Holiday Food Safety Guide for Dogs
There's no doubt that food is one of the best parts of the holidays. From Hanukkah to Christmas to New Year's Eve, people everywhere will be feasting, and if you have pets, you may want to include your furry friends. While there are quite a few common holiday foods you can toss to your dog, there are almost just as many foods and ingredients that can be harmful.
Dangerous Holiday Foods and Ingredients
It's important to watch even for harmful ingredients. Whether in canned cranberry sauce or store bought casserole, certain spices, powders, and more can be toxic to your pup.
To Avoid:
- Chocolate
- Nutmeg
- Sugar
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Fat Trimmings and Skin
- Cooked bones
- Nuts and Seeds
- Garlic
- Gravy
Safe Holiday Foods and Ingredients
The "No-No" list seems quite hefty, but there are still many foods you can give to your dog instead and still give them quite the holiday meal.
To Give:
- Cinnamon
- Cranberries
- Sweet Potatoes
- Carrots
- Apples
- Skinless and Boneless White Turkey/Chicken
- Zucchini
- Natural Peanut/Almond Butter
- Extra Virgin Olive/Coconut Oil
- Broccoli
Be Careful!
If you encounter a food or ingredient that isn’t on these lists, still do a quick internet search or even call your vet to ensure it’s safe for your pup. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and avoid spending a holiday at the veterinarian rather than in your festive home. And keep in mind, just like humans, pets can have certain aversions or even reactions to any foods, so stay alert and keep an eye on your pets when introducing new treats.
Holiday Treats
There are plenty of cute, holiday-themed dog treats recipes online. However, if the kitchen isn't your cup of tea, plenty of brands make safe, holiday-themed treats, such as gingerbread men, peanut butter cookies, and even dog treat Advent calendars with delectable delights. There are lots of options to make this time of year even more special for your pets.
From all of us at Dog Guard, we wish you safe, fun, and happy holidays!
