'Tis the season of giving, but pet owners should be careful what they share with their furry friends this Christmas.
A vet has warned pet owners about the dangers of feeding dogs Christmas scraps under the table, urging them to recognise which festive foods could seriously harm their pets.
It can be tempting to pamper your pooch this festive season with leftover turkey or other treats, but some foods pose real health risks.
"Feeding pets table scraps or poor-quality food might seem harmless, but over time it can seriously affect their health and lifespan," says Dr Charlotte Inness MRCVS, veterinarian and founder of VetMedi.co.uk. "A balanced, species-appropriate diet is one of the simplest ways to help pets live longer, happier lives".
"When it comes to Christmas dinner, not all food is safe for pets. While many owners are aware of obvious dangers like chocolate, fewer realise the risks that more common foods can pose," she adds.
Every Christmas table is a little different, but some dishes appear on just about every menu and many of those tables may have a hopeful dog snoozing underneath, waiting for a stray bite. But before you slip your dog a treat, it’s important to know what’s safe - and what isn’t.
One staple of most traditional Christmas dinners is turkey, but is it safe to feed your dog?
"Turkey meat is safe to offer as long as it has not been prepared with any seasoning," Dr Inness explains. That probably rules out your perfectly roasted, herb-stuffed bird.
She also advises owners to avoid feeding turkey bones or skin. The skin is fatty, and the outer layer may have been basted in butter or oil, which can trigger pancreatitis or other digestive problems in dogs.
Other foods to avoid:
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Turkey bones, skin, and gravy – can cause choking, digestive upset, or pancreatitis
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Stuffing – often contains onions, garlic, or spices
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Mashed or roast potatoes – high in fat or cream
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Chocolate, pies, sweets, and anything containing xylitol – toxic to dogs
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Onions, garlic, and scallions – can damage red blood cells
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Ham and fatty foods – rich foods can trigger pancreatitis
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Foods containing spices – may upset digestion
Safe foods
If you want your dog to join in the festivities, there are some foods that are safe and even healthy for your dog, according to Dr. Inness.
“With ample amounts of plant fibre, minerals, and vitamins, plain Brussels sprouts are great for dogs in moderation,” says Dr. Inness. “The key here is that they should be prepared and served plain, without added ingredients like butter, salt, bacon or pancetta.”
If you know your dog loves vegetables, set aside a special portion of plain sprouts, cut them into small pieces to avoid choking and digestive issues like gas.
Plain peas or carrots are a fine addition to a dog’s diet in moderation, but creamed peas are a no-go, just like creamy mashed potatoes. Any fatty or rich food risks triggering pancreatitis or other digestive upsets.
If you’d like to share turkey with your dog without worrying about preparing a separate, dog-safe portion, you can look for Christmas-themed canned dog food that will do the work for you, and keep your canine companion safe.
