Christmas is usually an exciting time where we come together to celebrate. Whilst it’s understandable that plenty of us want to treat ourselves and our pets during the festive season, lots of food typically associated with Christmas is actually toxic to pets. It’s important to know that there are some seasonal snacks that your pet can enjoy safely while others spell trouble and should be avoided. Here is a guide on how you can get your pet involved in the celebrations safely this Christmas.
Table of contents
Can I feed my pet a Christmas dinner?
You might be planning on treating your pet to their very own Christmas dinner this year; and this is okay as long as it’s done sensibly. Remember that your dog may learn unwanted begging behaviours if they are frequently given scraps by hand. So it’s better to wait until human dinner is finished and placing these treats in their bowl afterwards. It’s also worth warning any guests not to feed your dog from the table or sofa and that certain foods are toxic to them. If your pet has had some extra snacks in the day, you should reduce the amount of their usual food given to stop unwanted weight gain. Any new food should be given in small amounts and introduced slowly to avoid an upset stomach.
Things to watch out for…
Turkey bones are brittle and can splinter. This means they can cause injury to your pets throat and further down the digestive tract. So they should be removed from any parts you offer them. Food high in salt and fat such as pigs in blankets or food cooked in sauces such as gravy or butter is usually too rich for pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Therefore it is better to offer plain food that’s been boiled rather than roasted or fried.
Suitable Christmas Treats
Fortunately, there are still many parts of Christmas dinner that can be shared with your dog or cat! These include:
- Slices of pain, cooked meats (turkey, chicken, salmon, lamb)
- Carrots (raw)
- Potatoes, including sweet potatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Parsnips
- Peas
If you have a rabbit, you may feed them some fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme and sage) and raw vegetables (Brussels sprouts, carrots, peas).
Which Christmas foods are toxic to my pet?
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to pets and even small amounts can cause serious illness. The ‘darker’ the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. So this is a definite no-go for feeding to your furry friend.
White chocolate contains very little theobromine, but so much fat that it can easily trigger pancreatitis. So another treat to be kept well out of paws’ reach!
Dried fruits
Grapes, sultanas, raisins and currants can cause kidney failure – sometimes even if only one or two are eaten. So make sure mince pies, fruit cake and Christmas pudding are off the menu for your pet.
Onions (garlic and other bulb vegetables)
These are members of the allium family and are poisonous to pets. Whether cooked or not, they can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and red blood cell damage which can lead to anaemia. Don’t forget these can be found in parts of Christmas dinner which are not so obvious, like gravy or stuffing.
Alcohol
Unfortunately, dogs and cats do not tolerate alcohol well. So offering your pet any of your festive fizz should be avoided. Alcohol can have similar effects on animals as it does humans, causing drowsiness and wobbliness. It can also reduce your pets body temperature and cause them to have very low blood sugar, which can lead to seizures.
Nuts
Macadamia nuts and some types of walnuts are also toxic and can lead to neurological problems in dogs. They may cause symptoms such as lethargy (tiredness), weakness, tremors, stiffness or seizures.
Salted nuts, meanwhile, can lead to signs of salt poisoning, and pretty much all nuts are so rich in fats and oils that they can cause stomach upsets, so are best avoided for dogs, cats and rabbits. That said, some nuts are suitable for some pets, especially birds and some rodents: however, make sure you don’t over-indulge as obesity can easily result!
Mouldy food
While we’re sure you wouldn’t deliberately feed your pet anything spoiled or mouldy, that doesn’t mean they won’t have a go themselves… Make sure leftover food is disposed of promptly, as mouldy food can also cause serious illness in pets, due to the mycotoxins produced by many moulds.
Incidentally, the similar toxins are found in blue cheese and while we can cope with them, dogs and cats often can’t! So sadly no blue on the cheeseboard for them. In fact, cheese should only be given in very small amounts anyway, given the levels of fat and, often, salt.
How can I pet-proof my house at Christmas?
Things can get busy at home during this time, with plenty of pets seizing this opportunity to help themselves to a sneaky snack or two off the side. Keep food stored in closed cupboards and make sure your pet can’t get into your bin – it may be worth investing in one that can’t be tipped over or snuck in to. Clear away any dishes as soon as possible and don’t forget to move any food-containing gifts out of reach, including those on or under the tree!
What should I do if my pet has eaten something poisonous?
If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, you should contact your vet as soon as possible. Keep any packaging or remains and be honest about how much could have been consumed as this will help them advise on the best course of action.
Discussion