Can dogs eat mince pies?
The full picture
Mince pies are one of the top three causes of veterinary emergencies in the UK every Christmas. The mincemeat filling is essentially concentrated raisins, sultanas, and currants — all carry the grape-family tartaric acid toxicity. Most mincemeat also contains brandy or rum. The pastry adds fat. A single mince pie can cause kidney problems in a small dog. Treat any mince pie consumption as a grape/raisin exposure and call your vet immediately. This applies to shop-bought and homemade mince pies equally.
If your dog has already eaten mince pies
Risks to watch for
- Raisin/sultana/currant toxicity — kidney failure
- Alcohol (brandy/rum)
- Pastry fat
Safe portion size
None.
Safer alternatives
- Dog-safe Christmas treats from pet shops
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