Know which holiday foods you can share with your pup and which foods to avoid
With the holidays approaching, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself, your household, and your guests with what foods are okay to feed your dog vs. which foods to avoid.
First, we’ll cover which festive foods are safe to share with your pup during the holidays. Then, we’ll share a list of holiday foods to avoid feeding your dog.
Here are Some “Doggie-Do” Pup-Safe Holiday Foods
- Turkey: Lean, well-cooked turkey without seasoning is generally safe.
🚫Avoid bones and fatty skin. Cooked bones can splinter and cause digestive tract issues or choking hazards. - Plain Sweet Potatoes: These are a nutritious and tasty treat for dogs.
🚫Skip the marshmallows and butter. - Plain Pumpkin or Squash: A small amount of cooked pumpkin and squash. 100% pure pumpkin is a good vitamin A, antioxidant, and fiber source. It’s also low-fat.
🚫Avoid pumpkin pie and pumpkin pie filling due to fat, seasoning, and dangerous artificial sweeteners like Xylitol. - Green Beans: Fresh raw, or lightly steamed, make a nutritious snack.
🚫Avoid salted canned green beans and green bean casserole due to the onions and high-fat content! - Carrots and Broccoli: Raw or cooked carrots and broccoli are low in calories and high in vitamins, making them a great treat.
- Plain Mashed Potatoes: If your dog can tolerate dairy, a small amount of plain mashed potatoes is okay.
🚫Skip the butter, sour cream, and seasoning. - Cranberries: Fresh or cooked in small amounts can be a healthy addition.
🚫Avoid sugary cranberry sauces and jellies. - Plain, Cooked Rice: A small amount of plain, cooked rice can be a gentle addition to your dog’s diet.
🚫Avoid butter and seasoning.
Note: No two dogs are the same. Some items may/may not be suitable for your dog due to its size, age, breed, health, and temperament, among other factors. It is advisable to contact your veterinarian when contemplating changing your pet’s diet.
Here are Some Definite “Doggie-Don’t” Holiday Foods
During the holidays, it’s essential to be aware of foods that can harm dogs. Some foods to avoid feeding your dog during the holidays include:
- 🚫Turkey Bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause digestive tract issues or choking hazards.
- 🚫Fatty Foods: Avoid feeding your dog fatty parts of turkey, ham, or other meats, as they can lead to pancreatitis.
- 🚫Onions and Garlic: These ingredients, commonly found in holiday dishes, can be toxic to dogs and cause damage to their red blood cells.
- 🚫Stuffing: Stuffing often contains onions, garlic, and potentially harmful seasonings.
- 🚫Rich Gravies and Sauces: Creamy, rich gravies and sauces can be too much for your dog’s stomach and may contain ingredients like onions or excessive fat.
- 🚫Sweets and Desserts: Chocolate, artificial sweeteners (such as xylitol), and desserts with high sugar content can be toxic to dogs.
- 🚫Nuts: Macadamia nuts and others can be toxic to dogs and cause symptoms such as weakness, vomiting, and hyperthermia.
- 🚫Alcohol: Keep all alcoholic beverages out of reach, as alcohol can cause intoxication, vomiting, diarrhea, and even respiratory failure in dogs.
- 🚫Grapes and Raisins: These fruits can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
- 🚫Spices and Seasonings: Avoid highly spiced and seasoned foods, which can cause digestive upset.
- 🚫Chocolate
Other Holiday Safety Tips to Keep in Mind for Your Dog
It’s a good idea to communicate with guests about not feeding table scraps to your dog. Many people may not be aware of the potential harm certain foods can cause, so it’s a good idea to share this list with them! Watch the young ones who may secretly try feeding their mashed potatoes to Skippy beneath the table during your next holiday feast!
Keep sweet tables and food items out of reach from your pooch; sweep up the floor to keep onions and other dangerous items from reaching your pup; safely seal table scraps in a container after dinner. There are far too many horror stories of dogs getting into the table scraps (trash bags) or being able to stand up and reach that yummy-smelling roasted turkey from a kitchen counter!
Before introducing new food into your dog’s diet, it is always best to consult your veterinarian and remember to feed in moderation. Remember, the key is to keep portions small, avoid seasonings and additives, and ensure the foods are cooked and prepared safely for your dog. Monitor your dog for any signs of allergies or digestive issues, and consult your vet if you have any concerns. When in doubt, it is best to “do without.”
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