From chocolate selection boxes and pigs in blankets to mouth-watering turkey dinners and flaming Christmas puddings, there are lots of delicious treats to look forward to at Christmas time. Many pet owners like to include their dog or cat in the festive fun – it would be rude not to, right? For example, you might consider buying them a new toy to have on Christmas Day, adding their name to your Christmas cards or watching a festive film curled up on the sofa together. But when it comes to festive food, not all of your favourite treats should not be shared with your pet. Here’s why:
The Traditional Christmas Dinner
Roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, carrots, parsnips and, of course, Brussels sprouts are the staples of a delicious Christmas dinner. But did you know not all the trimmings of a traditional Christmas dinner are safe for your pet? For instance, stuffing is packed with onions, spices and herbs, all of which can be toxic to our furry friends. Onions can cause damage to red blood cells risking anaemia, and the herbs and spices alone can cause stomach upset.
It’s also worth noting that while your dog may love the taste of the gravy, it’s far too salty and fatty for them. It has high amounts of sodium that can be toxic, like garlic and onions, and cause digestive issues including sickness and diarrhoea. For cats, however, gravy is not considered harmful and can be quite healthy – in moderation. It contains many of the same nutrients as wet cat food including protein, fat, water and vitamins.
Pigs in blankets are another food your pets should avoid. We know they’ll love the taste of bacon-wrapped sausages, but they are incredibly salty and high in fats which can lead to pancreatitis and obesity in both dogs and cats. As much as your pet might beg for a meaty treat, it’s best to avoid giving them a pig in a blanket. In fact, pork products should only be fed as a treat provided it’s a lean cut and properly cooked.
While stuffing, gravy and pigs in blankets are off the table for your pet (literally!), you’ll be pleased to know they can eat turkey, providing it’s boneless and skinless – and in moderation! The skin is much too fatty for your pet and the bones can cause internal damage if ingested. But cooked and plain, lean meat strips are a protein-packed pet-friendly treat for our dogs and cats. Just be sure to avoid seasoning the turkey slithers with spices or herbs as these may be harmful to our four-legged friends.
In more good news, cranberry sauce (unsweetened and with no added nuts), mashed or boiled potatoes (with minimal added butter or salt) and vegetables including green beans, sprouts, parsnips, peas and swede, can all be fed as occasional pet-friendly snacks. But again, only in moderation; Although these foods are safe for our dogs and cats, feeding them too much in one sitting can cause an upset stomach – and we know you don’t want to be on that kind of clear-up duty on Christmas Day!
Traditional Christmas Desserts
Many of us love mince pies and Christmas pudding, but they’re packed with currants, sultanas and raisins, all of which are highly toxic for your pet. And, in some cases, if digested can cause severe kidney failure.
Chocolate is another popular treat at Christmas time, but it is highly toxic to both cats and dogs, even small amounts can be fatal. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine and when consumed it can cause agitation, tremors, convulsions, hyperexcitability and even heart problems. And the darker the chocolate, the higher the levels of theobromine. If you think your pet has eaten more than 3.5g of plain or dark chocolate, or 14g of milk chocolate, you should take them to the vet immediately.
Macadamia nuts and walnuts are very common Christmas treats, but they need to be kept out of paw’s reach. They’re highly toxic and can cause neurological problems or even seizures in canines and felines.
Dairy products should be kept away from wondering paws too. Cream and cheese are Christmas staples, but they shouldn’t be added to your pet’s Christmas dinner. Dogs and cats find it difficult to digest lactose and large amounts of dairy can cause sickness and diarrhoea.
But it’s not all bad news! Why not stock up on Turkey Jerky for dogs, Crunchy Choc Orange Dog Treats, or Meaty Dog Biscuits – all made from dog-friendly ingredients and available at Rooke’s Pet Products! And for your cat, #RookesRecommends Turkey Cushions, Smoked Salmon & Cheese Treats, or the Cupid & Comet Rosewood Selection Box – in store now!
Or you could bake your own festive homemade pet biscuits. The Kennel Club shared recipes for Christmas tree dog treats, snowball pupcakes and wintery berry bones! And Petplan shared their cat-friendly recipes for snowman cookies, Christmas dinner muffins and veggie baubles… aprons at the ready!
Let’s Recap: The Do’s and Don’ts of Christmas Food
Do’s:
Monitor portion sizes: Just like us, moderation is key. Keep an eye on portion sizes and avoid overindulging your pet as too many treats can not only lead to weight gain, but other health issues too. Human food should always be fed in moderation and should never be a substitute for good quality pet nutrition.
Be mindful of allergies: Some pets may have allergies or sensitivities to certain foods. Pay attention to any adverse reactions such as itching, vomiting or diarrhoea, and promptly seek help from your vet if any of these symptoms arise.
Don’ts:
Avoid harmful ingredients: Steer clear of treats that contain chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, onions, garlic and artificial sweeteners like xylitol (xylitol can be very dangerous for your dog, but it does not cause serious problems in cats – or ferrets!)
Bin the bones: While it may be tempting to share leftover slithers of meat with your pet, avoid giving them cooked bones as they can splinter and cause internal injuries. Instead, opt for raw bones designed for pets (raw meaty bones such as raw chicken wings or lamb flaps help to keep your pet’s teeth and gums healthy, and provide added nutrition).
Say no to rich fatty foods: If our pets consume rich fatty foods it can lead to pancreatitis. So keep greasy treats, fried foods and excessive amounts of meat scraps away from your pet’s paws.
Be mindful of seasonal decorative plants too: Many holiday plants including poinsettias, mistletoe and holly can be toxic to pets. Keep them out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
While we often believe sharing is caring, that’s not always the case when it comes to festive food and our pet’s wellbeing. As responsible pet owners, we must prioritise our pet’s health by choosing their treats wisely and in moderation.
Create a festive atmosphere for every member of the family this year – pets included – by sharing the right treats for a happy and healthy celebration.
Have a paw-some Christmas!