Holiday Foods: What's Safe and Unsafe for Cats & Dogs
The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and delicious food—so why not include your furry friends in the celebrations? However, before you share that festive feast, it's important to know which holiday foods are safe for your pets and which ones are best left off their plates.
Here’s your ultimate guide, broken down by cats and dogs, to help you navigate the holidays and keep your pets safe!
Safe Holiday Foods for Dogs: Festive & Tasty Treats
Dogs love being part of the family, especially when food is involved. Here are some holiday foods that are perfect for your pup to enjoy:
Proteins (The Meaty Munchies)
Turkey (no skin or bones): A lean, tasty treat your dog will love. Just be sure it’s cooked through and plain, with no seasoning.
Chicken (no skin or bones): Plain, unseasoned chicken is a fantastic, healthy option for your dog.
Salmon (cooked, boneless): Full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can help keep your dog’s coat shiny and soft.
Eggs (cooked): Scrambled or boiled eggs are a protein-packed delight that your dog will enjoy.
Veggies (Healthy Holiday Sides)
Carrots: Crunchy and fun, carrots are packed with beta-carotene and are great for your dog’s teeth. Serve them raw or cooked (but no butter or seasoning).
Green Beans: A low-calorie, fiber-rich treat that’s safe for dogs. Serve them plain, without any butter or seasoning.
Sweet Potatoes: Rich in fiber and vitamins, sweet potatoes are perfect for your dog. Serve them plain and cooked (no marshmallows or sugar).
Pumpkin: Plain, canned pumpkin is a digestive helper for dogs. Just make sure it's not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
Fruits (Sweet & Fruity)
Apples (without seeds or core): A crunchy, healthy treat for your dog. Just remove the seeds, as they can be harmful.
Blueberries: These little berries are full of antioxidants and a great snack for your dog.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries are fine for your dog, but avoid cranberry sauce—it’s usually loaded with sugar and spices.
Grains (Festive Sides Your Dog Can Enjoy)
Plain Cooked Rice: Easy to digest and great for upset tummies.
Plain Oatmeal: A warm, comforting treat that’s good for dogs in moderation.
Unsafe Holiday Foods for Dogs: The Naughty List
Some holiday foods are just too risky for your dog, so be sure to keep these off their plate:
Proteins and Dairy
Cooked Bones: Avoid giving your dog turkey or chicken bones—they can splinter and cause internal damage.
Ham and Bacon: These fatty meats can upset your dog’s stomach and lead to pancreatitis.
Gravy: Often packed with fat and harmful seasonings like garlic and onions.
Butter: While tasty for us, butter can cause digestive issues and is too rich for your dog’s stomach.
Veggies and Spices
Onions and Garlic: Both are toxic to dogs, even in small amounts, and can lead to anemia.
Chives: Like onions and garlic, chives belong on the “do not feed” list.
Nutmeg: Found in many holiday pies, nutmeg can cause tremors and seizures in dogs.
Sage and Rosemary: These herbs are safe in small amounts but can cause digestive upset in large quantities.
Raw Dough: The yeast in raw dough can expand in your dog’s stomach, causing painful bloating and gas.
Fruits and Sweets
Grapes and Raisins: Even a small amount of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.
Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and limes contain citric acid, which can cause stomach upset.
Chocolate: A definite no-no, as chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.
Xylitol (found in sugar-free candies and gum): This sugar substitute is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar.
Safe Holiday Foods for Cats: Purrfect Delights
Cats may be picky, but they’ll appreciate some special treats this holiday season. Here are the best foods for your feline friend:
Proteins (Meaty Munchies for Cats)
Turkey (no skin or bones): Just like dogs, cats can enjoy a little plain turkey. Be sure it’s cooked through, with no bones or seasoning.
Chicken (no skin or bones): A classic that cats will devour. Make sure it's plain and unseasoned.
Salmon (cooked, boneless): A great source of omega-3s, salmon is a delicious and healthy option for your cat.
Eggs (cooked): Scrambled or boiled eggs are a wonderful protein-packed snack for cats.
Veggies (Healthy for Cats, Too)
Carrots: While cats might not be as enthusiastic about veggies as dogs, many will enjoy a small chunk of carrot.
Green Beans: Cats can enjoy green beans too, and they’re low in calories, making them a healthy treat.
Pumpkin: Like for dogs, pumpkin is excellent for cats’ digestion—just make sure it’s plain canned pumpkin, not pie filling.
Fruits (Sweet Treats for Cats)
Apples (without seeds or core): Some cats love a little apple slice. Just remove the seeds!
Blueberries: Many cats enjoy these antioxidant-packed fruits as a tasty snack.
Unsafe Holiday Foods for Cats: The Kitty No-No List
Cats are a bit more sensitive than dogs when it comes to food, so it’s even more important to avoid some of these holiday treats:
Proteins and Dairy
Cooked Bones: Bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injury in cats as well.
Ham and Bacon: These fatty meats can upset your cat’s stomach and lead to pancreatitis.
Gravy: As with dogs, gravy is too fatty and may contain harmful seasonings.
Butter and Dairy: While cats might love dairy, many are lactose intolerant, leading to upset stomachs and diarrhea.
Veggies and Spices
Onions and Garlic: Toxic to both cats and dogs, they can cause severe damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Chives: These are also a part of the allium family and should be avoided.
Nutmeg: This holiday spice can cause serious problems for your kitty, including tremors and seizures.
Sage and Rosemary: Too much of these herbs can upset your cat’s stomach, so be cautious.
Fruits and Sweets
Grapes and Raisins: Just like dogs, cats should never have grapes or raisins as they can cause kidney failure.
Citrus Fruits: Citrus acid can be too much for a cat’s sensitive tummy.
Chocolate: Chocolate is just as dangerous for cats as it is for dogs.
Xylitol (sugar-free): This sweetener is toxic to both cats and dogs, so keep those sugar-free treats away from your pets.
Tips for a Safe and Happy Holiday with Your Pets
Portion Control: Even safe foods should be given in moderation. Too much of anything can cause stomach upset or obesity.
Get Creative: Make your own holiday pet treats using safe ingredients like turkey, pumpkin, or chicken.
No Table Scraps: Keep your pets’ food separate from your own, and remind guests to avoid feeding them table scraps.
Know the Signs of Toxicity: If your pet ingests something harmful, look for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or excessive drooling. Contact your vet immediately.
Happy Holidays from Petcare Deluxe LLC!
This holiday season, let your pets join the fun with a safe, healthy treat or two. With just a little bit of caution, your cats and dogs can enjoy the festivities alongside you. From all of us at Petcare Deluxe LLC, we wish you and your furry family members a joyful and safe holiday season!
Have a favorite holiday pet treat? Share it with us in the comments below!
