Seasonal Snacks for Fido

The holiday season, for many of us, means letting go of some of our dietary restrictions, loosening the belts, and savoring some delicious seasonal food. Many of our canine patients are all-in on those things! There’s nothing wrong with indulging your cute pet with a yummy snack. However, you will need to take care with what you give your pooch. Not everything is safe or suitable for Man’s Best Friend! Read on as a Dutchess County, NY vet offers some advice on what to feed your pup.

P  eople Foods

Fido will put on his most adorable, pleading, begging face when those delicious meals start coming out of the oven. Your furry best friend can have some plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry, without the skin, bones, and fat. Deli meat is also fine, as are small portions of things like meatballs, cocktail weiners, bacon, and sausage. Just limit fatty meats, as they are only safe in small amounts. Organ meats should also be only fed sparingly. Other things your pooch can enjoy include peanut butter; sodium-free broth; eggs; small amounts of cheese; and certain fruits and veggies, such as apples, carrots, peas, spinach, bananas, and cooked pumpkin, squash, or sweet potato.

Homemade Goodies

You can also try your hand at making your canine friend’s treats. There are lots of recipes available online. You can also make your own. Just use healthy ingredients, such as the ones we listed above. These also make great gifts for Fido’s buddies. Use a cute bone-shaped cookie cutter, and then put them in Mason jars tied with festive ribbons. Tail wags guaranteed!

Unsafe Foods

It’s very important to know what isn’t safe for Fido.The list of dangerous foods includes garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; avocado; pitted fruits; meat on the bone; raw meat, dough, or yeast; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; nuts; mushrooms; and anything that contains xylitol and/or a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. We know, eating something unhealthy may not sound like a big deal. Actually, it’s a favorite holiday tradition for many people! However, it can be extremely dangerous for pets. For instance, some dogs go into organ failure from eating a single grape! Ask your vet for more information.

Happy Holidays from everyone here at Billings Animal Hospital, your Dutchess County, NY veterinary clinic. Please contact us for all of your furry friend’s veterinary care needs.