The Holidays are fast approaching. Thanksgiving, Christmas, countless family gatherings filled with loved ones, laughter and of course, lots of our favorite foods! For many of us, our dogs are treated just like another family member (as they should be!) and we want them to share in all of the festivities. But what about dinner? Are some of our favorite foods and Holiday dinner staples not safe for our fur-babies?
The answer is yes, there are some table treats that you should not feed to your dogs. But there are also a number of our favorite Holiday dinner foods that dogs can enjoy without worry!
What NOT to feed your dog.
- Turkey Skin, Drippings & Gravy. Turkey is good for your dog – it’s just meat, after all. But think for a minute about all the really yummy things you slather on that skin before you cook it. Butter, Oil, Herbs, Spices. Those things taste amazing but can be hard for your dog to digest. Also Turkey skin is basically just fat, which can upset your pup’s stomach.
- Cooked Bones. Small bones, like those from a chicken or turkey, can splinter inside of your dog’s digestive tract. Be sure to dispose of bones where your dog can not get to them.
- Sage. It contains oils that can cause indigestion and an upset stomach in your dog.
- Onions & Garlic. Both onions and garlic contain sulfides, which are okay for humans to eat but are toxic to dogs.
- Sausage. Think about what we have on the list so far, Sage, Garlic, Onions. Most of which are found in sausage. It’s best to just stay clear of it.
- Nuts. Especially Macadamia & Walnuts as they are extremely toxic for dogs.
- Nutmeg. Usually used to spice both pumpkin pie and sweet potatoes, nutmeg is extremely toxic to dogs. If ingested, nutmeg can cause seizures and central nervous system problems, and in extreme cases, it may lead to death.
- Alcohol. It is toxic to dogs, and the hops in Beer is especially dangerous.
- Chocolate. Most of you will already know that it is bad for your dog. But this is your annual reminder!
What you CAN give your dog.
- Turkey Meat. Remember, the skin is not a good idea, but the meat itself is okay. As long as it is unseasoned with anything from the list above. And remember, no bones!
- Green Beans. Raw and unseasoned. Dogs tend to love the snap of fresh raw green beans!
- Carrots. Again most dogs love the crunch of raw carrots (as long as the piece is appropriately sized so they aren’t in danger of choking.) Cooked, unseasoned carrots are also a safe and tasty treat for your fur-babie.
- Pumpkin. Pumpkins are perfect for pets raw or cooked, but always use fresh, pure pumpkin – not your leftover Jack-O-Lantern or canned pie filling! Remember, Nutmeg is commonly used to season pumpkin and is very toxic to dogs!
- Apples. Feel free to share a slice or two of an apple with your dog before you sweeten the pie filling with all that sugar and spice! Raw apple slices are a nice sweet treat your dog will love.
We hope you enjoy this Holiday season with your family, friends and of course, your fur-babies! As always, if you have questions on “what’s for dinner” or what you can or can’t feed to your dog be sure to ask your vet.
Speaking of what’s for dinner, are you looking for the right food for your pup? At Woodard Mercantile, we are proud to offer a wide selection of foods to suit your dog’s individual needs. Simply Click Here to shop some of the premium dog foods we have to offer. As always, expert advice is only a phone call, or store visit away!
Visit Healthy Dogs Guide: Diet and Nutrition Tips (webmd.com) for more tips and information on feeding your own fur-baby.
