Holiday parties are synonymous with having food and drinks galore - a fair number of these may be dishes that you might not normally have in the house. While it's okay for you to indulge in the sweet and the savory foods, be careful about what you sneak to your pup, or what may end up on the floor. Here are a few foods that are safe for dogs to eat, and a few that you should make sure they stay away from:
OK to share:
Turkey
Turkey is safe for dogs to eat and a good source of protein. Be sure to trim any excess fat off first and make sure that it isn't heavily seasoned with salt, garlic or onions, as these are not safe for dogs to ingest.
Carrots
Carrots are a great healthy treat to give your dog during the holidays or anytime. Maybe slip him a raw slice while you're cooking, as carrots in a finished dish, say with honey and garlic will not agree with his system, and since garlic is toxic to dogs.
Green Beans
Like carrots, green beans are another great alternative to treats for your dog during the holiday season. Green beans contain significant vitamins and minerals like protein, iron, and vitamins A and C. They are also high in fiber which can keep your dog full between meals.
Cranberries
Cranberries are a common dish to have during the holiday season. Whether you're serving it as a side dish alongside the turkey or the ham, or you're putting them in a fruit salad, cranberries are safe for dogs to ingest! Be careful though - if the cranberries have a lot of sugar in the dish, keep it away from the fido because sugar in large quantities is not good for dogs.
Not OK to share:
Latkes
Latkes - a traditional Jewish dish - while made with potatoes, are not safe for dogs to eat because they are fried in oil. While delicious to you, oily foods can cause your dog to become lethargic, have an irregular heartbeat and even a fever. In addition, oily food is dangerous for dogs because it can lead to pancreatitis.
Chocolate or Candy
It is not just an urban legend- dogs should not eat chocolate, or any food high in sugar content, for that matter! Chocolate, especially, contains a substance that interferes with a dog's metabolic rate and even a small amount can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and even death. Be vigilant in cleaning up the crumbs during your holiday baking! Your pup will thank you later!
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts, while delicious to humans, are not safe for dogs to eat. They are actually one of the most poisonous foods for dogs. If you have a bowl of nuts for guests to snack on, make sure the mix is free of macadamia nuts! They can cause vomiting, tremors, and in some cases paralysis.
Grapes and Raisins
Unlike cranberries, grapes and raisins are not okay for dogs to eat. They are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. Be careful when making those oatmeal raisin cookies!
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