Holiday Foods Your Pets Can and Can't Eat

The holidays bring about a change in routines, hosting visitors, and—perhaps most importantly—a change in diet. Not only will there be more food available, but there will also be more different types of food, some of which your pets won't find at other times of the year.

 

Naturally, not all foods are created equal, and some foods will be processed differently by your pets than they are by humans. Here is a helpful list of foods to stay away from and those that your pets can enjoy with you.

HOLIDAY DIET DON’TS:

COOKED BONES. Who doesn't love tossing a bone to their dog? Just be careful not to feed cooked bones to your dog as they become brittle and fragile. Bone fragments may break off and become lodged in your dog's throat or intestines. For your cats, only use toys.

CHOCOLATE. Although it's common knowledge that chocolate is poisonous to dogs, did you know that it's also harmful to cats? More chocolate than usual enters the house during the holiday season. Keep all chocolate out of the reach of dogs and cats because it is extremely toxic to both.

ONIONS AND GARLIC. Garlic and onions can upset your pet's stomach and even lead to anemia. You probably won't feed these foods directly to your pets, but before giving your dog or cat anything you think it might contain (especially sausage! ), check the ingredients.

GRAPES AND RAISINS. These foods can worsen kidney disease or even cause it in small doses. Keep your pets far away from fruit plates, raisin bread, and other holiday staples.

HOLIDAY DIET DO’S:

White meat turkey is a filling, nutritious, and delectable treat for your pet. Simply trim off the skin and extra fat before feeding them.

A tasty and eye-catching fruit addition to your pet's holiday meal are BANANAS and APPLES. Similarly, CARROTS complete the list of vegetables you can use to please your dog or cat.

A PUMPKIN PUREE dessert. When you include this in their regular meal, pets love it! Just be sure to serve plain pumpkin and NOT pumpkin pie filling, as nutmeg can cause nausea and hallucinations when consumed in large doses.

Always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about what foods are safe for your pet to eat. Additionally, consult your veterinarian right away if your dog or cat exhibits tremors, abdominal discomfort, increased thirst, or seizures. You should have a joyful holiday season with both you and your pets if you just pay attention to who is eating what.