Pet owners have been warned not to let their festive feast turn into a dog’s breakfast, with new research from Compare the Market revealing one-in-five pet owners could unwittingly expose their animals to toxic Christmas treats.
A concerning 19.3% of surveyed pet owners planned to feed their pets a variety of Christmas party foods this holiday season, including meats with stuffing, nuts, chocolates, puddings and rum balls.
These foods may contain ingredients that present a health hazard to dogs and cats, including alcohol, caffeine, salt, grapes and onions.
Top risky Christmas foods Australians’ plan to feed their pets
| Food type | Proportion of responses who will feed to their pets (%) |
| Turkey with stuffing | 9.6% |
| Ham with stuffing | 7.5% |
| Chocolate | 2.8% |
| Coffee | 2.3% |
| Candy | 2.3% |
Source: Compare the Market
What’s more is vet bills could burn a hole in your wallet at what’s already an expensive time of year. Compare the Market surveyed Australian pet owners about their largest emergency vet bill and found they had paid $1,415 on average.
Consultations alone can cost upwards of $100 at some locations before any further testing, surgery or medication, which can incur additional fees into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager of General Insurance Adrian Taylor said Australians should exercise caution when celebrating with their pets this Christmas.
“Be careful this festive season and remember many of our favourite Christmas foods can be dangerous for our pets,” Mr Taylor said.
“Some ingredients are lethal, while others can cause serious issues like gastrointestinal obstruction, diarrhea and even breathing difficulties.
“Foods like Christmas turkeys and hams may seem harmless, but gravy and stuffing typically contain onions and garlic, which are toxic and can impact red blood cells. Cooked bones could lead to dental, throat and bowel issues.
“Even the humble Christmas pudding, mince pie or fruit cake can be dangerous, as they contain grapes, currants, raisins and sultanas, which can be toxic to our furry friends.
“Instead, plain, skinless and boneless turkey, vegetables and Christmas-themed pet treats are generally safer.
“Vet bills could be costly, which is why having pet insurance coverage is such a vital financial safety net for any dog or cat owner.“Also keep in mind that some clinics will operate to alternate opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period, so you could be forced to pay a premium at an emergency vet.”
When attributing this research, please attribute: https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/pet-insurance/
Mr Taylor’s top tips for keeping your pets safe this Christmas
Know your options in case of an emergency
Many vet clinics reduce hours or close during the Christmas and New Year period. Even if it’s not a public holiday, your regular vet may have limited availability or no evening service. Ensure you know the location of the nearest 24/7 emergency clinic.
Consider telehealth services for non-life-threatening issues
Virtual vet consultations are becoming more common, with platforms offering affordable video calls with qualified veterinarians – often for a smaller fee than an in-person visit. These can be great for non-urgent issues, but if your pet is in life-threatening danger, always seek in-person care immediately.
Check your pet insurance details ahead of time
If you need to make a claim, do you know what’s covered? Review your policy and Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand limits, excesses, and potential out-of-pocket costs. Even with insurance, you might still have expenses, so it pays to be prepared.
Consider a pet-friendly present
Left out a carrot for Santa’s reindeer? Don’t let it go to waste – carrots are also a great treat for your dogs. There are plenty of other options too, with certain retailers stocking calendars full of dog biscuits.
Disclaimers
Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) to check for the inclusions, exclusions and restrictions before purchasing and determine if the policy is suitable for you.
Compare the Market commissioned PureProfile to survey a nationally representative sample of 1,004 Australians in October 2025.
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For more information, please contact:
Henry Man | [email protected] | +61 474 368 908
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