It’s tempting to share your Christmas dinner with your pet. You just want to make them feel included in the festive fun, don’t you? That’s why you always wrap a toy for them even though you’re aware little Fido doesn’t understand the concept of Christmas. But while giving your pup a bite of some turkey is perfectly okay, there are some festive treats that really aren’t a good idea to dish up for pets. Pets at Home has shared a list of Christmas foods that are okay for pets to eat, and foods that are definitely not. Dr Maeve Moorcroft, head of pets at Pets at Home said: ‘A pet’s diet is essential when it comes to their health and wellbeing, but with all the delicious smells and tastes of Christmas it can be tempting to treat your furry friend to some delicious festive treats. ‘Some human foods are okay to feed to your dog, but should be strictly limited to foods from the nice list and served in very small quantities only. ‘We’d recommend treating your pets to some exciting new Christmas toys or treats instead.’ Christmas treats you can give your pets (in small amounts): Turkey – only boneless, skinless white meat Cranberry sauce – must be pure cranberry sauce with nothing else added Potatoes – can be given plain, mashed, or boiled with nothing else added Carrots – raw or cooked Peas Sprouts Parsnips – without honey, herbs, or spices Christmas foods you definitely cannot give to pets: Mince pies – raisins, currants, and sultanas can be fatal to dogs Gravy – too fatty and too salty Stuffing – best avoided due to onions, herbs, and spices Turkey skin and bones – skin is too fatty and bones can easily splinter, making them a choking hazard Pigs in blankets – too fatty and salty Christmas pudding and cake – again, raisins, currants, and sultanas can be fatal Chocolate – can be deadly Nuts – some nuts are toxic for pets, so it’s best to avoid them all together Onions – onions are poisonous to dogs Bread sauce – lactose is difficult for pets to digest Candy canes – sugar and sweeteners aren’t good for pets Remember: Even the foods that are okay for pets to eat shouldn’t be piled on their plates – only small amounts are recommended. If you want to give your pets a Christmas treat it’s best to get them treats that have been made just for pets, or a new toy. Or if you’ve got a cat, just give them wrapping paper. They’ll love it.
CONTENT BY:ELLEN SCOTT – METRO
