Happy Fall from All American Pet Resorts! We’re coming up on the time of year where there is no shortage of holiday parties. This is an exciting season with plenty of time spent with family, friends, and of course our furry family members. This means loads of food, and sometimes, it’s hard to resist those big puppy dog eyes begging for what’s on your plate. There are plenty of holiday foods that are completely safe for your furry friends to indulge in, but there are also many foods that could be dangerous; the key is to just be mindful of what you’re feeding your pets during this time of year.
To inform pet owners and to keep their furry best friends healthy and happy this holiday season, we’re sharing some important information on what’s safe for your pet to eat and what’s not.
Holiday Food: What's Not Safe for Your Pet & What Is!
The holiday season is a time of sharing, and food plays a major role in most family get-togethers! It’s not just the family that overindulges – you may be more inclined to give your dog some extra treats as well. The metabolism of dogs is significantly different from our own, however, and some pretty surprising things can be toxic and even fatal for them. Here’s a list of foods to keep away from your pet this holiday season:
- Chocolate
- Dairy (butter, sour cream, etc.)
- Garlic & Onions
- Uncooked scraps (meat, fish, and poultry)
- Grapes & Raisins
- Nuts
Additionally, bones or carcasses leftover from holiday roasts can be fatal to dogs and lead to serious problems. Bones lodged in their mouth and throat and impactions in the stomach and intestines can result in severe discomfort and sometimes a need for surgery. Since these foods tend to be so prevalent over the holiday season (and so tempting to dogs!), it’s a good idea to always keep an extra eye on your pup.
On the other hand, there are plenty of holiday foods that are safe for dogs to eat, including bread, veggies, and most (but not all!) fruit. Here are just some of the holiday foods dogs can eat, and often enjoy:
- Pumpkin
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Carrots
- Apples
- Squash
Remember: human food should only be a treat for your dog - it should be no more than 5 to 10 percent of their diet. If you have any questions or are concerned that your pet has eaten something he or she shouldn’t have, make sure to contact your veterinarian!
