Can Dogs Eat Mince Pies? Risks, Symptoms & Safety Tips
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The festive season is full of treats and indulgences - and mince pies are often at the top of the list. But while they’re a beloved human tradition, these sweet pastries are far from safe for dogs.
Packed with dried fruits, sugar, rich pastry, spices, and sometimes even alcohol, mince pies can pose serious health risks to your furry friend.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why mince pies are dangerous for dogs, what to do if your dog gets into one, and how to keep your pet safe over the holidays.
Table of contents
Can Dogs Eat Mince Pies?
Let’s get straight to it: no, dogs really shouldn’t eat mince pies.
While these treats are a festive favourite for us, they come with several ingredients that can pose serious health risks to dogs.
Why Mince Pies Are Risky for Dogs
Toxic Fruit: Raisins, Currants, Sultanas
Traditional mincemeat fillings often include dried fruits like raisins, currants, and sultanas. Sadly, these are highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can lead to acute kidney failure.
The exact reason why grapes and their dried variants are poisonous isn’t fully understood, but vets agree it's best to avoid them altogether.
High Sugar and Fat
Mince pies are sweet pastries with lots of sugar and fat. Too much sugar isn’t good for a dog’s health. It can upset their stomach, contribute to obesity or even more serious metabolic issues over time.
Rich, fatty foods can also increase the risk of pancreatitis, a painful and dangerous condition.
Spices
Some of the spices in mince pies, like nutmeg, are potentially harmful. Nutmeg contains a compound called myristicin, which can act as a neurotoxin in larger amounts.
Other more benign spices (cinnamon, for example) are less of a direct toxin, but they don’t make the pie “safe.
Alcohol
Traditional mince pies may be made with brandy, rum or other spirits. Alcohol is toxic to dogs, and even small amounts can lead to serious problems.
Alcohol poisoning in dogs can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors and even coma.
Packaging Hazards
Mince pies often come in foil cases or tins. If a dog gets hold of the wrapper or the pie, they might ingest foil or other inedible parts — this can cause choking or even intestinal damage..
What Happens If a Dog Eats a Mince Pie?
If your dog does manage to eat a mince pie, there are some signs you should watch out for:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Increased thirst or urination (a possible sign of kidney stress)
- Lethargy, weakness, or wobbliness when walking
- Drooling more than usual
- In more serious cases, kidney damage may develop over time.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your vet as soon as possible. Vets may induce vomiting, use activated charcoal to absorb toxins, or provide IV fluids to support kidney function.
How to Prevent Accidents Over Christmas
- Keep mince pies out of paw’s reach: Don’t leave pies on low tables or within easy reach.
- Dispose of wrappers properly: Remove foil cases and packaging immediately after serving.
- Tell guests: Remind friends and family that mince pies are not a treat for your dog.
- Provide dog-safe festive treats: Use canine-friendly snacks so your dog can also join in the Christmas cheer.
What If the Mince Pie Was “Special” or Homemade?
Sometimes people make mince pies with modified recipes - for instance, without raisins, or using very low sugar. Even then, risks remain:
- If there are no raisins or currants, that major toxicity risk is removed, but the pie could still be too rich or sugary.
- If alcohol or spices like nutmeg remain, there’s still a danger.
- Even a “safe” pie is still not a necessary treat for a dog. There are healthier, purpose-made Christmas treats designed for pets.
Summary
Mince pies are best kept for people, not pups. Between toxic dried fruits, alcohol, rich pastry, and spices, they pose too many risks for dogs. If your dog does get into one, don’t wait — call your vet, monitor for symptoms, and take action quickly.
By sticking to a complete, properly balanced food like Years, you ensure your dog gets everything they need-without the hidden risks. And if you want to treat them? Try the Years range of treats!
FAQs About Dogs and Mince Pies
My dog only ate a small crumb of mince pie - should I be worried?
Even a small amount can be risky, especially because of ingredients like raisins or currants. It’s worth calling your vet for guidance, especially if you’re not sure exactly what was in the pie.
Can I give my dog a mince pie made with only meat (a meat pie, not fruit)?
A meat pie is different to a traditional Christmas mince pie but still, the pastry can be high in fat, salt and sugar. It’s better to choose dog-safe treats designed for pets.
What do I do if my dog ate a mince pie and is acting normal?
Even if they seem fine, contact your vet straight away. Toxicity symptoms (especially from raisins) may take time to show, and early treatment is much more effective.
