Did you know that a poll taken from petMD.com found that 56 percent of people admitted to sharing some of those tasty holiday table scraps with their pets? Our best guess is that this stems from the overwhelming love and appreciation we feel for our furry babes and don’t want them to feel left out in the festivities! So what’s okay and what’s not okay? If you feel the urge to share your plate, check out our list below first.
Turkey? Okay. Small pieces of cooked white meat with the skin removed is okay in moderation. Absolutely no undercooked or raw due to the risk of salmonella bacteria.
Bones? NOT okay! Bones can be extremely sharp and cause choking or even intestinal obstruction. It is best to keep all bones away from your pets even if they are cooked.
Vegetables? Most are okay. Green beans, sweet potatoes or other fresh vegetables can be a good snack for your pet. Avoid onions, garlic, leeks and scallions as significant amounts can be toxic and cause anemia .
Batter and dough? NOT okay. These can contain raw egg (salmonella) or can expand in your pet’s tummy causing vomiting and abdominal pain.
Fruits and cheese? Okay. Just be sure to avoid grapes and raisins. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you may want to skip sharing that greasy bite of mac and cheese.
Always keep in mind that moderation is key. Over feeding your pet with a plate of new and exciting foods can lead to bloating, vomiting, diarrhea and even possibly pancreatitis.
Lastly, guard that trash can! Your pet can become very sick from gobbling down all the contents in your trash. Also keep an eye on small children who may share some table snacks. It’s always a good idea to let all guests know to please not feed your pets.
Happy feasting!