4 Holiday Treats to Keep Away from Your Pet

The holidays are among us and that means it’s time to eat the delicious festive foods we’ve been waiting for all year long! Although most of us know that it can be harmful to feed our pet leftover food or scraps from the table, some may think the holidays are the exception. In fact, the foods we consume during the holiday season can actually be the most harmful to our pets. Although it’s best to avoid feeding your pet all table leftovers, these are the select few that you should absolutely avoid feeding your pet. 

Here are the 4 holiday treats to keep away from your pet:

Fatty meats

Pets are not used to consuming fatty cuts of meat, so this can lead to an upset stomach. Fatty meats can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even pancreatitis in some cases. As we all know there are many different types of meats served during the holiday season, so it’s best to keep the lamb, turkey, and ham for the humans. 

Bones

Allowing your dog to chew on leftover bones can be very dangerous as this can lead to foreign body ingestion. In some cases, your pet might need surgery to remove the object from their stomach or intestines. A great alternative to holiday bone scraps is purchasing pet-friendly bones that are specifically designed for your pet to consume and digest. This way your pet can participate in the holiday fun and enjoy a tasty treat!

Desserts with grapes or raisins 

Grapes and raisins are toxic for pets to consume and can lead to kidney failure. During the holiday season, it’s best to keep fruit cakes and cookies out of reach. If you are traveling with your pet this holiday season, it’s important to keep your own food sealed and out of sight. It can also be a great idea to tell your friends and family not to feed your pet leftovers or unfamiliar foods.

Chocolate and cocoa

The holiday season calls for an array of delicious desserts, but it’s important to remember that pets can’t enjoy the same foods we do. Chocolate and cocoa are toxic to pets and can cause cardiac arrhythmias, neurologic signs, vomiting, and diarrhea. Not only are chocolate and cocoa desserts toxic to pets, but they also contain large amounts of sugar and fat which is hard for your pet’s digestive system. If you are looking for ways to include your pet for holiday fun, research pet-friendly dessert recipes online. This will ensure that your pet is consuming safe ingredients while also enjoying the festivities that the holidays bring.

How often should you be taking your pet to the vet? Read more here.