If you're reading this blog I know your pets are part of your family and that you include them in all your special occasions.
It's perfectly natural to want to share holidays with your pet, and that often means spoiling them with food treats. I mean WHO can resist doleful eyes staring up at you as you bite into a juicy piece of meat?
However, there are a couple of dos and don'ts when it comes to sharing holiday meals with your pets that it's crucial to be aware of so you don't inadvertently make your pet sick.
THE DON’TS
Don't feed any cooked bones - only raw bones are safe for pets
No chocolate because it contains theobromine and caffeine which, while rarely fatal, is toxic and can make your pet very ill
No bread or anything containing gluten or grains as your pet may have a sensitivity, intolerance, or allergy
No pie as it contains too much sugar
None of these things are healthy or safe for your pet to eat. However, there are plenty of yummy things that your pet can enjoy with you safely.
THE DO’S
You can share any of the cooked meats with your pet's as long as there isn't too much fat on it. Be sure to remove any visible fat as well as the skin as this is also very high in fat and not good for animals to eat
You can share any vegetables with your pets like squash or green beans (raw or cooked)
Your pet can also eat cooked potatoes
You can share cranberries as long as there is no added sugar or lemon in it
You can even share some gravy with your pet, but it's best if it's gluten free. Try to avoid traditional gravy that's thickened with flour if you can as many pet's can be sensitive to gluten. If you plan on giving some to your pet it's best to thicken your gravy with something like tapioca flour or a rice flour to ensure it's safe.
So use my handy chart as a guide to sharing your holiday meal with your pet so you can both have a fun and blessed holiday. Just be careful to avoid the things on the don't list because the last thing you want is a sick pet over the holidays .
