Dog Friendly Christmas Dinner

It's only two more weeks until Christmas! I can't think of a better way to celebrate with our pets than by making them their own Christmas dinner. It's tempting to give them some of our leftovers but that isn't a good idea for a few reasons. 'Human' seasonings, especially foods flavoured with onion or garlic and a lot of oil, aren't great for their digestive system. I'm going to show you how you can make a tasty and healthy Christmas meal for your dogs at home, without a lot of extra work!

Christmas Traditions

Christmas is one of my favourite times of year. It's a time for warmth, love, and togetherness. Everyone celebrates differently, depending on where you are in the world. In the snowy landscapes of Scandinavia, families revel in hygge, sharing warm meals and exchanging thoughtful gifts. In Australia, festive barbecues under the Southern Cross replace more traditional winter scenes. My family originate from Eastern Europe (Poland and Hungary) where we celebrate Christmas Eve more so than Christmas day. In the evening we have a special dinner known as "Wigilia".Traditionally, 12 dishes are served to represent the 12 apostles. We always leave an empty chair to welcome an unexpected visitor, a tradition that dates back thousands of years.After dinner we open our presents and then go to Midnight mass.  

Dog Friendly Deliciousness

Since having my pugs I didn't want to leave them out of all the fun on Christmas Eve and I wondered how many people would want to make a heathly Christmas Dinner for their dogs too, but perhaps not know where to start. In this guide, we'll explore creating a dog-safe Christmas dinner, featuring dog-friendly ingredients that are not only delicious but also filled with health benefits. The best part? No begging at the table (or in our case, Milkshake jumping on a spare seat to join in while Dumpling parkours on to the dining table!) This special Christmas meal for your pup can keep them happily occupied while the rest of the family enjoys their dinner!

You can print my recipe below
and keep in your recipe binder!

Let's Get Started!

Now, let's dive into the "How-To Make a Dog Friendly Christmas dinner". You can follow the infographic or read the written instructions below.

Lean Meat: Roasting Chicken or Turkey

Let's start with the highlight of our feast - a lean meat like chicken,turkey or lean cut of lamb. Choose boneless, skinless cuts where possible, and roast them with a teaspoon of coconut oil. Not only is a lean meat tasty, but it also provides your pup with high-quality protein.

Health Tip: Lean meat supports muscle health and provides essential amino acids, promoting overall well-being in your furry friend.

Veggie Vibes: Steamed or Boiled Dog-Safe Vegetables

No Christmas feast is complete without a medley of vegetables! Opt for dog-safe choices like carrots, green beans, cabbage, kale, cauliflower and peas. Boil or steam them to retain maximum nutrients and create a colourful and tasty side dish for your pup.

Health Tip: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, promoting healthy vision, while green beans are a great source of fibre and aid digestion. 

The Sweet Potato Swap

Ditch traditional white potatoes in favour of nutrient-packed sweet potatoes. Rich in vitamins A and C, sweet potatoes provide a delicious and healthy alternative for your pup's Thanksgiving plate. These can be boiled or steamed. Whilst they're technically vegetables, your dog won't know the difference. 

Health Tip: The antioxidants in sweet potatoes contribute to a strong immune system and a shiny coat - a win-win for your dog's health and appearance.

Gravy Goodness

Add a dash of flavor with a homemade dog-safe gravy. Combine meat broth (no onions or garlic) with a bit of whole wheat flour for thickness. Drizzle over your pup's plate for some added deliciousness. If you don't have time to make your own broth, you can buy ready made bone broth on Amazon or dog safe gravy granules.

Health Tip: The broth not only adds flavor but also provides hydration, ensuring your pup stays hydrated over the holidays.

Berry Bliss

Include a hint of cranberry for a festive touch. Fresh or unsweetened dried cranberries can be sprinkled over your pup's meal. Cranberries offer antioxidants, promoting urinary tract health in dogs. If you opt for dried Cranberries be sure to check that they contain no xylitol which is harmful to dogs.

Health Tip: The natural compounds in cranberries may help prevent urinary tract infections, making them a tasty and beneficial addition to your pup's Thanksgiving spread.

Making Memories: A Special Christmas Meal for Your Pup

Cooking a dog-friendly Christmas dinner isn't just about safe and nutritious ingredients; it's about creating lasting memories with your furry family members. As you tuck into your Christmas feast, your pup can enjoy their own plate, keeping them happily occupied.

We want to wish all of our friends and followers who celebrate over the festive season, a very Happy Christmas. If you try this recipe at home don't forget to tag us in your photos and videos so we can feel like we're there too! @milkshakethepug #milkshakethepug.

From Milkshake and the pink pug crew,

Happy Holidays xo.❤