Can Dogs Eat Christmas Pudding or Fruit Mince Pies?
Emergency
If your pet has eaten this, contact your local vet now. After hours, call the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
What it means for dogs and cats
πΆ Dogs
Dangerous β do not feed
Christmas pudding and fruit mince pies can contain dried grapes, which are associated with acute kidney injury in dogs, and may contain alcohol. Keep them away and contact your vet promptly after suspected ingestion.
π± Cats
Caution β small amounts
Christmas pudding and fruit mince pies may contain dried grapes or alcohol, so do not offer them to cats. Contact your vet promptly if your cat eats any.
Where Australian pets run into it
In Australia, Christmas pudding, fruit mince pies and fruit cake are seasonal foods. ACA notes grape-related kidney injury has rarely been seen in Australia; that observation does not establish safety, so keep these foods away and act promptly after ingestion.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
What to do
Contact your local vet immediately and keep the ingredient list or packaging. Call the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 for Australian advice.
What to say when you call
My (dog/cat) weighs about __ kg. About __ hours ago they ate __ (how much). Symptoms so far: __.
Common questions
My dog ate Christmas pudding β what should I do?
Call your vet promptly: these foods can contain dried grapes, which are unsafe for dogs.
Are fruit mince pies safe for cats?
No. Keep fruit mince pies away and call your vet if your cat has eaten any.
Sources
- Christmas dangers for pets β RSPCA (UK)
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets β ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- Animal Care Expert Newsletter, March 2025 β Animal Care Australia
- Grape Toxicity in Dogs β Animal Poisons Helpline
Content checked against these sources on 2026-10-10.
General information only, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your local vet.