St. Patrick’s Day is a day full of good food with family and friends, but it’s important to remember, while we’re celebrating with corned beef, cabbage, and soda bread, that not all holiday favorites are safe for our pets.
Here’s a helpful guide to what’s pet-safe (in moderation!) and what should stay strictly on your plate this St. Paddy’s Day.
☘️ Pet-Safe Foods
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If you’d like to let your pup join the celebration, these options are generally safe when served plain and unseasoned:
🥕 Carrots
Crunchy, low-calorie, and naturally sweet — carrots make a great festive “orange and green” snack addition. These can be fed raw, boiled, or roasted, as long as they are unseasoned.
🥒 Green Beans
Plain green beans (no butter, garlic, or seasoning) are a healthy, fiber-rich treat for dogs. Best served raw or steamed!
🥔 Plain Potatoes
Boiled or baked potatoes are safe in small amounts — just skip the butter, garlic, salt, sour cream, and chives.
🥬 Plain Cabbage
In small portions, plain cooked cabbage is safe for dogs. Too much can cause gas, so keep servings minimal.
🍗 Lean, Unseasoned Meat
If you’re cooking beef or chicken, you can set aside a small, plain piece before adding seasoning. Avoid fatty cuts.
🍎 Apple Slices
Apples (not the seeds or core) are a fresh, low calorie treat to add some sweetness to your dog’s day!
Remember that any table scraps should be given in moderation to avoid upsetting your pup’s stomach or feeding too many calories.
🚫 Foods to Avoid
Many traditional St. Patrick’s Day dishes contain ingredients that are harmful to pets. Be especially mindful of:
❌ Onions & Garlic
Common in corned beef, cabbage, or potato dishes, these are toxic to dogs and cats — even in powdered form.
❌ Corned Beef (Seasoned & Salty)
High sodium and heavy spices can upset your pet’s stomach and cause dehydration.
❌ Alcohol (Beer Included!)
Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous to pets.
❌ Chocolate & Desserts
Chocolate and sweet festive baked goods can be toxic, especially to dogs.
❌ Raisins (in Soda Bread)
Raisins and grapes can be highly toxic and should never be given to pets.
❌ Fatty & Greasy Foods
Rich gravies and fatty meats can trigger digestive upset.
🐾 Hosting Tips for Pet Parents
If you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day gathering:
- Keep food platters out of reach.
- Remind guests not to give table scraps.
- Secure trash cans tightly.
- Watch for dropped food during dinner.
- If children are present, consider gating your pet away to avoid getting any potentially dangerous dropped foods.
- Provide your pet with their own pet-safe, festive treat so they don’t feel left out.
When in Doubt, Skip It
It’s always safest to stick with your pet’s regular diet and approved treats. A festive bandana and some extra playtime are much safer ways to celebrate with your pet this year!
If your pet consumes something questionable, contact your veterinarian right away or call Animal Poison Control.
Save this number in your phone for emergencies! ASPCA Poison Control Phone Number: (888) 426-4435
As always, if you need someone to take care of your pets while you’re out celebrating the Luck O’ The Irish, contact us to get on our schedule! From our pet sitting family to yours — may your holiday be full of tail wags, not tummy aches! 🐶💚
