It’s that special time of year! As the holidays close in, many of us will be savoring some of those delicious seasonal treats. Your animal companion will definitely enjoy a special meal! Just be sure to stick to safe foods. Read on as an Aurora, CO vet lists some safe foods you can give your pet.
Main Course
You can share some of that mouth-watering turkey with Fluffy and Fido. Just remove the skin, bones, and fat first. You’ll also need to hold the gravy: it may not be safe for your furry buddy. Your four-legged friend can also have cooked, boneless steak, beef, chicken, or fish. If you’re serving ham and/or organ meats, however, only give your pet a small portion. These things are safe on occasion, but shouldn’t be fed too often.
Other Foods
Dogs and cats can also have shredded deli meat, a little bacon or sausage, sodium-free broth, or canned tuna or chicken in water. A cocktail wiener or two is fine for Fido, while Fluffy may enjoy a few baby shrimp or perhaps some crabmeat. You can also give your furry companion small amounts of rice, cheese, eggs, yogurt, or natural peanut butter.
Veggies
Meat should make up the bulk of Fido and Fluffy’s diet. However, you can give your four-legged pal some cooked beans, regular or sweet potato, peas, carrots, spinach, carrots, pumpkin, or squash. Bananas, apple slices, blueberries, and strawberries are also fine. Just be sure to give your pet only plain veggies, without spices, gravy, or toppings.
Pocket Pets
If you have a bunny, hamster, gerbil, Guinea pig, or mouse, your pet’s safe foods and snacks list will look a bit different. For instance, grapes, currants, and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs and cats, but they may be ok for a hamster or bunny. Many of these little furballs can also have things certain fruits or fresh herbs. Ask your vet to suggest some safe, suitable treats for your pint-sized pal.
Unsafe Foods
Never give your four-legged pal anything that contains garlic, onions, scallions, or chives. Be extra vigilant here: these things are often found in seasonings. Chocolate is also dangerous, as are nuts, alcohol, caffeine, pitted fruits, meat on the bone, xylitol, and raw meat, milk, or yeast. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.
Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your local Aurora, CO vet clinic, anytime!
