Holiday Food Safety Tips For Pets

The holidays are here and for many of us, the festivities include lots of delicious food. While it can be tempting to slip a little something from the dinner table to your fur baby, holiday foods can be confusing when it comes to safety. Some festive favorites are perfectly fine, while others can cause belly upset or more serious issues.

Here are a few simple tips to help you keep your furry family members safe, healthy, and happily included in all the holiday cheer.

Holiday Foods to Avoid

Before the big feast begins, take a moment to remind everyone in the house about foods that are unsafe for our furry friends and set ground rules about sharing food with the pets. Some traditional holiday classics can be risky for fur kids, even in small amounts. Keep these off your pup’s plate and well out of their reach:

• Chocolate
A holiday staple, but very dangerous for dogs. Even a small amount can lead to vomiting, restlessness, or more severe reactions.

• Grapes and raisins
Common in holiday salads, charcuterie boards, and baked goods. These can cause serious kidney issues in dogs, so they are always a no.

• Onions and chives
Found in stuffing, gravy, and many side dishes. These ingredients can be unsafe for your fur baby and may cause digestive upset or anemia.

• Alcohol or foods containing alcohol
Even small amounts are harmful and should always be kept well out of reach.

• Xylitol and artificial sweeteners
Used in sugar free desserts, baked goods, and flavored drinks. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, so double check labels and keep sweets safely stored.

• Rich and fatty foods
Holiday favorites like buttery mashed potatoes, ham, bacon, turkey skin, and creamy casseroles can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis in dogs. Even if your pup is giving you their sweetest eyes, steer clear.

Holiday Foods We Love For Fur Kids

Not all holiday foods are off limits. In fact, the season brings plenty of healthy ingredients that your entire furry family can enjoy. These nutrient rich options are great additions to your dog’s bowl and can help them feel part of the celebration.

Green leafy veggies
Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Lightly steamed or finely chopped greens can be a wonderful topper for your dog’s regular meal.

Berries
Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries make healthy treats that most pups adore. Serve them fresh or frozen for a pop of holiday color!

Kefir
A little bit of plain, unsweetened kefir can support your dog’s gut health while adding a creamy boost of probiotics. It is a great way to keep your pup’s tummy happy during a season of treats.

Eggs
Scrambled, poached hard boiled or even raw eggs offer gentle protein and essential nutrients. Just skip the butter, salt, and seasonings.

While chicken eggs are most commonly found in grocery stores, our fur kids can enjoy other eggs, too, like quail or duck eggs. 

These simple, whole foods make your dog feel included in the festivities without sacrificing safety or wellness.

Cook for Your Fur Baby This Season

The Forever Dog LIFE by Dr. Karen Becker. It’s full of dog friendly recipes, fresh feeding tips, and guidance for anyone who wants to make wholesome meals or holiday treats for their furry friends. With over 120 recipes and a ton of invaluable, science-backed tips, it's a favorite resource of ours and a helpful tool for pawrents who truly enjoy bringing their dogs into the heart of family traditions. 

Including your fur kids in your celebrations and making memories is one of the sweetest parts of being a pet parent. With a little planning, your furry family members can enjoy the holidays right alongside you while staying safe, healthy, and happy. Keeping tempting but unsafe foods out of reach and choosing fresh, nourishing options will help your fur baby feel like part of the holiday magic.

Happy Holidays from the Woof Creek Team 🧡🐾