Holiday Treats for Your Pets

The holiday season is a time for festive feasts and sweet treats, but it’s also a chance to include your furry friends in the celebration. While indulging in your favorite holiday delights, don’t forget to prioritize your pets’ health and safety. To help them join in the fun, we’ve put together a guide to safe and unsafe foods, along with a few easy recipes for homemade treats your pets will love. These tasty creations are sure to bring extra joy to your four-legged family members!

The holidays are a perfect time to share joy with the whole family, including your pets. While you’re preparing festive meals, there are some foods your pets can safely enjoy in moderation. Cooked, unseasoned turkey is an excellent protein source, but be sure to remove the skin, bones, and excess fat before serving. Plain sweet potatoes, free from marshmallows and spices, are packed with vitamins and make a nutritious treat. Crunchy vegetables like carrots and green beans are another healthy option, full of fiber and easy to prepare. Pure pumpkin (not pie filling) is great for digestion, while apples, with seeds and core removed, provide a sweet and crunchy snack. Grains like rice or quinoa are gentle on sensitive stomachs and a good source of carbohydrates.

While some holiday foods are safe, others should be avoided entirely. Chocolate is a well-known danger for pets as it contains theobromine, which is toxic to both dogs and cats. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, are extremely toxic, causing rapid drops in blood sugar and liver damage. Alcohol, even in small amounts, is highly dangerous, and macadamia nuts can lead to weakness and tremors in dogs. Rich or fatty foods like gravy, stuffing, or pie should also be kept away, as they can cause serious digestive issues or even pancreatitis.

To ensure a safe and happy holiday for your pets, keep portions of treats small, as they should complement their regular diet, not replace it. Introduce new foods gradually to monitor for any signs of allergies or tummy trouble. Most importantly, avoid giving table scraps, as even small amounts of rich or spiced foods can upset your pet’s stomach.

With a little planning, you can include your pets in the holiday fun while keeping them safe and healthy. Enjoy sharing festive treats with your furry companions and spreading the joy of the season!

Safe Holiday Foods for Pets

• Cooked Turkey (unseasoned)
• Plain Sweet Potatoes
• Carrots and Green Beans
• Pumpkin (pure, not pie filling)
• Apples
• Rice or Quinoa

Foods That Are Unsafe for Pets

• Chocolate
• Grapes & Raisins
• Onions & Garlic
• Artificial Sweeteners (especially Xylitol)
• Alcohol
• Macadamia Nuts
• Rich or Fatty Foods (e.g., gravy, stuffing, pie)

Make this holiday season a joyful and safe time for you and your pets. Enjoy baking these festive goodies and sharing some holiday cheer.

Festive Pet Treat Recipes

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats

Ingredients:

1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
1/4 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Mix pumpkin and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add flour and cinnamon.
• Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thick and cut into fun shapes.
• Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Cool completely.

Catnip-Crunch Holiday Cat Treats

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup powdered catnip
1/2 cup canned tuna (drained)
1 egg
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Mix flour and catnip. Add tuna, egg, and oil. Form into dough.
• Roll into small balls or discs, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
• Cool before serving.