Safe food to give your dog at Christmas
Let’s face it we are all feeders when it comes to our dogs!
It’s so hard to resist those pleading eyes at the best of times and with only a few weeks to go to the festive season, here are a few festive foodie facts to help you and your pet celebrate Christmas safely.
Meat and two veg!
A little turkey meat will go down a treat as long as it’s dished up without gravy or turkey skin because they are high in salt and fat.
Please don’t give your dog left-over cooked meat bones as they are brittle which means they can splinter easily and get stuck in or perforate the gut.
Avoid roast potatoes and stuffing and instead opt for plain boiled carrots, parsnips, peas, sprouts, and broccoli.
“If you find the subject of safe food confusing don’t worry, many pet food brands produce special turkey dinners for dogs. It’s a great way to treat your dog to a special meal safely. .”
Jennifer’s tip
Definitely no stinking lilies! In other words, onions, leeks, garlic, chives, and shallots (so no stuffing either) as these can cause serious medical problems for your dog. Signs of illness, such as vomiting, can occur soon after your dog eats any of these and the full onset of signs may take several days to appear.
Safe sweet treats for dogs
Many Christmas treats including nuts, grapes, and dried fruit can be fatal for pets so it’s best to avoid mince pies and Christmas puddings and keep chocolates well out of reach.
“Stock up on proper doggie treats and encourage your guests to use them instead”
Jennifer’s tip
A great healthy alternative sweet treat is some slices of apple with the added advantage of keeping your dog’s teeth clean and their breath fresh. Make sure you discard the core and seeds though as they can be harmful.
Cranberries are also safe in small portions.
And sorry, strictly Teetotal please – as alcohol can be harmful to animals.
Christmas decorations that can harm your pet
It’s not just harmful food you need to watch out for, many Christmas decorations can also cause problems. For example, poinsettia, mistletoe, holly, and ivy are potentially toxic plants for dogs.
Also be vigilant with lit candles, potpourri, tinsel, and fake snow as they can also be dangerous.
Christmastime can tempt even the best-behaved pets, with all the delicious food and smells, so make sure any left-over food is disposed of carefully”
Jennifer’s tip
Christmas is a lovely time when humans and pets can spend more time together, eat lovely stuff and chill out – hopefully, these pointers will help to make sure your family has a happy and safe one!
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