Holiday Food Safety For Pets

Following this checklist can help your dog or cat enjoy the best of what holiday feasts have to offer.

It’s that time of year where there is no shortage of holiday parties. This means loads of food and let’s face it- sometimes you just can’t resist those big puppy dog eyes begging for what’s on your plate- and that’s okay! There are plenty of holiday foods that are completely safe for your furry friends to indulge in, the key is to just be mindful of what your pup can get their paws on!

Four-Legged Friend Approved Foods:

There are some human foods that are safe for both dogs and cats to eat and these include bread, veggies, cheeses and most fruit! A good rule of thumb to remember is: whatever is healthy for humans is healthy for dogs, so anything that has minimal butter, seasoning, or fat should be good to go.

Foods to Think Twice About:

Turkey and chicken are great foods for pets, just remember to remove any bones or excess fat before feeding. Countless dogs each year are rushed to the vet to have bones removed from their snouts, so this is definitely something to remember when everyone’s gathered around the Thanksgiving table! Even seemingly popular foods like peanut butter which is normally not harmful to dogs- should be closely examined. Be sure to avoid using sugar-free or "lite" peanut butter that has artificial sweeteners, particularly xylitol, as these substances are incredibly toxic to dogs.

The “Do Not Feed the Animals” List:

Some foods should never be fed to your pet, and should always be kept out of reach or licking level when pets are around. Things like chocolate, coffee and avocado are poisonous to dogs; as well as macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, garlic and onions. This is why it’s important to make sure all dinner guests are aware of what they can and can’t sneak under the table.

The holidays are an exciting time for everyone, and our furry family members should be a part of every memory we make! That's why it's best to keep food, alcohol and cooking ingredients away from our precious pets' snouts and mouths to keep them out of danger, but in all of your family pics!

At 24Petwatch, we help families keep their pets happy, healthy and home. Remember you can easily register your pet’s microchip on our Customer Portal. For added care and support for the life of your pet, including 24/7 access to a Vet Helpline, discount on dog walking and pet sitting services, and Lost Pet Recovery Specialists who are available 24/7/365, purchase a Pet Protection Membership today.

Want to read more about keeping your pets safe during the Holiday season? Check out these blog posts: