It’s the holiday season, which means blogs, newsletters, and social media feeds are full of warnings about holiday hazards. And in the past, we’ve talked about what to do if your dog eats something they shouldn’t. So, this year, we want to focus on the tasty, pet-safe holiday foods you CAN share with your furry friends!
Our Guide to Pet-Safe Holiday Foods
There’s nothing quite like sharing a holiday meal with loved ones. If you’re like us, your pets are members of the family and you don’t want them to feel left out! Luckily, there are plenty of ways to safely treat your animal companions around the holidays.
Instead of turkey skin, meat bones, and pan drippings…
Is it really a holiday feast without turkey, ham, or prime rib as the centerpiece? The biggest problem with turkey skin and pan drippings (or gravy) is the high fat content. For some pets, even small amounts can cause pancreatitis or tummy troubles.
If you choose to carve Fido or Fluffy a slice of holiday turkey, make sure it’s a small piece of white meat that’s unseasoned. Salt and seasonings might be important to us, but they can be hard for your pets to digest. Avoid feeding pets fatty skin altogether.
If you’re baking up a holiday ham, it’s best not to feed it to pets. This particular meaty treat comes packed full of sodium, sugar, and fat. If you really want your pet to have a special treat, consider boiling up an unseasoned chicken breast just for them!
In all cases, avoid giving bones to dogs and cats alike. While they may seem like a tasty chew toy, they’re prone to splintering. Splintered bones can damage the mouth and throat and pose a choking hazard to pets. Instead of chewing on a bone, your dog might enjoy chewing on a flavored Nylabone or getting dog-safe treats from a puzzle toy.
Instead of creamy, buttery, seasoned mashed potatoes…
The problem with mashed potatoes isn’t necessarily the potatoes. It’s the cream, butter, salt, and seasonings that make them so delicious to humans! If you want to share this dish with your pets, just set aside some plain boiled potatoes. We promise, your pup will be just as excited to have their own pet-safe version of this holiday food!
Instead of green bean casserole…
Just like mashed potatoes, green beans are a tasty, healthy treat for dogs… before they go into the casserole! Your pets can safely enjoy fresh or frozen green beans raw, steamed, or lightly sauteed. Just make sure your pets’ portion is free of oil, salt, and seasonings. Other fruits and veggies your pet might enjoy include carrots, cranberries, and sweet potatoes.
Instead of pumpkin pie…
Is it really a holiday feast without dessert? Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like pumpkin pie. Luckily, pumpkin is a pet-safe, tasty treat for many dogs! When serving up your pet’s portion, make sure you’re offering them plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree. Canned pumpkin pie filling is full of sugar and spices that your pet shouldn’t have.
Want to really make your pet’s day? Top their pumpkin with a little dollop of plain, unsweetened whipped cream. In moderation, this can be a delicious way to treat your pet for the holidays. Important note: make sure you’re not using “sugar-free” whipped cream, as it may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Always check the ingredient list!
Other Pet-Safe Holiday Considerations
Portion sizes matter. Even pet-safe holiday foods can cause trouble in excess! Rather than carving up a whole turkey breast, offer each pet a bite or two. Give special holiday foods like any other treat and stick to the “less than 10% of daily calories” rule.
Watch for sneaky spices. Many flavor-enhancing spices used in holiday cooking are toxic to both dogs and cats! Flavorings like garlic, onion, chives, nutmeg, chili powder, and excessive salt are all dangerous for pets. Be sure to always check the ingredients before offering a taste to your furry friends.
Food isn’t the only thing pets like to eat. Cats and dogs alike might be tempted to chew on the Christmas tree or nibble on holiday poinsettias. Unfortunately, mistletoe, holly, and lilacs can all be deadly to cats. Poinsettias, while not as dangerous, can also cause GI upset and diarrhea. When decorating, try to opt for pet-safe plants or keep greenery out of pets’ reach.
Know The Signs of Pancreatitis
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, pets eat something they shouldn’t or eat more than their system can handle. Keep an eye out for symptoms of acute pancreatitis, such as:
- Sudden severe lethargy
- Abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Severe dehydration
- Fever
- Collapse and/or shock (in serious cases)
If your pet is showing symptoms of pancreatitis, time is everything! Get in touch with your vet as soon as possible to start supportive care and get your pet back to feeling their best. For more information about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for pancreatitis, check out our recent blog post.
Happy Holidays from Pine Point Animal Hospital!
However you celebrate these next few months, we hope you and your loved ones have a safe and joy-filled holiday season. We’re proud to be your local vet in the heart of Damascus, Oregon. If your pet needs care, we’re here for you! Get in touch to schedule your next appointment.