The holiday season is full of delicious smells, festive dinners and irresistible leftovers, but not everything on your Christmas plate is safe for your pup, especially if they’re living with kidney disease. When it comes to holiday foods dogs with kidney disease should avoid, even small bites can make a big difference in their health.

Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your furry friend healthy this festive season, plus a few tasty, kidney-friendly swaps they’ll love instead!

5 Holiday Foods To Avoid If Your Dog Has Kidney Disease

1. Salty Meats Like Ham, Bacon & Sausages

It might be tempting to sneak your dog a bite of Christmas ham, but holiday foods dogs with kidney disease should never include salty or cured meats. These treats are high in sodium and phosphorus, which can put extra strain on already delicate kidneys.

Why it matters: Too much salt can raise blood pressure and cause dehydration - two things you definitely want to avoid in dogs with kidney issues.

Healthy swap: Offer Soopa’s Carrot & Pumpkin Dental Sticks or a few bites of plain, boiled carrot instead. They’re tasty, low in sodium and made from natural, human-grade ingredients.

Soopa Carrot & Pumpkin Dental Sticks

Chewy, natural dental sticks made with pumpkin and carrot to keep teeth clean and tails wagging.

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2. Gravy, Stuffing & Sauces

Traditional gravies and stuffing are loaded with salt, fat and onions - a triple threat for dogs with kidney disease. Onion and garlic can even be toxic to dogs, damaging red blood cells.

Tip: Avoid sharing anything that’s been seasoned or cooked in gravy or stock cubes.

Healthy swap: Use a splash of unsalted chicken broth (or low-sodium vegetable stock) poured over their usual food for a festive twist that won’t upset their kidneys.

3. Cheese Boards & Dairy Treats

Many of us indulge in extra cheese during the holidays, but cheese is one of the worst holiday foods dogs with kidney disease can eat. It’s high in both phosphorus and protein, and can upset sensitive stomachs.

Healthy swap: Try Soopa’s Kale & Apple Healthy Bites, crunchy, low in fat and rich in antioxidants, perfect for a Christmas snack that supports health rather than harms it.

Soopa Kale & Apple Healthy Bites

Chewy, natural healthy chews made with pumpkin and carrot to keep teeth clean and tails wagging.

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4. Turkey Skin, Bones & Leftovers

While plain turkey meat can be safe in small amounts, holiday foods dogs with kidney disease should never include fatty skin or bones. The skin is loaded with salt and oil, and bones can splinter and cause serious harm.

Healthy swap: If you want to treat your dog, offer a small amount of plain, boiled turkey breast with no seasoning. Keep portions tiny and occasional.

5. Christmas Pudding, Mince Pies & Sweets

Desserts might make the holidays sweet for us, but they’re dangerous for dogs. Raisins, grapes, chocolate and alcohol - all common ingredients in festive desserts - are toxic to dogs and especially harmful to those with kidney disease.

Healthy swap: Give your pup something naturally sweet, like a small slice of apple or a Soopa Banana & Peanut Butter Treat, which is 100% natural and safe.

Soopa Banana & Peanut Butter Bites

Chewy, natural healthy bites made with banana and peanut butter to keep teeth clean and tails wagging.

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6. Safer Holiday Veggies for Dogs with Kidney Disease

It’s not all “no” this Christmas! Many dog-friendly vegetables make great festive sides for pups. Think boiled carrots, pumpkin, or courgette — gentle on kidneys and full of natural nutrients.

READ NEXT: For a full list of kidney-friendly vegetables, check out our complete guide here, it's packed with vet-approved insights on which veggies are safe and which ones to skip.

7. How to Keep Christmas Safe & Soopa Healthy

The best way to enjoy the holidays with your dog is to plan ahead. Here’s how:

• Keep festive foods out of reach.

• Educate family and guests about what’s safe.

• Stock up on kidney-friendly dog treats so your pup doesn’t feel left out!

• Stick to their usual feeding schedule and hydration routine.

And remember — Soopa’s plant-based treats make it easy to include your dog in the fun, without the worry.