Christmas Food Safety (for pets)
Christmas is a great time to be with friends, family and pets, and whilst last year was very different, there are high hopes for this one! As you’re enjoying yourself, don’t forget that some traditional Christmas foods can cause issues for your pet.
Food plays a big role in Christmas celebrations, but did you know that many of the nation’s favourite Christmas treats are toxic to pets? With all the excitement going on, many pets may even use the opportunity to help themselves to some tasty treats – make sure you keep kitchen cupboards closed, use a sturdy food waste bin that can’t be tipped over, clear away leftover dinner plates and always clean up any spillages and crumbs.
Below are some festive favourites that you should avoid sharing with your pet:
Pigs in blankets and gravy are fatty and salty and, if eaten in large quantities, can cause digestive issues in pets including pancreatitis. In this condition the pancreas becomes inflamed, resulting in vomiting, loss of appetite and adominal pain
Grapes and highly toxic and subsequently so are raisins and sultanas. If eaten they can cause kidney issues, so keep mince pies, Christmas pudding and fruit cake well out of paw’s reach
Onions, shallots, garlic, leeks and chives are all members of the allium family and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even anaemia in pets. Avoid feeding pets things that include these ingredients like stuffing and onion gravy
Leftover turkey bones. While it may be tempting to give your dog leftover turkey bones, they have a brittle nature and so there is a risk of them splintering making them dangerous for your pet’s digestive system
Nuts, including macadamia nuts and walnuts, can cause lethargy (tiredness), high temperature, tremors, and stomach upsets. Please keep them out of the way of inquisitive pets
Nutmeg is often used to add spice to festive treats but it’s highly poisonous to pets and can result in tremors and seizures
Chocolate is one of the most well-known toxic treats, and it’s usually in abundance at Christmas. Chocolate contains the toxic compound theobromine and eating large amounts of it can be fatal, so it’s essential you keep it wrapped up and out of the way. Ideally avoid hanging chocolate on your tree, but if you must hang it higher up. The 'darker' the chocolate the more problematic it is so be especially careful when baking
Alcohol is bad news for pets. It affects them in a similar way to humans, causing drowsiness and lack of coordination, but it can also dramatically lower their body temperature and blood sugar levels, leading to seizures and comas.
If your pet does eat any of these festive toxins, call your local vet immediately for advice.
Turkey is the ultimate food staple at Christmas. As dogs are omnivores and cats are carnivores, meat is very important for their diet. Turkey is a healthy lean meat that is found in many pet foods. You’ll earn big brownie points from your cat or dog for a piece of plain, unseasoned slice of turkey which is free of bone and skin. Ensure you give this festive treat in small amounts to avoid an upset stomach or other issues.
Mince pies contain food which is very poisonous to dogs such as raisins, grapes, sultanas, and currants – which can lead to kidney failure.
Don’t worry, there are a few parts of your Christmas dinner you can share with your pet (not under the table though). Always give these tasty titbits in moderation and reduce the amount of pet food you give them that day to maintain a healthy weight.
Dogs and cats can have:
A slice of plain, cooked, white turkey meat
A small piece of plain, cooked, boneless salmon
Raw carrots
Plain brussels sprouts
Plain boiled parsnips
Enjoy your Christmas with your furry baby in safety!
Miriam