We love spoiling our furry friends, especially on holidays, but what happens when the holiday treats are too tempting, and they take something from the table? Thatâs when holiday joy turns to anxiety, and we wonder if we need to call the vets! Letâs save you some anxiety - this is our quick guide to holiday foods pets can eat.
Pet-Friendly Holiday Foods
There are plenty of pet-safe holiday treats as long as we are careful both with the ingredients and the quantity of the food. Remember, just like with humans, there is so much as too much of a good thing for our pets, so everything in moderation!
Safe Proteins
Good news! Dogs and cats can enjoy turkey, chicken, or beef as long as itâs skinless, boneless, and doesnât have any added seasoning. You can also give them a little unseasoned holiday ham, as a treat since itâs high in sodium and fatâso itâs best as an occasional indulgence. If you're serving fish this holiday, most types are safe for cats (just make sure there are no bones or skin), and some, like tuna and mackerel, are packed with healthy omega-3s!
Vegetables
Brussels sprouts may not be a favorite for humans, but they can be a little treat for dogs. The same goes for carrots, celery, green beans, pumpkin, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Again, no spices or seasoning. These are all nutritious options for your furry friend. If youâre having okra it is fine to give it to your dog, but not your cat.
Example Recipe: Sweet Potato Bites
If youâre interested in making something just for your pet, you canât go wrong with sweet potato bites like these ones from Zoetis. Theyâre sweet, delicious, healthy holiday treats for pets - in moderation, of course. Simply preheat your oven to 250°F, wash your sweet potatoes, and then thinly slice them (about ÂŒ of an inch thick). Put them in a single layer on a baking sheet and cook for 2-3 hours, depending on the type of sweet potato and your oven. This will give you a chewy bite for your pet! Alternatively, you can keep them in longer to make them crunch - just donât let them burn!
Grains
Grains are very much a food to be kept in moderation, but they can still be a healthy option. Cats and dogs can both have whole grains as well as corn. Barley and oats are both really great options if your pet needs more B vitamins!
Foods to Avoid
There are some foods we should keep away from our pets - some we may not think of!
Toxic Foods
Chocolate
While we humans find it totally irresistible, chocolate contains a mix of caffeine and theobromine which are dangerous to cats and dogs! Cats can be especially sensitive as they metabolize these things more slowly. There is no safe amount of chocolate for cats or dogs. If youâre a cat owner and feel a bit bad, donât worry, cats canât actually taste sweetness in food so theyâre not missing out on anything.
Grapes and RaisinsÂ
These can be a delicious human treat, but for our furry friends, they can cause kidney damage or even kidney failure!
Xylitol
This is a sweetener that can be found in some fruits and veggies, but is often made from birch trees (sometimes called birch sugar) and is very dangerous for our pets. The symptoms of xylitol poisoning in pets you need to look out for are:
Vomiting
Lethargy
Weakness
Disorientation
Tremors
Drooling
Loss of coordination
Coma
If your pet has eaten xylitol or you suspect it, take them to an emergency vet immediately.
Caffeine
While helpful for humans to get up and go, caffeine is actually a toxin made by plants to stop other things eating them. We humans have found ways to consume it, but it is simply not safe for our pets.
Hidden Danger
You might be surprised what contains these ingredients nowadays, especially as manufacturers look to make things cheaper whilst tasting the same. Read labels where you can, but if you arenât sure, then the best thing to do is avoid giving your pet food with those ingredients. It can be easier and less anxiety-inducing to make your pets holiday foods using recipes for pet-safe holiday treats.
Harmful Ingredients
There are a lot of dangerous holiday foods for pets, like alliums (known to you and me as the onion family) which according to PetMD are toxic to dogs, alcoholic food and drinks, and some of our sweet treats that contain too much sugar or contain sweeteners.
How to Treat Pets During Holiday Meals
Pets may get excited because holidays are different and novel! If you find they are begging, it can be a sweet idea to give them a treat filled toy to play with, but honestly, the best plan is to ignore them until they stop (itâs hard, we know!).
Special Pet-Friendly Treats
There are a lot of healthy holiday treats for pets, and sometimes, the best pet-safe holiday snacks are the things they donât get often, like a little bit of ham or sweet potato. You can even make it feel more special by putting the pet-safe holiday treats in a special toy or served in a special bowl.
Conclusion
There are plenty of safe holiday foods for dogs and cats, but keep in mind moderation and look out for hidden nasties. Have a happy and safe holiday season!
Frequently Asked Questions
What holiday foods are safe for dogs and cats?
Plain chicken or turkey is always a safe option for dogs and cats, but they can have a variety of holiday foods.
Can pets have turkey on Thanksgiving?
Yes! As long as itâs unseasoned, without the skin or any bones.
How to handle pet begging during holiday meals?
If you find theyâre begging then giving them a special treat-filled puzzle to focus on may help, but the best thing you can do is ignore it.
What to do if my pet eats chocolate?
Call a vet and get them to the animal hospital.
