Do's and Don’ts For Feeding Your Dog Holiday Treats

by lilbackbracer2 November 25, 2015

The holiday season is here at last, and Thanksgiving is upon us. Your home is about to be filled with delicious food that will look and smell good to everyone in the family, including your pets. It’s natural to want to share some treats with our dogs since we share so much of our lives with them and want them to be happy. But some foods are tough for your pups to digest or, worse, dangerous for them to eat.

Don’t avoid giving your dog table scraps out of fear—some foods are perfectly fine for canines to enjoy. Stick to this Dos and Don’t list so that everyone, your dog included, can celebrate the season.

Foods that are safe for dogs include:

1. Cranberry sauce. Cranberries are full of antioxidants and vitamins that are good for your pup. Cranberry sauce is full of sugar, however, so keep the dog’s serving small.

2. Turkey is acceptable to give dogs, but only give your pup small servings of light meat. Parts of the bird with high fat content and turkey skin can wreak havoc on his digestive system. A couple of small bites of turkey breast should suffice. Keep the dog away from turkey bones! Swallowing bones can lead to blockages and punctures that can cause a lot of damage.

3. Pass the pumpkin! Save a little pumpkin puree from the pie you’re making for the dog. It’s often used as a digestive aid for pups with tummy troubles, and they tend to love the taste.

4. Some raw veggies and fruits are a great snack to share with your dog. Asparagus, carrots and broccoli are some safe options. Just make sure to break them up into small bites so he doesn’t choke! Steer clear of grapes and raisins—they are toxic.

5. Go ahead and treat your pup to some mashed potatoes. If you can, though, skip the butter and sour cream since dairy products can be rough on their stomachs.

6. Sweet potatoes are also safe bets for your dog, so save a few bites for your four-legged friend.

Avoid giving your dog the following foods:

1. Dessert. Chocolate is very dangerous for dogs. Other sugary tweets might not be as bad, but they can upset his stomach and aren’t worth the risk.

2. Dinner rolls or other bread. The yeast can give your dog horrible gas, which won’t be fun for your guests.

3. Onions. In large doses, onions of all types (and garlic) can cause anemia in dogs, and it’s best to avoid them. This means no stuffing!

4. Caffeine and alcohol. It goes without saying, but don’t let your pup sip from a wine glass or coffee cup.

As you can see, it’s still possible to treat your dog to a feast fit for a king (or queen) this holiday season. Just avoid anything that will make their digestive systems unhappy.

Happy Thanksgiving!