The Do’s and Don'ts of Holiday Food for Your Dog

The holiday time is upon us, and it’s time for family, friends, and great food. As we get ready to celebrate, treating our pets with festive food is a temptation. While it may be nice to give your dog Christmas food, it’s important to know that some food isn’t safe for your dog. At Alpha Pet Waste Removal, we not only offer dog waste removal services, but we also offer advice on what holiday foods your dog can and cannot eat.

Foods to Avoid

As tempting as it may be to share your Thanksgiving and Christmas meals with your dog, many holiday dishes can be dangerous or harmful to them. These risks include upset stomachs, allergies, and even life-threatening conditions. To help you make safe choices, let's explore what not to feed your dog during the holidays.

Fatty Foods

Holiday feasts are often full of rich and fatty foods like gravy, buttery mashed potatoes, and turkey. While these dishes are indulgent for us, they can wreak havoc on your dog's digestive system. High-fat foods can lead to pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas that requires immediate medical attention.

Bones and Poultry Skin

During the holiday season, roasted turkeys and chickens are commonly served. While bones and poultry skin may seem like good Thanksgiving food for dogs, you have to be careful. Poultry bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. The skin, especially when cooked with spices, can be too fatty and salty for your dog's stomach. Opt for lean, boneless, and unseasoned pieces of meat if you want to treat your pet.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic are prominent ingredients in holiday dishes, such as stuffing and gravy. These ingredients add flavor to human food, but they are toxic to dogs and can cause hemolytic anemia, leading to a range of health problems. To ensure your pet's safety, avoid sharing any dishes that contain these ingredients, no matter how tasty they may seem.

Grapes and Raisins

If you want to give your dog Christmas food, be cautious if you have grapes or raisins around. These seemingly harmless fruits can cause severe kidney damage in dogs. Even a small quantity can be toxic. Keep these foods well out of reach of your pet and be sure to clean up any spills quickly.

Chocolate and Sweets

With festive gatherings come sweet treats like chocolate, cookies, and candy. While these are great for us, they are toxic to dogs, primarily due to the presence of theobromine and caffeine in chocolate. Keep these goodies far away from your dog's reach and avoid sharing any sugary desserts.

Artificial Sweeteners

Besides typical sugar, desserts can often contain artificial sweeteners as well, particularly xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can lead to insulin release and blood sugar drops, resulting in seizures, liver failure, and even death. Always check food labels and ensure that your pet does not ingest any food containing artificial sweeteners.

Alcohol

It's not uncommon for alcoholic beverages to be served during holiday gatherings. However, alcohol can be highly toxic to dogs and can lead to severe health problems. Even a small amount can be dangerous, so be sure to keep your pet away from any alcoholic drinks.

Spices and Herbs

When you’re looking for Thanksgiving food for dogs, avoid heavily seasoned dishes. Holiday meals are often seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, some of which can be harmful to dogs. Spices like nutmeg can cause tremors, seizures, and even death if ingested in large quantities. 

Bread Dough

Baking is a popular tradition during the holiday season, but be cautious when working with yeast dough. If your dog ingests raw bread dough, it can expand in their stomach and cause pain and bloating. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Foods That Are Safe 

When you’re asking yourself, “What Thanksgiving food can dogs eat?”, there are several safe alternatives to the meals you need to avoid:

• Lean Meat: If you're thinking of sharing some turkey or ham with your pup, make sure it's plain, boneless, and well-cooked. Pick lean portions and avoid the skin or glaze, which is often seasoned with high-fat ingredients.
• Plain Vegetables: Dogs can enjoy plain, cooked vegetables like carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes. They’re full of vitamins and offer essential nutrients.
• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries, in moderation, can be a safe and healthy addition to your dog's holiday meal, as they’re packed with antioxidants.
• Dog-Safe Treats: Purchase some dog-friendly treats for your dog, or even make your own! There are many recipes available online for homemade treats using ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter, and whole wheat flour.

Alpha Pet Waste Removal Wishes You a Safe Holiday Season

The holidays are times for celebration with your loved ones, and there's no doubt that your dog is part of your family. By being mindful of what you feed your dog during these holidays and ensuring they have food that’s safe for them, you can guarantee a happy, healthy, and joyous celebration for everyone. Alpha Pet Waste Removal wants to help you have a safe holiday season with your dog, and if you’re searching for “pet waste removal near me,” contact us today for our services!