Turkey’s No Treat for Dogs

As a human, you might feel like heading to dreamland after a big turkey dinner, but for your dog or cat, eating turkey can mean a trip to the Veterinary Emergency Room. While a tiny bit of lean white meat turkey might be okay for your cat or dog, ingesting red meat, fat, and skin can lead to pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis is a condition we see a lot of after a pet has eaten too much fatty food from the holiday table.

Another turkey hazard is turkey bones. Bones are digestible, but a sharp piece of bone can cause serious damage to the stomach and intestine on its way through. Bone bits are bad for tender paws, too. Best bet is to keep the dogs and cats away from the bird.

Avoid the Fruit of the Vine

Grapes are very toxic to animals, and can cause renal (kidney) failure in pets.
Fresh grapes and raisins may add a lovely bit of sweetness to a salad, but can sour your holiday and your pet’s health quicker than you can say nature’s candy. Be sure to store grapes and raisins in a safe, non sniffable location, far away from curious noses.

Say No to Mashed Potatoes & Bread Dough

Potatoes in and of themselves are not dangerous for pets to eat. However, once you add the butter and milk, that fluffy, creamy cloud of potato becomes a fat bomb in your pet, waiting to explode in a painful bout of pancreatitis. Holiday mashed potatoes often contain garlic and onion, as well—major feeding don’ts for pets. Garlic and onion are toxic to pets. Play it safe and pass on the potatoes.

Holiday Cookies Just for Dogs? Yes, Please!

So, do all these feeding don’ts for pets mean no holiday treats for pets? Heck, no! Instead of carving a slice of the roast beast for your furry bestie, deck her bowl with pumpkin and xylitol-free peanut butter treat just for her. Visit the American Kennel Club’s website for more festive recipes to keep your pet happy and fit this holiday season.