Choosing non-toxic holiday foods for pets

    

We all want to include our pets in our holiday festivities and let them indulge in some of the incredible foods shared at this time of year. The problem is a lot of those foods aren’t healthy for pets or may even be toxic. Find out how to choose safe holiday treats for pets.

 

 

How do you make holiday food safe for dogs and cats?

1.  Avoid toxic ingredients.
The following toxins should not be added to any holiday foods that your dog or cat will be snacking on:

• Chocolate, coffee and caffeine. Ingestion of small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but large amounts can cause seizures and heart arrhythmias. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most toxic, and even small doses of these can be fatal.
  
• Alcohol. It’s probably not surprising that pets will act drunk if they lap up an alcoholic beverage. Our pets are lightweights who will go from stumbling and vomiting to severe symptoms, like coma and even death, on fairly little alcohol.
  
• Grapes and raisins. Even one grape or raisin can cause kidney failure in dogs. That includes baked goods with raisins in them, like fruitcake and carrot cake.  
  
• Onions and garlic. These flavor boosters damage the red blood cells of pets, especially in cats. This is true for the raw vegetables as well as their powdered forms.
  
• Sugarless gums and candies that contain xylitol. This sweetener causes a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. If you keep gum and mints in your purse, don’t forget to store them out of reach.
  
• Macadamia nuts. Most nuts are very fatty and can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but macadamia nuts specifically will lead to weakness, tremors and hyperthermia.
  
• Yeast dough. This will keep rising in your pet’s stomach, leading to bloat and ethanol production, which causes the same toxicity as alcohol. 

All of these foods, while safe for people, are toxic to pets and can cause life-threatening illness. If you believe your pet has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 right away! 

2. Cut the fat and the calories.
Added fat is not only unnecessary, but it also can lead to a painful condition called pancreatitis. Fatty foods, like turkey skin or bacon, can also lead to this condition. Treats are part of your pet’s daily calorie intake, so keep them small and limited to less than 10% of their daily diet.

3. Remove bones.
Bones can fracture teeth and lead to obstructions in your pet’s gut. Cooked bones are also more likely to shatter or splinter, potentially puncturing the esophagus, stomach or intestines.

4. Follow food safety guidelines.
Follow proper food handling techniques and cook food thoroughly, keeping your pet safe from salmonella if they eat raw or undercooked meat or eggs.

5. Don’t add sugar. Pets don't need sweeteners! Sugar just adds unnecessary calories. And some sweeteners, like xylitol, can be very toxic. 

What are safe holiday treats for pets?

2. Dental-friendly snacks. 
While daily brushing and regularly scheduled dental cleanings are a must for healthy teeth and gums, crunchy fruits and veggies such as carrots and apples can help scrape food off your pet’s teeth. Dental chews of high-quality ingredients are another good option for treats, as are specifically designed dental diets—yes, you can feed your pet one diet and provide dental diet kibble as a treat!

3. Fruits and veggies. 
Most fresh veggies and fruits can be given to your pet. They can be offered raw, or vegetables can be cooked without any seasoning, butter or oil. Vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, celery, cucumber and green beans, and fruits such as apple, blueberries, pineapple and raspberries are all good options. Remember to remove cores, seeds, stems and peels first. For fruits, make sure to avoid grapes, raisins and currants.

If your pet is on a specific diet to help manage a health condition, check with your veterinarian before serving them these delicious treats.  

Browse our veterinarian-approved diets to keep your pet thriving—at every lifestage and health condition. >>