Treats to give and Hazards to avoid this Holiday Season
With the holiday season upon us and as we get ready to gather around tables adorned with scrumptious feasts, our furry family is often right by our side, hoping for a taste of the festivities. As pet health and nutrition advocates who champion the benefits of fresh feeding, we’re here to guide you through the holiday season with a list of wholesome treats to share and a few holiday hazards to avoid for your beloved furry family members.
Healthy Holiday Treats for Your Pup
Lean Meat Delights: Roasted turkey or chicken without the skin and bones can be a delightful treat for your dog. Ensure it’s free from any seasonings or sauces and never serve a cooked bone. These lean meats are packed with protein that fuels their energy and supports muscle health.
Veggies Galore: Steamed or boiled vegetables like sweet potatoes, green beans, brussels sprouts or carrots make excellent and nutritious additions to your pup’s holiday meal. These veggies offer vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants that contribute to their overall well-being. Always be sure to offer small amounts if your furry guy isn’t used to eating many veggies to avoid an upset tummy.
Fruit Frenzy: Moderate amounts of fruits, with the exception of grapes and raisins can provide a sweet and juicy snack for your furry friend. Our furry guys can get a lot of benefit from fruit, such as sliced apples, bananas or berries! Remember to remove any seeds or pits, only serve the same part of the fruit you would eat and offer these sweet holiday treats in moderation.
Holiday Hazards for Your Pup
Say No to Cooked Bones: While the temptation to share your holiday turkey or ham bones with your dog is strong, it can be a dangerous mistake. Cooked bones can splinter and pose choking hazards or even cause internal injuries. If you want to share bones with the furry guys, be sure they are raw, meaty bones that are size appropriate for your floof. Never offer cooked or heat treated bones.
Steer Clear of Seasonings: Rich holiday dishes or gravy often contain spices and seasonings that can be harmful to our dogs. Ingredients like onions and excessive salt can lead to gastrointestinal upset or even toxic reactions.
Desserts Are a No-Go: Avoid sharing desserts like pies, cakes, or cookies with your pup. These sugary treats can lead to digestive issues, weight gain, and even more serious health problems like pancreatitis. If your furry guy wants dessert, be sure you are offering a pup-safe option versus the sweets made for people.
Chocolate Alert: Chocolate is a well-known holiday treat for humans, but it’s a definite no-no for dogs. Theobromine, a substance found in chocolate, can be toxic to dogs and lead to symptoms ranging from vomiting to seizures. We never want to leave chocolate where furry lips can get it either so be aware of where chocolate is put out.
Sharing the holiday spirit with our furry family is a heartwarming tradition, but ensuring their safety and well-being should always come first. Opt for simple, fresh, and dog-safe treats to add a dash of joy to their holiday celebrations. Remember, a small plate of pet-safe, wholesome delights is a thoughtful way to include your furry family members in the festivities.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate with our floofs by our sides, savouring moments of togetherness and nourishing them with love and care. From our family to yours, we wish you a safe and joyful holiday season filled with tail wags, belly rubs, and treasured memories.
Carly Patryluk
House of Paws Pet Boutique
