Holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and family feasts—decadent foods abound during the holidays, and you likely want to share with your pet. Our Pets & Friends Animal Hospital team understands that your pet is a much-loved family member, and we explain how you can safely treat your pet this holiday season. 

Pet treat safety considerations

When treating your pet during the holidays and throughout the year, you should consider several factors that will keep them safe and healthy. These include:

  • Portion control — Any sudden change in your pet’s diet can trigger gastrointestinal (GI) upset, and you should treat your pet with small portions to avoid problems.
  • High-fat treats — In addition to GI upset, high-fat treats can lead to pancreatitis, a painful, potentially life-threatening condition. 
  • Calorie counts — Overfeeding your pet can lead to obesity, which increases their risk for several health issues such as cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, and arthritis. Ensure no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie intake involves treats, and adjust meal portions to account for these calories.
  • Dangerous ingredients — Several common human foods are toxic to pets. Avoid foods with ingredients of xylitol or birch sugar, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, Allium vegetables (e.g., onions and garlic), and chocolate.
  • Foreign body ingestion — A hungry, zealous pet can easily ingest a foreign body, which may lead to a GI obstruction. Help prevent a foreign body obstruction by not feeding your pet bones. 
  • Health conditions — If your pet has a health condition, such as diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, kidney disease, or food allergies, that requires a special diet, check with your veterinarian before giving them holiday treats, since foods outside their normal diet may be unsafe.

Pet-safe holiday plates

As mentioned, many common holiday foods are dangerous for pets, but you can make your four-legged friend a pet-safe plate, so they don’t feel left out during the big feast. Pet-safe foods you can offer in small portions include:

  • Lean meats — Lean meats, such as skinless, boneless white turkey meat, make great protein-rich treats for your pet. Ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked without any spices and forego the gravy.
  • Sweet potatoes — While buttery mashed potatoes are a no-no for pets, sweet potatoes are a healthy alternative for your pet. Bake the sweet potatoes with no oil or seasoning until they are soft and let them cool well before serving.
  • Green beans — Raw or cooked plain green beans are a nutritious treat for your four-legged friend. If feeding them canned green beans, choose an unsalted product. 
  • Pumpkin — Pumpkin pie contains ingredients such as sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg that may harm your pet, but plain pumpkin puree is a safe alternative. Start with a small amount, and feed no more than one teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight to avoid GI problems.

Dog-safe homemade treats

If you want to make a special treat to show your dog a little love, here are some pet-safe recipes:

  • Pumpkin peanut butter treats — Combine 190g wholemeal flour, two eggs, 65g canned pumpkin, and 30g xylitol-free peanut butter and blend well. Roll the dough to about half-inch thickness and cut out the dough with festive cookie cutters. Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
  • Snowball pupcakes — Combine one mashed ripe banana, 75g xylitol-free peanut butter, one egg, and 35g honey. Blend well and add 50g wholemeal flour, 35g rolled oats, and 60ml water. Divide the mix among six cupcake tins. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Once cooled, top with a teaspoon of Greek yogurt.
  • Winter berry bones — Place diced strawberries and blueberries in a freezer proof, bone-shaped mold. Spoon Greek yogurt over the fruit and freeze the mold overnight.

Cat-safe homemade treats

Here are some recipes to include your feline friend in your festive feast:

  • Crunchy tuna treats — Combine five ounces drained tuna in water, a half cup of oat flour, a half cup of whole wheat flour, one egg, one tablespoon olive oil, and one tablespoon catnip in a food processor, and blend well. Roll into half-teaspoon-size balls and place on a cookie sheet, flattening each ball with your finger. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. 
  • Chicken treats — Combine one large egg, four ounces chicken and brown rice baby food, two teaspoons olive oil, and two tablespoons water. Blend well, and add one cup brown rice flour and a half cup cooked rice. Spread mixture on a baking sheet to about one-third-inch thickness. Bake at 325 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, slice the dough into cat-bite-sized pieces, and return to the oven for eight more minutes. 
  • Cat gravy — Blend a half can wet kitten food in a blender to paste consistency. Add one third a cup of water and heat over the stove, stirring until well blended and warm. 

Of course, the best treat you can give your four-legged friend for the holidays is a healthy 2024. Contact our Pets & Friends Animal Hospital team today to schedule your pet’s annual wellness exam.