Preparing Your Dog a Christmas Dinner
With Christmas right around the corner, it’s time to start making your dinner menu, and this year pet parents are incorporating a dish for Fido! Dogs have different gastrointestinal tracts than humans; their stomachs are more sensitive to many human-preferred ingredients. Along with AKC guidance, we gathered the ultimate list of dog-safe foods on the table and which foods to avoid giving to your furry guests. This guide prevents bad gas or an upset tummy from cutting your holiday festivities short!
Safe Foods for Fido
Sweet Potatoes/Potatoes
Plain and sweet potatoes are excellent sources of fiber and vitamins for your pet! Make sure to give them plain cooked potatoes with no salt or butter on top; added sodium will upset your dog’s stomach.
Apples
Cored apples are safe for Fido to consume if the inner seeds are entirely removed. Apples contain many healthy vitamins and fiber for your pup.
Turkey Meat
Unseasoned turkey is okay for pets to eat as long as no skin or bones are attached. Remember, seasonings are pretty harmful to your pet’s sensitive stomach.
Green Beans/Peas
Holiday veggies are relatively safe for your pet, once again, as long as they lack seasoning. Raw green beans during the cooking process are safe; however, once they’re cooked with herbs and spices, they become unsafe for dogs to consume.
Pumpkin
Another safe veggie for your fur baby is pumpkin. Pumpkin is a super healthy additive to Fido’s regular diet, as it can be great for your pet’s digestive health and skin. Canned pumpkin is safe; check to ensure it doesn’t have added spices, but pure pumpkin is preferred.
Avoid Giving These Foods to Pets
- Meat skins or bones
- Ham
- Yeast bread
- Stuffing (due to spice blends)
- Casseroles
- Mashed potatoes (because of added salt)
- Creamed vegetables (added spices)
- Chocolate, desserts, and sweets (added sugars or xylitol)
- Alcohol
- Grapes or raisins
- Onions, scallions, and garlic