The holiday season is quickly approaching! With that comes a lot of yummy cooking in the kitchen that your pooch can’t help but drool over. Sometimes you might even feel guilty. Leaving Fido out when it comes to food festivities can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you want to give your furry friend a special meal for the holidays or reward them for not jumping on the counter and stealing the turkey – here are some safe and healthy human foods you can feed them.
Serve Fido Some Turkey
Turkey is an extremely popular meal during the holidays. As an added plus, it’s a great source of lean protein too. You can even make a plate of turkey for Fido from the same platter you’ll be eating from. Just ensure the meat is thoroughly baked and not made to be spicy. Don’t overdo it, though, just like dog treats turkey should be given in small portions. When picking out pieces for your pooch, ensure you provide them with only the white meat and have removed any fat or skin from it.
What you don’t want to do is give your furry friend any turkey bones. When cooked, these bones have a significant tendency to splinter, which could cut or irritate your dog’s mouth and throat. The only bones you should be giving your four-legged friend are the store-bought safety ensured ones.
Pumpkin Lovin Pups
Not only is pumpkin an excellent choice for your dog, but it’s also highly recommended by veterinarians for digestive issues. Roasted or canned pumpkin is usually your best option. You can also try to make some homemade doggy pumpkin biscuits.
Pumpkin pie, on the other hand, is off-limits and bad Fido’s stomach.
Canines Eating Cranberries
Another wonderful example of a dog-safe holiday item that also provides your pup with some health benefits is cranberries. This fruit contains a good amount of healthy antioxidants and may even help promote urinary tract health. You can serve Fido cranberry sauce. But since it has a high sugar content, you want to give out small portions.
You want to keep your furry friend away from raw cranberries, though, because they’re hard for your dog to digest. Also, if you end up buying cranberry sauce, ensure it doesn’t contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely dangerous for your pup.
Give Sweet Potatoes to Your Pooch
Most dogs go nuts for sweet potatoes, which is great since they’re a fantastic source of B vitamins, vitamin A, and fiber. You can’t really go wrong with this vegetable either – serve it raw, cut them into cubes and cook them, steam and then mash them up, bake, boil, or even dry them out. Your possibilities are endless, so get creative with those sweet potatoes!
An Apple a Day Won’t Keep Your Dog Away
Another fan favorite of many dogs is the crisp sweet yet slightly start taste of a fresh apple. This delicious fruit contains a high amount of fiber and antioxidants – but should still be handled as a treat by giving it small portions. Try sprinkling a small amount of cinnamon (also safe for pups) on top to create an even more festive and special snack.
Make sure to cut up the apple into small & safe bite-sized pieces before presenting them to your canine, though.
With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s not easy to keep a constant close eye on your furry friend. So if you suspect your dog ate something off the floor or snagged it off the counter, play it safe, and contact your vet. If you know what they ate, your vet will be able to tell you if it’s safe or not. And if you aren’t sure, they’ll inform you of negative symptoms to look out for on top of if and when your pooch should get examined by a professional.
