Holidays With your Pup ? Joan of Bark

A Mindful Guide to Sharing the Season

The end of the year always arrives wrapped in sparkle and warmth. The days are shorter, the lights glow a little softer, and the kitchen takes on that unmistakable holiday scent — roasted vegetables, simmering broth, cinnamon in the air. Through it all, there’s Benji, sitting at my feet, waiting in hopeful anticipation for something to “accidentally” fall from the counter.

I admit it — I love sharing food with him. It’s one of our bonding rituals, an unspoken language between us. A small piece of apple here, a spoonful of pumpkin there. He looks at me like we are feasting together, like he is part of the celebration. And he is.

Still, the holidays can be tricky for dog parents. The table is full of rich flavors, spices, sweets, and foods that may be safe for us but can be harmful for our pets. So the challenge becomes this: How do we include our dogs in the holiday joy without compromising their health?

The answer is mindfulness and a little planning.

Below is a simple guide on what not to share, what’s perfectly okay in moderation, and how to serve your dog a holiday meal of their very own — a cozy, wholesome recipe that will fill their bowl with comfort.

Holiday Foods to Keep Away From Dogs

These are foods commonly found at holiday meals that should not be shared with dogs:

Onions & Garlic
Found in stuffing, gravy, and sauces. These can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia.
Turkey Skin & Fat Trimmings
High fat foods can cause pancreatitis. Stick to lean, plain meat only.
Cooked Bones
Cooked bones splinter easily and can cause choking or internal injury.
Grapes & Raisins
Even a small amount can cause kidney failure.
Chocolate
Especially dark chocolate, which contains higher levels of theobromine.
Alcohol (including rum cakes or alcohol extracts)
Even small amounts are dangerous.
Nutmeg & Allspice
Common in holiday baked goods and sweet potatoes. Nutmeg can cause tremors and nervous system issues.
Xylitol (found in sugar-free baked goods and peanut butter brands)
Can cause rapid, dangerous drops in blood sugar.
Macadamia Nuts & Walnuts
These can be toxic and cause muscle weakness and tremors.

When in doubt, keep it simple and share ingredients, not dishes.

Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix)
Plain cooked sweet potato
Steamed green beans
Plain apple slices (no seeds)
Lean turkey meat (no skin, no seasoning)
Carrots
Banana
Brown rice

Your dog’s holiday plate should look like a gentle, nourishing meal — not a seasoned feast.

A Holiday Meal Just for Your Dog

Turkey, Sweet Potato & Brown Rice Holiday Bowl

This is what I make for Benji when we’re all gathered at the table. It lets him enjoy the moment with us — safely, happily, and very proudly (because he knows he’s getting something special).

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey (or chicken)
1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
½ cup green beans, chopped
½ cup peas (fresh or frozen)
1 cup cooked brown rice
1–2 cups low-sodium, dog-safe bone broth (no onion or garlic)

Instructions

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add the diced sweet potato and pour in just enough bone broth to cover. Simmer until the sweet potato is tender.
Stir in the green beans and peas, cooking a few minutes more.
Sprinkle in the cooked brown rice and stir to combine.
Let the stew cool until warm — never hot — before serving.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze in individual portions for easy holiday meals.

A Gentle Reminder

The heart of the holidays isn’t the feast — it’s the time spent together.
A slow walk in the cold.
A nap by the tree.
A recipe made with intention and love.

Sharing the season with your pup isn’t about giving them what’s on your plate — it’s about making them feel included, safe, and cherished.

And honestly? They already bring the best part to the table:
presence.