Our vets often get asked about the best way to share a bit of festive food with furry family members. The good news is that most pets will cope fine with a few light bites, provided you pick the right parts of your meal to share! However, some foods can be dangerous even in small amounts.
So, how can we create a safe meal for our pets to enjoy at Christmas?
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- Raisins and dried fruit are very poisonous to dogs, so do not feed fruit cake, stollen, mince pies, or other raisin-rich treats.
- Chocolate – especially rich, dark chocolate – is poisonous to all pets, so steer well clear of this.
- Onions and garlic can be toxic if pets eat enough of them – gravy granules are especially rich, so avoid this. Cats are particularly sensitive to their effects.
- Dairy is a no-no for many pets – most are lactose intolerant and may get quite spectacular diarrhea if they have enough milk or cheese.
- Rich, fatty foods are more likely to trigger an upset stomach or even lead to pancreatitis – a painful condition that can be fatal in some cases.
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- White meat (from turkey or chicken) is high in protein but lower in fat, so is less likely to cause an upset stomach than darker meats or sausages
- Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli or parsnips are a good treat. If they are roasted, be sure to pat them “dry” with a paper towel to remove any extra fat.
- Regular gravy granules are rich in onion which can be harmful, but a safe “gravy” can be made by soaking a little of your pet’s regular food (either kibble, wet food, or fresh-cooked) with warm water to create a meaty-smelling dressing for their meal.
- Potatoes may be OK in small amounts, but again be sure to remove any extra fat if they are roasted. Mashed potatoes may contain butter or cream, making them fattier and more likely to cause an issue.
- Stuffing varies a lot – some are rich in onions or made with sausage meat, which can both cause issues. Vegetarian ones may be safer but be cautious.
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- Dogs or cats who normally have sensitive stomachs are much more likely to get ill after eating new food.
- Pets who are intolerant or allergic to chicken will also often react badly to turkey.
- Pets who have been diagnosed with an ongoing illness may be more at risk. For example, some health conditions need a special diet to manage them, including gastrointestinal (gut-related) conditions, skin conditions, kidney and bladder conditions, and heart conditions.
- Pets on certain medications โ for example, to treat epilepsy โ may need a consistent diet to allow their drugs to work. ย If your pet has been diagnosed with any ongoing illnesses, speak to your vet for advice before changing their diet.
Any new food can cause issues for pets, so there is no 100%-safe way to create a Christmas meal for them. However, by steering clear of the dangerous choices and picking lighter, lower-fat titbits, you stand the best chance of allowing your pet to enjoy their Christmas treat safely!
Click here to read our article on Christmas pet care tips or here to contact your local veterinary team.ย
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