January 6, 2026, 5:20 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The holidays are over, the tree is shedding needles—and some pet owners come up with a seemingly clever idea: Why not simply feed branches or needles from the discarded Christmas tree to rabbits, horses, or other pets? After all, you see elephants or goats at the zoo getting Christmas trees. But experts strongly advise against this.
Christmas Trees Are Often Contaminated
We know the images: After the festivities, Christmas trees end up in enclosures with elephants and others, who enjoy the culinary change—and sometimes play with their food. Isn’t it a nice idea to at least feed a few branches to rabbits, horses, and other animals in or around the house before disposing of your own tree?
Even if the thought seems charming, food from the living room tree can be dangerous for pets. The organization Aktion Tier strongly warns against feeding Christmas trees or their components to animals. The reason: Most firs and spruces sold in Germany come from monocultures that are regularly treated with pesticides and fertilizers, according to Aktion Tier.
Chemical pesticides for weed control—such as glyphosate—and agents for protection against fungi and insect infestations are used. If animals gnaw on the trees or even eat parts of them, the harmful substances can enter their bodies and harm their health, explains biologist Ursula Bauer from Aktion Tier.
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Why Christmas Trees Are Not a Good Idea for Pets
It’s understandable why the idea of feeding the discarded Christmas tree to pets arises: Many herbivores instinctively like to nibble on branches, use bark to wear down their teeth, or play with fresh greenery. Especially with rabbits or goats, the interest often seems great—but enthusiasm is not a reliable indicator of digestibility.
Rabbits, guinea pigs, and horses are particularly sensitive, as their digestion is designed for high-fiber but contaminant-free plants. If pesticide or fertilizer residues from Christmas tree branches enter their system, it can lead to diarrhea, colic, or symptoms of poisoning.
If you still want to do something good for your animals after the holidays, it’s better to opt for unsprayed alternatives. Willow, hazel, or fruit tree branches from a safe source are suitable. They provide activity and chewing pleasure without endangering the animals’ health. Ursula Bauer from Aktion Tier has another tip for next year: If you want to feed the tree after the Christmas season, make sure to buy a certified organic Christmas tree that has grown without toxins.
And Where to Dispose of the Discarded Tree?
Most cities and municipalities in Germany offer special Christmas tree pickups in January, according to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). Information can be found on the respective websites. Before putting the trees out, they should be completely undecorated and free of any tinsel remnants.
By the way, burning the Christmas tree is generally not a good idea. The UBA points out that wood intended for burning in a stove must be well-dried, which can take up to two years. It also needs to be untreated.
Paying attention to this is important not only because otherwise high dust emissions can occur. Your own stove could also be damaged if it overheats. According to the UBA, stove door glass can become cloudy, and the stove door can become permanently leaky. Tar deposits could also form.
With material from dpa