Overview
- New research from IVC Evidensia reports 67% of UK owners plan a special Christmas dinner for pets, with 68% likely to pour gravy and 63% offering pigs in blankets.
- Vets say stuffing and gravy often contain onion or garlic and carry high salt and fat, which are prompting many festive emergency visits.
- Mince pies and Christmas pudding can deliver toxic raisins or currants, while chocolate’s theobromine and xylitol in sugar‑free treats pose additional dangers.
- Surveys cited by ManyPets find over 40% of pets have eaten something unsafe during past holidays, with typical emergency bills reaching £251–£500 and some exceeding £1,000.
- Safer options include plain cooked turkey or chicken without skin or seasoning plus plain vegetables in moderation, alongside providing a quiet space to reduce risky behavior.