While everyone is enjoying the bounty of flavorful foods for the holidays, you may be tempted to give your dog a plate, too. Some holiday foods are very healthy for your pet, while others aren’t. Here’s a quick list of foods that your dog can enjoy without worries:
On the Dog Menu
- Apples (raw or baked plain)
- Bananas (raw or baked plain, no skins)
- Bread and rolls, plain or with butter
- Carrots
- Cheese (simple ones, not strong flavors)
- Potatoes (baked)
- Corn (not on the cob)
- Green Beans (plain)
- Ham (in small amounts because it has so much salt)
- Mushrooms (plain or cooked in butter or olive oil)
- Peas
- Pumpkin (plain, without spices that could upset the stomach)
- Rice (white)
- Sweet Potatoes (baked)
- Turkey (no bones or skin)
NOT on the Dog Menu
These are toxic to dogs (and cats)
- Onions, leeks, scallions, green onions, chervil
- Garlic
- Spices
- Stuffing (usually has all of the above in it)
- Poultry bones
- Poultry skins (too much fat)
- Grapes, raisins, currants
- Chocolate
- Yeast dough (swells up once ingested)
- Xylitol (highly toxic)
- Desserts (for a number of reasons including xylitol or sugar
- Alcohol
Many of these on the NOT menu can be lethal. Please keep the ASPCA’s Poison Hotline number (888) 426-4435, and your local emergency vet’s numbers on hand in case your dog ingests any of these, or begins to act strangely.
An online review gives us some safe and equally delicious holiday alternatives to feed your dog while preparing traditional Thanksgiving meal for the rest of the family:
Alternative Dog Menu
- Boiled eggs – as you prepare them for stuffing, include one or two extra for your dog to eat plain.
- Scrambled eggs
- De-boned duck with rice and carrots
- Baked chicken with carrots and broth
- Salmon with olive oil and rice
- Grilled turkey liver
- Chunked sweet potatoes and squash, with carrots, turkey stock and scrapings from the baking pan
Here’s to happy holidays, trying new recipes as well as traditional favorites, and giving your dog plenty of completely safe alternatives to feast on. Just think of her as a guest with special dietary needs.
Heron’s Crossing provides end-of-life care for pets in the Metro Atlanta area. In-home appointments with compassionate vets are available. If you’d prefer a home-like setting away from your home, our Decatur office is also available by appointment.