DOG owners are being warned to keep festive food away from their pooches, as it could be highly poisonous.

Owners of Hampshire-based animal boarding company Petpals, Matt and Louise Wilder, say many local residents do not know of the risks Christmas food brings.

As the big day approaches, they are now warning dog owners to be vigilant and to avoid an unnecessary trip to the vets – or worse.

"Christmas is a time when homes are stocked with our favourite festive foods and we’re busy getting ready for the holidays," said Matt.

"It’s all too easy for owners to forget that foods in home at this time of year, can be highly poisonous, resulting in an emergency trip to the vets to get their stomach pumped or, in some cases, much worse."

Petpals, who walk and board pets for busy Romsey and Winchester owners, have drawn up a list of the most poisonous in the hope that they can alert owners to the dangers this winter.

The list includes:

• Chocolate

• Currants/Sultanas/Grapes

• Christmas pudding

• Christmas cake

• Mince pies

• Holly

• Mistletoe

• Poinsettia

• Alcohol

• Nuts

• Cream

• Cooked Bones

• Blue Cheese

• Onions

• Mushrooms

• Yeast

• Coffee

• Salt

• Chewing Gum

• Cat food

Two other extremely poisonous products for dogs are batteries and anti-freeze.

If either of these are ingested it is vital to get them to the vets as soon as possible.