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What Holiday Foods Are Safe or Unsafe for Your Pets

What Holiday Foods Are Safe or Unsafe for Your Pets? 

Between Halloween and Christmas and other celebrations, the holiday season is one of many people’s favorite times of the year. A hallmark throughout these festivities is a delicious feast, something your pets often get excited about. In the spirit of trick-or-treating or gift-giving, it’s tempting to let them have scraps from the celebration. However, their digestive systems can’t handle some human foods, and they might get sick, which spoils the holiday cheer. Instead, you can reward them with some pet-safe human foods or tasty dog treats and cat treats from Tractor Supply. Learn more about what you can and can’t feed your beloved companions during the holidays. 

Keep Precious Pets Away from These Holiday Foods 

You put out a nice spread to celebrate with friends and family, with a mouth-watering main course and many sides. As soon as you start cooking, curious pets follow the scent to see what smells so good. Furry friends are just as much a part of the fun times as people, but they shouldn’t participate in eating the same goodies. 

Never give your pets the following foods: 

  • Sweets: Many pet parents know that chocolate may cause health issues, even in small amounts. But all candies, from gummy snacks to candy canes, might lead to upset stomachs or other gastrointestinal problems.This is because sugar and artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol) can be toxic in any amount and even deadly for pets.
  • Butter: This might be a staple ingredient in your holiday recipes, but its high fat and cholesterol content can harm their health.
  • Coffee: The idea of curling up on the couch after dinner with a cup of coffee is so inviting – just keep it away from your beloved companions. Caffeinated beverages have a similar effect as chocolate and might cause varying levels of concern based on breed size and caffeine concentration.
  • Fatty meats: Eating scraps, such as fried turkey skin, can increase their risk for pancreatitis, so keep an eye on dogs or cats milling around the dinner table.
  • Dairy products: Forget what you’ve seen about cats liking milk – dairy can be hard for them and dogs to digest. This is because they lack the necessary amount of the enzyme lactase that breaks down lactose.
  • Nuts: From peanuts to almonds to Macadamia nuts, these are common ingredients in holiday recipes but can cause symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea or tremors, if consumed by pets.
  • Alcohol: It’s common for guests to enjoy a glass of wine or beer with a holiday dinner, but even a small sip can impact a pet’s health. What’s more, pets are often attracted to the sweet scent and taste of alcoholic beverages, so ensure bottles and cans are out of their reach.
  • Bread dough: Don’t take the risk – yeast will rise in their stomachs, causing bloating, pressure or possibly twisting. Some dogs and cats might also be allergic to bread ingredients, such as gluten.
  • Garlic and onions: A variety of dishes may contain these ingredients, whether you realize it or not. Avoid giving your pet anything that has been cooked with garlic and/or onions, and never give them anything from the entire onion family, for that matter. All onions, and garlic, contain compounds toxic to pets, such as N-propyl disulfide, which can damage red blood cells and result in anemia.
  • Grapes: If these make their way into your holiday fruit baskets or arrangements, do not give them to your pets. Whether it’s seedless or peeled, all parts of the grape can cause harm to kidneys, even putting them at risk for kidney failure.
  • Green parts of tomatoes: From salads to appetizers, tomatoes are a common sight at holiday gatherings. While only small amounts of tomato are safe for pets, the green stem and leaves should never be consumed by them.
  • Cherry pits: It’s best to put them straight in the trash or compost – never give them to your pets. Aside from posing a choking hazard, cherry pits contain cyanide, which can be lethal when ingested.

Holiday Foods They Can Snack On 

It’s hard to resist them when they whine for a treat or sit patiently while you prepare for the feast. Although many human foods aren’t safe for your pets, you don’t always have to pull out their treats or move them into another room. There might be a few items on the menu that are safe for them to consume.*

Pet-safe foods include:

Certain Fruits and Veggies

A healthy snack for you, some fruits and veggies are also a safe treat for your pet – but not all of them, and sometimes, certain parts of a safe option still be toxic. For example, you might have pumpkins lying around for decoration from Halloween, and this can be a delicious treat for dogs and cats. Mashed pumpkin may boost their wellness, with benefits such as improved digestion and a shinier coat in some animals. Be careful with pumpkin seeds, though – pets’ digestive systems aren’t set up to handle seeds.

