Can dogs eat Christmas ham?

Can dogs eat Christmas ham? Nope. Ham is too salty, too fatty, often seasoned, and risky for pancreatitis.

But don’t stress — your doggo doesn’t need to miss out on the Christmas fun. We’ve rounded up the safest festive dog treats, tips for building a dog-friendly Christmas platter, and the WAG goodies that’ll keep tails wagging all festive season long. 

Why it’s so tempting to share the Christmas spread

It’s Christmas Day. The ham smells incredible. Your dog is giving you those eyes. And hey — it’s the season of sharing, right?

We’ve absolutely been guilty of slipping a sneaky bite under the table. But the Christmas ham? That’s one treat best kept for the humans.

Let’s break down why.

Can dogs eat Christmas ham? Sorry, but it’s a hard no

Ham might seem harmless… but for dogs, it’s a nutritional nightmare.

1. It’s seriously salty

Christmas ham is cured — meaning it’s loaded with salt. Too much salt can cause dehydration, vomiting, diarrhoea or, in extreme cases, sodium poisoning.

2. It’s high in fat

Dogs aren’t built to handle big chunks of fatty meat. That festive fat can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes life-threatening condition.

3. Seasoning and marinades = big trouble

Cloves, honey glaze, mustard, brown sugar, garlic… the classic Christmas ham aromatics are delicious for humans and dangerous for doggos. Here’s why.

• Cloves can irritate the stomach and affect the liver.

• Honey glaze & brown sugar load dogs with unnecessary sugar, causing tummy upsets and contributing to pancreatitis when paired with fatty meat.

• Mustard is a known gastrointestinal irritant for dogs.

• Garlic (even in seasoning form) is toxic to dogs and can damage red blood cells.

4. Ham bones are a no-go

Cooked bones can splinter and cause:

• Choking

• Intestinal blockage

• Tears in the digestive tract

• Emergency vet visits (yikes)

Cooked bones of any kind are risky, Christmas ham included.

Other festive foods that aren’t dog-safe

Ham isn’t the only offender on the Christmas table…make sure to also steer clear of giving these to your doggo:

Stuffing

Onions, garlic, salt, herbs = stomach upset and toxicity risks.

Chocolate or sweets

Classic Christmas treats for humans, but are dangerous for dogs. Chocolate contains toxins dogs can’t process, and many sweets are packed with sugar or xylitol, which can cause serious illness even in small amounts.

Grapes & raisins

Found in fruitcake and pavlova toppings. Even tiny amounts can cause kidney failure.

Alcohol

Alcohol hits dogs fast and hard and is toxic. 

Cooked bones

Again: splinters = emergency.

Fatty meats & crackling

Delicious to you, digestive disaster for them.

What CAN Dogs Eat on Christmas Day?

Good news: your dog absolutely can join the festive feast — safely.

Here’s a list of dog-friendly, Christmas-themed nibbles.

Safe whole foods

• Fresh carrot sticks

• Cucumber

• Plain pumpkin

• Plain sweet potato

• Apple slices (no seeds)

• Watermelon (no rind)

• Green beans

• Plain turkey (no skin, no seasoning)

Long-lasting chews to keep them busy while you feast

• Bully Sticks – A long-lasting, single-ingredient chew that keeps doggos happily occupied while supporting cleaner teeth.

• Collagen Sticks – A tasty, easily digestible chew that promotes healthy joints, skin and coat from the inside out.

• Goat Horns – A tough, natural chew that scrapes away plaque and keeps power-chewers entertained for ages.

• Deer Antlers – A durable, nutrient-rich chew packed with calcium and phosphorus for hours of satisfying gnawing.

• Coffee Wood Chews – A plant-based, splinter-free fully digestible chew that’s perfect for dogs who love to grind and gnaw.

High-quality festive treats from WAG

Think of these like dog-safe ‘Christmas ham alternatives’ — all-natural, single-ingredient, and ethically sourced. We craft every one of our treats with the transparency modern pet parents expect, and the nutritional value dogs deserve.

• Kangaroo Jerky – lean, hypoallergenic and perfect for Christmas snacking.

• Chicken Breast – simple, clean and delicious.

• Forage Fish – the crunchy ‘festive cracker’ of the dog world.

• Bully Bites – great for training through the chaos of family gatherings.

• Kangaroo Cubes – ideal for small breeds or pups needing bite-sized rewards.

• Pig Ears – a natural, chewy treat your dog will go nuts for.

How to build a dog-safe Christmas platter 

Yes, you can create an adorable Christmas grazing board just for your doggo. And no, it won’t take long at all.

Step 1: Pick a festive base

Use a wooden board, cute Christmas plate or even a silicone lick mat for slower snacking.

Step 2: Add colour

• Carrot stars

• Watermelon cut-outs

• Cucumber slices

• Steamed pumpkin cubes

Step 3: Add protein

Choose one high-value WAG treat (or a mix of smaller bites):

• Kangaroo Jerky

• Chicken Breast

• Functional Jerky (Skin & Coat, Digestion or Calming) — perfect for holiday chaos)

Step 4: Add a chewy centrepiece

For example:

• A Bully Stick (long-lasting distraction during lunch!)

• A Goat Horn (to keep them occupied while guests arrive)

Step 5: Serve as a supervised treat

Christmas is exciting, but excitable eating = a choking risk. Go slow, supervise, and keep portion sizes appropriate.

FAQs: Can my dog eat…?

1. Can my dog eat a tiny bit of Christmas ham?

Best to avoid it completely. Even small amounts can be too salty and fatty.

2. Can dogs eat turkey instead?

Yes — as long as it’s plain, unseasoned, skinless and boneless.

3. Can dogs have gravy?

Nope. Gravy is salty and often contains onion or garlic. It’s best to avoid it entirely!

4. Are raw bones okay at Christmas?

Only raw, appropriately sized, vet-approved bones — never cooked. If in doubt, choose a safe chew like a Goat Horn or Deer Antler.

5. What WAG treat is closest to a ‘ham replacement’?

Our Pig Ears are the perfect swap! They’re meaty, chewy and full of natural flavour, giving your doggo that special Christmas treat feeling without the salt, fat or risky seasonings of ham. A delicious, single-ingredient chew that keeps things festive and safe.

Have a mega-muncher? Our festive Kangaroo King Tail Candy Cane is sure to make all their Christmases come at once. 

Treat them the right way this Christmas

Your dog doesn’t need Christmas ham to feel part of the festivities. With the right whole foods, a sprinkle of creativity, and a stash of WAG’s natural, single-ingredient treats, you can create a Christmas their tail will remember forever.

Explore WAG’s full range of festive-friendly natural dog treats or our awesome limited edition Christmas dog treats (and tick ‘spoiling the dog’ off your Christmas list early!).

Quick disclaimer: Every dog is different. While we provide general guidance, always check in with your vet for advice specific to your dog’s age, size, breed and health conditions.