The holidays are approaching fast! Many of us are anticipating spending some quality time with friends and family over the coming weeks. That delicious seasonal food is also something to look forward to. If you have a dog, it’s probably safe to say that Fido will be paying very close attention as those yummy dishes come out of the oven. Your canine companion definitely deserves a special treat! Just stick to safe, suitable options. Here, a London, ON vet lists some holiday foods your pet can enjoy.
Main Course
Fido can have some of that savory chicken or turkey. Other types of meat, fish, and poultry are also fine. There are a few caveats here, however. First, only give your dog plain, boneless meat, without the skin, bones, or fat. Also, hold the gravy: it may contain things like garlic and onions, which aren’t safe for dogs. If you are serving organ meats, such as liver or kidney, limit your furry pal’s intake of them: these things are only safe on occasion. Ham, however, is not suitable for pups.
Certain Veggies
Many veggies are safe for our canine friends. Cooked, unseasoned peas, carrots, spinach, green beans, squash, pumpkin, and sweet or plain potatoes are all fine. Just be sure to offer your pooch only unseasoned veggies, without the toppings. As for fruit, Fido can have bananas, apple slices, or blueberries.
Other Foods
Your furry buddy can have small amounts of cheese and eggs. Fido can also have some natural peanut butter, sodium-free broth, or shredded deli meat. Small amounts of bacon, sausage, or plain cocktail wieners are also fine. Just don’t go overboard on these fatty treats!
Homemade Doggy Treats
If you enjoy cooking, you can make your furry best friend some homemade goodies. You’ll find all sorts of recipes online! In addition to the items we’ve listed above, you can include things like bacon bits, plain yogurt, bacon grease, liver powder, whole-wheat flour, and olive oil.
Foods To Avoid
Never give Fido anything that contains chocolate; nuts; grapes, currants, or raisins; alcohol; caffeine; pitted fruits, especially avocados; or xylitol. Garlic, onion, scallions, and chives are dangerous as well, and are particularly concerning as they are often used as seasoning. Meat on the bone and raw meat, dough, or yeast are also unsafe.
Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your London, ON vet clinic, anytime!
