The holidays are filled with guests, excitement, and, most of all, food that you’ve waited all year to eat! The holidays include different foods you don’t often eat and food that your pet may not encounter during the rest of the year. This holiday season, ensure you’re prepared by knowing which foods are safe or dangerous for your pet.
Holiday Diet Dangers
There are several foods you should keep away from your pet. These food items can cause an upset stomach, a damaged digestive tract, or even kidney failure.
- Garlic and Onions – Food items that are a part of the allium family, such as garlic, onions, scallions, and leeks, are harmful to your pets. You may not give your pet these items outright, but they are often used in holiday cooking, making many holiday dishes toxic for pets.
- Raisins and Grapes – Avoid giving your dog or cat access to fruit plates, desserts, salads, and wines that contain raisins or grapes, as they are poisonous to animals. Even a tiny amount can result in kidney failure.
- Seasoned or Stuffed Turkey and Turkey Bones – Cooked turkey bones can split or tear inside your animal’s digestive tract, resulting in the need for immediate veterinary care. Unless the turkey you are feeding your animal is plain, white meat, avoid giving it to your pet.
Safe Holiday Diet Treats
Your cat or dog can enjoy some plain, white meat turkey this holiday season, as it’s packed with protein and low in fat. They can also enjoy vegetables such as carrots, celery, or any plain, boiled, or baked potato. Pumpkin puree and fresh pumpkin are also safe treats.
Understanding which foods are harmful to dogs and cats can save you heartache and money this holiday season; contact your veterinarian for more information!
