You naturally want to include your furry friend in all the holiday celebrations and traditions, but sharing some parts of the festivities can have dangerous results. Follow our Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital team’s tips to spoil your pet safely this holiday season. Learn which holiday treats to avoid feeding your pet and how to modify your favorite dishes to make them safe for your four-legged friend.

Holiday treats to avoid giving your pet

Although your furry pal may try telling you otherwise, not all foods are pet-safe. Because they contain ingredients that are dangerous to pets, do not share the following dishes with your dog or cat:

  • Food high in fat — Many favorite holiday foods contain hefty amounts of fat. Ham, turkey skin and legs, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and many other delicious dishes have a high fat content because of the foods themselves (e.g., ham, turkey skin) or the ingredients (e.g., butter, cream). Excessive fat can irritate your pet’s digestive system and can cause pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
  • Food that poses a choking hazard or obstruction — Bones and nuts may seem like good treats to give your pet who loves to chew on everything, but these foods can cause your furry pal to choke or develop a gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction. Bone shards can also pierce your pet’s mouth, or perforate their GI tract, causing a dangerous systemic infection.
  • Food with toxic ingredients — While you know chocolate and grapes are toxic to pets, other sweet treats are also hazardous. Desserts sweetened with xylitol, a popular sugar substitute, can cause severe hypoglycemia and liver failure in dogs. Pumpkin pie spiced with nutmeg and cloves is also toxic to pets. Other toxic foods include garlic, onions, chives, macadamia nuts, and alcohol.

Safe holiday treats to share with your pet

Many holiday dishes are doctored up, making them extremely tasty. However, many of these added ingredients make holiday foods too unhealthy for your pet to enjoy safely. When sharing holiday treats with your pet, avoid adding hazardous seasonings and feed them only the following safe foods:

  • Lean meats — While the Christmas ham is too high in fat to share with your pet, lean meats make a wonderful treat. Turkey and chicken breast, lamb, tuna, and salmon are excellent low-fat options, and you can safely feed these in moderation to your pet. When preparing lean meats for your pet, ensure they are free of skin, bones, and seasonings. Also, cook meat completely to kill infectious bacteria, and allow the meats to cool before serving them to your dog or cat.
  • Fresh fruits — Rather than feeding your pet fruitcake, offer your furry pal fresh fruits that are packed with nutrition. Do not feed your pet citrus fruits, grapes, raisins, currants, seeds, pits, rinds, or peels. Most other fruits are safe to serve in moderation, and you can simply cut fresh fruits into appropriately sized bites to share with your pet.
  • Vegetables — Although many holiday casseroles are vegetable-based, green bean and sweet potato casseroles are loaded with ingredients that are harmful to your pet. Forgo holiday casseroles, and give your furry pal fresh, steamed, or roasted veggies. Refrain from adding butter, salt, or seasonings, and offer only small portions. Most vegetables have a high fiber content that can alter your pet’s digestion, so stick to feeding them small portions to take advantage of these foods’ antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients.
  • Homemade treats — You might also consider making treats specifically for your pet rather than modifying your holiday menu. You can find plenty of healthy pet treat recipes online. Look for recipes that are low in fat and calories, and avoid adding sugar to keep your pet’s holiday treats from causing your furry pal to pack on excess pounds.

Alternatives to holiday treats for your pet

While your pet may try to convince you that food is the perfect holiday gift, many cats and dogs are sensitive to diet changes. In addition, consider whether your pet is progressing well toward a weight loss goal. You don’t want your dog or cat to gain back weight they worked so hard to lose. Rather than offering your pet food as a holiday treat, consider gifting them the following alternatives:

  • A spa day — Help your furry pal look and feel their best for all the upcoming holiday photo ops. Give your dog or cat a pampering spa day, whether you provide the services yourself at home or you make an appointment with a professional groomer.
  • An interactive toy — A toy that encourages your pet to play and exercise is a wonderful gift, especially if your dog or cat is bored and in need of environmental enrichment.
  • A food puzzle — In lieu of a treat, you can spice up your pet’s mealtimes by serving their meal in a new food puzzle they can solve.
  • Fresh air — A brisk outdoor exercise session and simply time spent outside enjoying the fresh air and sunshine are great ways to brighten your pet’s day.
  • One-on-one time — The holidays are a busy time, and your furry pal may feel a little neglected as you strive to check off everything on your to-do list. Spend some extra time cuddling with your dog or cat on the couch to let them know how much they mean to you.

Despite your best efforts, a holiday guest may slip your furry pal a forbidden snack. If your pet gets their paws on an unsafe holiday food, contact our Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital team.