CNY Goodies: Which Ones Can Your Furkids Eat?

Chinese New Year is all about family, togetherness, and plenty of festive snacks laid out on the table. And if you’re a pawrent, you’ll probably notice a familiar sight — your furkid hovering nearby, curious about everything you’re eating (and waiting for some heavenly crumbs to drop on the floor…). 

But before you share a bite, it’s important to know this: not all CNY goodies are safe for dogs and cats. Some festive treats can be harmless in small amounts, while others may pose real health risks.

Here’s a practical guide to help you enjoy the festivities while keeping your furkids safe and happy.

🟢 Generally Safer Options (In Moderation)

These foods are not toxic, but should only be offered plain and in very small amounts — and ideally, only occasionally.

Plain Steamed Vegetables (No Seasoning)

Vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, or broccoli (without seasoning) can be safe for dogs. They’re low in calories and provide fibre.

✔ Dogs: Safe in small amounts

⚠ Cats: Less interested; not nutritionally necessary

Plain Cooked Meat (No Seasoning)

Unseasoned chicken, turkey, or lean pork can be shared in tiny portions.

🗙 No salt, soy sauce, garlic, onion, or marinades

🗙 No bones

Meat Broth (No Seasoning)

Plain meat broth can be a comforting and hydrating treat for pets — only if it’s completely free from seasoning.

✔ Use broth made from chicken, pork, or beef

🗙 No salt, soy sauce, garlic, onion, ginger, or spices

🗙 Avoid store-bought broths (often high in sodium)

For dogs, a small amount of unsalted broth can help encourage hydration, provide added nutrients or add aroma to meals. For cats, broth may appeal to their strong sense of smell, but it should remain an occasional treat rather than a staple.

Tip: Skim off excess fat before serving and offer only a few spoonfuls.

Mandarin Oranges

A small segment can be okay for dogs.

✔ Dogs: Safe occasionally

🗙 Cats: Best avoided

⚠ High sugar — moderation is key

🟡 Proceed With Caution

These festive foods are not toxic, but they are not ideal and may cause digestive upset, weight gain, or long-term issues if fed regularly.

Pineapple Tarts, Love Letters, Kueh Bangkit & Cornflakes Cookies

Classic CNY cookies are usually high in sugar, butter, and refined flour.

⚠ Can cause diarrhoea or vomiting

⚠ High fat and sugar content

⚠ Not suitable for pets with sensitive stomachs

Peanut Cookies & Almond Cookies

While peanuts and almonds themselves are not toxic:

🗙 Cookies are often high in sugar and fat

🗙 May contain salt, flavourings, or baking additives

⚠ Risk of stomach upset and weight gain

Note: Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and should never be fed.

Prawn Rolls

A popular crunchy snack, but unsafe for pets due to:

🗙 High salt content

🗙 Seasonings and preservatives

⚠ Risk of dehydration and pancreatitis

Orh Nee Tarts

Made with yam, sugar, and oils.

⚠ Very high in sugar and fat

⚠ May cause vomiting or diarrhoea

Popiah (Without Sauces)

Plain popiah skin and vegetables are not toxic, but:

⚠ Sauces often contain garlic, onion, sugar, and salt

⚠ Processed fillings are unsuitable for pets

Best avoided unless ingredients are plain, unseasoned, and pet-safe.

🔴 Do NOT Feed These CNY Goodies

These foods can be toxic or dangerous to dogs and cats, even in small amounts.

Food containing Garlic, Onion & Leeks

Common in many festive dishes and sauces.

🗙 Can damage red blood cells

🗙 Risk of anaemia

Chocolate

Contains theobromine, which pets cannot process.

🗙 Toxic to dogs and cats

Grapes & Raisins

Often found in festive snacks and desserts.

🗙 Can cause kidney failure in dogs

Bak Kwa & Processed Meats

A CNY favourite — but a big no for pets.

🗙 High salt and sugar

🗙 Preservatives and flavourings

🗙 Risk of pancreatitis

Sugar-Free Snacks (Xylitol)

Some sugar-free treats contain xylitol.

🗙 Extremely toxic to dogs

🗙 Can cause rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure

📋 Quick Summary: CNY Goodies & Pet Safety

CNY Goodies	Dogs	Cats	Notes
Plain cooked meat (no seasoning)	✔ Small amounts	⚠ Not ideal	No salt, sauces, garlic, onion
Plain vegetables	✔	⚠	Fibre for dogs; cats don’t need veg
Mandarin oranges	⚠	🗙	High sugar; dogs only, very small amounts
Pineapple tarts	⚠	🗙	High sugar & butter
Cornflakes cookies	⚠	🗙	High fat & sugar
Peanut cookies	⚠	🗙	Fatty; may cause stomach upset
Almond cookies	⚠	🗙	Same concerns as peanut cookies
Prawn rolls	🗙	🗙	High salt & preservatives
Orh Nee tarts	🗙	🗙	Very high sugar & oils
Popiah	🗙	🗙	Sauces contain garlic, onion & sugar
Bak kwa	🗙	🗙	Salt, sugar & preservatives
Chocolate, grapes, raisins	🗙	🗙	Toxic to pets

Quick CNY Safety Tips for Pawrents

• Keep snack trays out of reach
• Remind guests not to feed pets without asking
• Stick to pet treats during celebrations
• When in doubt, don’t feed it

If your pet accidentally ingests something unsafe, contact your vet immediately.

Want to Treat Your Furkid This CNY? Choose Pet-Safe Options

Instead of sharing human snacks, opt for pet treats made specifically for dogs and cats. High-quality treats:

✔ Are nutritionally appropriate

✔ Avoid toxic ingredients

✔ Are easier to portion and control

At Harmony Pets, we curate treats made with simple, thoughtfully processed ingredients, so your furkid can enjoy the festive season safely — without the worry. Because the best CNY memories are the ones where everyone — paws included — stays happy and well.