Whether on a platter brought out with the appetizers or a side dish to the main course, fruits and veggies are part of every holiday meal. Others you could allow your pet to snack on include:

  • Apple flesh: This low-calorie snack contains prebiotic fiber which can support digestion and may help freshen bad breath. Cut apples into pieces and remove the skin before giving them to pets, and don’t feed them the seeds, stem and core, which are unsafe. 
  • Corn: This Thanksgiving staple offers healthy carbohydrates and insoluble fiber for dogs wanting a holiday treat. Only give them plain corn without butter, salt or pepper, and avoid giving them the whole cob to prevent possible choking. 
  • Cranberries (not canned): Making fresh cranberry sauce? Throw the pup a few cranberries, which have properties that can boost their immune system. These should be fresh cranberries and not canned varieties, which are too sugary for dogs.
  • Peas: Peas appear in many cat and dog food formulas, so it makes sense pets can have them raw or frozen. Packed with vitamins and high in fiber, peas help support digestion, the immune system, heart health and more.However, compounds called purines in peas can lead to kidney stones, so opt for a different snack for pets with kidney issues.
  • Potatoes: Rich in vitamins and minerals, potatoes can enhance immune and nervous system health, among other benefits. Only serve them peeled, cooked and plain – do not give them toppings such as butter or sour cream.
  • Sweet potatoes: Like peas, sweet potato is another ingredient often used in dog food. This veggie often associated with the holidays is high in fiber and contains antioxidants to support the immune system and the eyes.

Meats 

Cats and dogs love meat – it’s the main source of nutrition for their wild counterparts, and many pet food formulas are flavored with their favorite fish and poultry. A meat dish is often the centerpiece of the holiday dinner table, and pets are safe to nibble on plain pieces beef, lamb or pork, if those are the star of your celebration. Or, you can give them these options, which are leaner and more widely recommended for pet consumption: 

  • Chicken: Skinless chicken cooked well is a good lean protein for feline friends to enjoy during the holidays. 
  • Turkey: It’s hard to imagine the Thanksgiving feast without turkey, which also makes a lean protein snack for cats and dogs. As with chicken, be sure to remove the skin and any bones before giving them their treat. 
  • Salmon: Safe and healthy for pups and kitties, salmon is a great source of lean protein and contains omega-3 fatty acids that can boost digestion, skin health and the immune system. Just make sure the salmon is deboned and cooked thoroughly before putting it in their dish.

Peanut Butter 

While not ideal for cats, peanut butter is found in the recipes of many holiday desserts, and it can safely make its way into your dog’s mouth as a great source of protein and healthy fats. It also contains some key nutrients to help with digestion and nervous system function. The main ingredient to watch out for is xylitol, a substitute for sugar in low or sugar-free peanut butter. Xylitol can be toxic to pets, so skip the peanut butter treat if the ingredients list includes it. 

*Please note: If you’re unsure if any foods are safe for your pet to eat based on their specific health situation, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

Give Them Their Own Holiday Treats 

You might hesitate to allow your dog or cat to have even a small portion of a healthy snack as you’re not sure how they’ll react. You can still reward them with pet treats designed for their digestive systems, with options available in many delicious flavors that mimic what’s on your menu. 

Celebrate the Holidays with Dog Treats 

They might whine for scraps from the dinner table, but you can keep them occupied with dog treats that taste like turkey, sweet potato, peanut butter, pumpkin and more. Have these on hand for the holidays and any time of year: 

Get Festive with Treats for Feline Friends 

Kitties might wait patiently under the table for guests to drop morsels from their plates that they can gobble right up. If you don’t want to take any chances, explore a wide range of cat treats to keep them occupied during mealtime. With flavors perfect for the holidays, such as turkey and acorn, you can consider: 

 

Find Tasty Cat and Dog Treats This Holiday Season with Tractor Supply 

Ensure a safe and happy holiday for everyone when you know what foods your pets can and can’t eat. With the wide range of dog and cat treats we carry; you’ll find an option that every animal in your home will love. To browse our selection, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or shop online.