How to Safely Share Holiday Food with Your Dog: Dos and Don'ts

The holidays are a time for celebration, and naturally, pet parents want to include their furry family members. However, just like humans, dogs can overeat or consume things that aren't good for them during the holiday season. This doesn't mean your canine needs to miss out on the festivities; they just need a slightly adjusted menu suitable for a dog's diet. There are many healthy holiday foods you can share with your dog to include them in the celebrations while providing a nice boost in nutrient diversity. Additionally, there are certain holiday foods you should ensure to keep away from your dog for their health and safety.

Holiday Foods Dogs Can Eat

Here is a selection of safe and nutritious foods you can share with your dog this holiday season. Remember to carefully consider the preparation of these foods and ensure moderation is practiced.

Cranberries

• It may be unexpected, but small amounts of fresh or dried cranberries can give your dog a boost of antioxidants and satisfy their sweet craving.

Potatoes 

• Rich in vitamins B6, C, and beta-carotene, as well as fiber, sweet potatoes are perfect holiday treats for your pet. Regular potatoes are also acceptable. Ensure simple preparation – just boil or bake, without seasoning, and cut into pieces.  

Applesauce 

• Apples are an excellent fiber source that will help fill up your dog. Plain applesauce is another festive choice that provides your pet with natural sweetness.

Carrots

• Carrots offer essential nutrients like vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, and also improve dental health. Dogs can enjoy them raw or cooked without seasoning.

Pumpkin 

• Pumpkin is beneficial for your dog's digestive health. It can help with both constipation and diarrhea. Reserve pumpkin pie for humans and serve plain canned pumpkin to your dog. 

Chicken

• Chicken is an excellent source of easily digestible protein for your pet. You can share a piece of well-cooked, unseasoned, boneless chicken with your dog.

Certain types of fish

• Fish like salmon, ocean whitefish, lake whitefish, herring, walleye, flounder, and Arctic char are tasty treats for your dog. All fish should be thoroughly cleaned, cooked, de-boned, and unseasoned. 

Boiled eggs

• Eggs are rich in protein, vitamins, essential amino acids, and fatty acids that benefit your dog inside and out. Boil, peel, and refrigerate them as a healthy snack; however, deviled eggs are not safe for dogs. 

Brisket

• Brisket is a delicious, meaty treat that will please your pet any time of the year. It's okay to indulge a bit since it's high in protein, but keep portions small due to its high fat content. Serve brisket plain, unseasoned, and in bite-sized pieces. 

  
  

Holiday Foods Dogs Should Avoid

Some holiday dishes are too rich or unsafe for your furry friend. Here are some common holiday foods that your pup should steer clear of. 

Ham 

• Ham is high in fat and contains a lot of sodium, nitrates, and nitrites, which can cause discomfort. Salt can be toxic to dogs, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and urination. 

Gravy 

• Gravy, like ham, is high in sodium and often includes onions in some form (fresh/juice/powder), which are toxic to dogs. 

Stuffing

• Stuffing is rich in fat and sodium and contains onions and garlic. It's a combination of ingredients that should not be shared with your beloved four-legged companion. 

Certain types/preparations of fish 

• Fish like tuna or swordfish, which live long, can have high levels of heavy metals like mercury, risking your dog's health. Fish that is raw, boned, not properly cleaned, or seasoned can also be toxic or deadly to your canine. 

Casseroles

• Casseroles often contain multiple ingredients, seasonings, and fats that are too rich for your dog to handle. Eating any casserole might cause issues like vomiting and diarrhea and can also lead to serious conditions like pancreatitis.

Desserts

• Ingredients common in desserts, such as chocolate and xylitol (found in sugar-free desserts), are toxic to dogs. Desserts can also lead to upset stomach, weight gain, cavities, diabetes, and metabolic changes. Instead of pie, offer your fur baby a few cranberries or a piece of apple for a sweet treat. 

  
  

Have a joyful, healthy, and delicious holiday with your furry companions! Remember to practice moderation and offer only pet-friendly fall foods as recommended. If your dog consumes any foods that should be avoided, closely monitor them and contact your vet if you have concerns. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!