Holiday Foods for Dogs That Support Immunity and Reduce Inflammation

The holidays bring rich meals and festive treats, but not all of them are safe or healthy for our dogs. The good news? Many whole, seasonal foods can actually help support your dog’s immune system, fight inflammation, and contribute to long-term wellness. Most of these foods make delightful toppers to your dog’s balanced food diet, but if this article inspires you to do more with your dog’s food, please spend some time with a veterinary nutritionist before starting on your own.

Here’s your guide to holiday foods for dogs, including options that promote dog immune health, reduce inflammation in dogs, and support dogs who may be at higher risk for canine cancer.

Pumpkin — A Winter Superfood for Dogs

Pumpkin is filled with antioxidants, beta-carotene, and fiber, making it excellent for digestion and cellular protection. Pumpkin is high in fiber, vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, and iron nutrients that help support your dog’s immune system, promote healthy digestion, and contribute to a shiny coat and strong skin. When served plain and cooked or as 100% canned pumpkin (never spiced or sweetened pumpkin pie filling), it can help dogs with both mild constipation and mild diarrhea by regulating bowel movements and adding beneficial prebiotic fiber. The soluble fiber in pumpkin can also slow glucose absorption and may help maintain steady blood sugar levels, which is especially helpful for dogs with diabetes or prone to metabolic ups and downs.

Why it helps:

• fights oxidative stress
• supports gut health
• reduces inflammation
• promotes healthy stools

How to serve:
A spoonful of plain, canned pumpkin mixed into meals. Just remember to introduce pumpkin slowly and stick to appropriate serving sizes too much fiber at once can cause digestive upset, even with this healthy treat.

Blueberries — Tiny Antioxidant Powerhouses

Blueberries are a holiday-friendly fruit packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C, that help reduce inflammation and support dog immune health by protecting cells from oxidative damage. These little berries also contain flavonoids, compounds shown to support cognitive function and long-term health in aging dogs. Because they’re low in calories but high in nutrients, blueberries are an excellent addition to your dog’s diet without significantly altering their food requirements or limits. A few fresh or frozen blueberries added to kibble or served as a small holiday treat can support joint mobility and immune response during the winter months.

Why it helps:

• high in vitamin C
• supports healthy aging
• protects against free-radical damage

How to serve:
Fresh or frozen. Add a few as a topper to dinner.

Cooked Turmeric + Black Pepper

Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties thanks to curcumin, one of the most researched natural compounds in reducing inflammation and supporting dogs with chronic conditions. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with well-documented anti-inflammatory properties in dogs that can help reduce swelling and support overall wellness when used appropriately. Curcumin has been studied for its effects on inflammation and cellular protection, making it a potent addition for dogs with joint discomfort or age-related inflammation. Adding just a small pinch to your dog’s food with a dash of black pepper improves absorption and enhances its benefits without overwhelming their digestion. Always consult your veterinarian about dosage and any interactions with medications, but for many dogs, this spice mix is a gentle, natural way to support mobility and comfort during colder months.

How to serve:
One of the most effective ways is by making a Golden Paste.  Here’s how to do that and read here to test your Turmeric to make sure it is lead free.

Bone Broth — Warm, Soothing, and Immune-Boosting

Bone broth is a nutrient-rich, warm holiday food that offers soothing support for your dog’s gut, joints, and immune system. It is especially helpful in winter when digestion can slow down and inflammation can increase. It contains amino acids like glycine and proline, which support tissue repair and joint health, as well as collagen that may help maintain gut lining integrity and reduce inflammatory responses. Bone broth also encourages hydration, something especially important when dry winter air and indoor heating can lead dogs to drink less water. Whether served over regular food or offered as a warm treat, bone broth is a delicious way to support overall wellness and help dogs feel cozy and nourished during the holidays.

Why it helps:

• provides essential amino acids
• contains collagen
• supports dogs recovering from illness
• keeps picky eaters interested in food

How to serve:
Pour warm broth over kibble or give as a cozy treat.

Broccoli and Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a compound known for its protective benefits in dog cancer prevention, detox support, and inflammation control.  These cruciferous vegetables also provide vitamins C and K, fiber, and phytonutrients — nutrients that work together to support immune system function and overall vitality. Lightly steamed broccoli or a sprinkle of raw broccoli sprouts added to your dog’s meal offers a crunchy, nutrient-dense boost that’s both seasonal and supportive. Just be sure to introduce cruciferous veggies slowly, as some dogs’ digestive systems can be sensitive to larger amounts of fibrous greens.

How to serve:
Lightly steamed broccoli or raw broccoli sprouts sprinkled on meals.

To learn more about sulforaphane, check out this blog we wrote!

Sweet Potatoes — Anti-Inflammatory and Comforting

Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, and fiber — all nutrients that help support your dog’s immune function and provide sustained energy without spiking blood sugar. The antioxidants in sweet potatoes can help reduce inflammation in dogs and support cellular health, which is especially important during winter when immune challenges and joint stiffness are more common. Serving them plain and cooked — mashed or diced — makes them easy for dogs to digest while providing warmth and comfort during colder days. Because they are highly palatable for most dogs, sweet potatoes can be a cozy holiday addition that’s both delicious and nutritious

How to serve:
Plain baked sweet potatoes or dehydrated sweet potato slices.

Sardines or Salmon — Omega-3 Rich Holiday Proteins

Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and sardines reduce inflammation in dogs and support joint and brain health. These fats boost immune resilience by helping regulate inflammatory pathways and support overall metabolic health. Offering small amounts of cooked salmon or sardines packed in water (with no added salt or seasoning) can help balance the holiday diet and add nutrient-dense protein that supports long-term wellness. Because omega-3s also contribute to cardiovascular health, these seafood options are especially valuable for aging dogs or those with chronic conditions.

How to serve:
Choose packed-in-water sardines or cooked salmon with no seasoning.  Salmon should not be farm raised.

Apples — High in Fiber, Vitamin C, and Holiday Cheer

Apples are festive, crunchy, and supportive for dog immune health.

How to serve:
Sliced with seeds removed. Avoid sugary holiday baked apple dishes.

Holiday Foods to Avoid

While planning a healthy holiday plate, keep dogs away from:

• chocolate
• grapes & raisins
• onions & garlic
• xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and baked goods, also peanut butter)
• rich meats or fatty trimmings
• alcohol
• macadamia nuts

A Final Thought

Healthy holiday foods don’t have to be boring. With the right choices, you can support your dog’s immune system, reduce inflammation, and give them nourishment that carries benefits well beyond the season.  Remember to check in with your vet about adding any of these foods to your dog’s diet especially if they are on medicine for any condition.  Prevention is another piece of the cure!