As you prepare your own holiday meals this year, you might want to give your pet a little treat of their own. But many holiday foods are far too rich for your pet’s digestive system, and some foods may even be toxic. To prevent accidents or illness, take a look at some holiday treats that are safe–and which ones to avoid.
Safe and Fun Holiday Treats
These treats are safe to feed pets and can be a fun holiday treat for your pet as you sit down for your holiday meal:
● Pumpkin or sweet potatoes – these are safe for pets if they are plain and don’t have added ingredients like sugar, butter, oil, nuts, raisins, or marshmallows. Be sure to choose fresh or canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie or pumpkin pie mix. Fresh pumpkin and sweet potatoes should be cooked before feeding to your pet.
● Eggs – cooked eggs are a great treat for pets, as long as your pet doesn’t have an egg allergy. You can mix eggs with lean meats and vegetables for a healthy meal.
● Fruits and vegetables – many plain fruits and vegetables are safe for pets, including green beans, peas, brussels sprouts, carrots, celery, cucumbers, strawberries, watermelon, peaches, bananas, and apples.
● Lean meats – lean, cooked meat with the skin and fat removed are safe for pets. Do not ever give your pet meat bones.
Human Food That is Unsafe for Pets
These human foods aren’t safe for pets, and can cause illness or even death:
● Garlic and onions
● Raisins, grapes, nuts, avocados, and olives
● Chocolate
● Artificial sweeteners
● Alcohol
● Raw meat
● Meat bones
● Fats and oils
If you notice any signs of food poisoning or illness in your pet, like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.