Like us, your pets are probably considered one of the family, which means they’re going to be right by your side while you’re preparing, eating, and celebrating this holiday season. There are a few things you can do to make sure your pets remain safe during the holidays by following a few key points.

Tips on Food Safety and your Pets

Many pets show interest in the food intended for our tables and sometimes we like to give them a little snack. Other times you may be worried your pet got into the trash and unsure of what is safe for them to have gotten into. Read these tips on how to keep them safe around your food celebrations.

• Keep your eyes peeled – many pets are curious and eager around food and guests. Furry loved ones have been known to sneak food behind an unsuspecting back and some are brave enough to try and snag a morsel right beneath their pet parent’s noses. In all cases, never leave food and your pet unattended.
• Be clear with guests – setting firm boundaries and ground rules for your home is absolutely necessary when having others visiting. You should speak with everyone when they arrive about their table etiquette and be clear about what they can and can’t do. For example, when you’re expressing to a guest that coasters are needed in the den, mention your expectations for them around your pets.
• Take the trash out – we know that in many places it gets colder in the holiday months, but making sure to keep the trash away from your pets is especially important when table scraps are bound to be piling up. A word for the wise is to watch the trash closely while you’re filling it, and we recommend you take it out as soon as you’re stepping away from it no matter how full it is, especially if it contains any of the foods in the avoid list below.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Holiday Treats

To help alleviate some stress around your planning and to possibly lessen the chance of an emergency vet visit, we’ve compiled a list of common holiday foods your dogs and cats can safely eat, and a list of those foods to be especially cautious of to avoid harming your pets.

Holiday Food your pets can enjoy safely

• Salmon, Chicken, or Turkey meat with no bones, seasonings, nor skin
• Sweet potatoes with no marshmallows or corn syrup
• Pumpkin or cantaloupe, but avoid seeds
• Broccoli and Cauliflower, raw is good, and if steamed avoid butter or oils
• Green beans or peas
• Apples with no seeds
• Blueberries
• Bananas
• Small amounts of hard cheeses are okay, be cautious some pets are lactose intolerant!
• Hard-boiled eggs – no seasonings or oil, avoid stuffed and deviled

Unsafe Holiday Food for your pets

• Meat bones, skin, or gravy
• Cured meats, especially Ham
• No bread, especially dough
• Potatoes
• Sweets, especially Chocolates
• Alcoholic beverages
• Raisins and grapes
• Spices, especially Garlic
• Butter and Oils
• Onions

The key to this holiday season is enjoying your time with family and friends. Make sure to include your furry ones in those plans and have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

Additional Resources

Thanksgiving Safety Tips – General pet care advice from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA)

Safe & Healthy Foods To Share With Your Dog This Thanksgiving, Plus Foods To Avoid – Expert advice from American Kennel Club