By Susan Hunt-Bradford, Publisher, The Healthy Planet
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and delicious food—but for many households, that includes our four-legged family members too. Unfortunately, veterinarians often see an uptick in emergency visits this time of year because curious pets get into food that isn’t safe for them. While it’s tempting to share a bite of your holiday meal with your pet, it’s important to know which foods are safe—and which can be dangerous.
According to The Brownsville Clinic and the American Kennel Club, here’s a helpful guide to holiday foods to share and avoid when it comes to your cats and dogs.
Do NOT Share:
- Corn on the cob
- Chocolate
- Nuts
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free foods)
- Turkey skin and bones
- Gravy or trimmings
- Fatty, seasoned, or buttery foods
- Grapes and raisins
- Sage
- Onions and garlic
- Nutmeg
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Stuffing
- Yeast dough
- Most desserts
Many of these foods can cause serious health issues—from stomach upset and pancreatitis to life-threatening toxicity. Even small amounts of chocolate, onions, or xylitol can be dangerous, so keep them well out of reach.
Safe to Share (in small amounts):
- Plain turkey meat (no skin or seasoning)
- Sweet potatoes
- Pumpkin (plain, with no sugar or spices)
- Green beans
- Fresh or cooked plain peas
- Small peeled apple chunks
If you’re unsure about a particular food, it’s best to err on the side of caution and skip sharing it. You can always double-check with your veterinarian before offering something new. And if your pet manages to sneak a bite of something questionable, contact your vet right away—or a local emergency clinic if your vet’s office is closed.
Keeping your pets safe during the holidays doesn’t mean leaving them out of the fun. You can prepare special pet-safe treats or offer them a new toy while the family enjoys the holiday meal. With a little extra care and attention, you’ll keep tails wagging, whiskers twitching, and everyone in the family—two- or four-legged—happy and healthy this holiday season.