tastier but the sodium and fat can cause tummy issues, stick to plain foods that have been boiled or streamed (or raw!).

If in doubt, either verify or avoid!