The holidays are all about gathering with loved ones, sharing home-cooked meals, and indulging in seasonal favorites. It’s only natural to want to include your animal companions in the festivities, but not everything on the table is safe for pets. PetNest Animal Hospital has this guide on holiday food for pet owners in Frisco so that you can include cats and dogs in the celebration, in a safe way.
Holiday Treats You Can Share With Your Pet
Some simple holiday ingredients can be pet-friendly if served plain, cooked, and in small amounts. Skip the seasoning, sauces, and butter, as these may contain ingredients not suitable for pets. As with introducing any food into your pet’s diet, always consult with a veterinarian before giving your pet new foods, even these ones!
- Plain turkey (boneless, skinless, cooked)
- Steamed green beans or carrots
- Unsweetened canned or cooked pumpkin
- A chunk of sweet potato (baked or boiled)
- A bite or two of apple (no seeds or core)
Tip: Even these “safe” foods should only make up a small portion of your pet’s diet. Some holiday food treats should never replace balanced, complete pet food.
Foods to Absolutely Avoid with Pets
While you enjoy your holiday favorites, keep these dangerous foods far away from your pet’s bowl:
- Chocolate: A common holiday dessert ingredient, but highly toxic.
- Onions, garlic, and leeks: Found in stuffing, gravies, and side dishes; these can damage red blood cells.
- Grapes and raisins: Even small amounts can cause kidney failure.
- Macadamia nuts: Can cause vomiting, weakness, and tremors in dogs.
- Bones (cooked or raw): Can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
- Alcohol and caffeine: Both are dangerous for pets to have.
- Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in baked goods, candy, and gum that can cause liver issues in dogs and can be mildly toxic to cats.
- Rich, fatty foods: Disrupt pets’ digestive systems and can trigger pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious condition.
What to Watch For When a Pet is Part of the Holiday
It’s easy for visitors (especially kids or non-pet owners) to slip a treat under the table. Politely remind guests not to feed your pets, and store leftovers and trash securely to prevent “counter surfing” while your back is turned.
If your pet sneaks something off a plate or gets into the trash, keep an eye out for:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness or lethargy
- Tremors or unsteady movement
If you notice any of these symptoms, veterinary urgent care is a good idea. You can also call animal poison control at (888) 426-4435 to speak to an expert. They will charge a fee, but can let you know whether to keep your pet under observation at home or to head to your closest emergency vet right away.
Urgent Care for Pets Who Swallow Toxic Food in Frisco, TX
You don’t have to exclude your pet from the fun of the holiday season. Just offer smart alternatives and keep a close eye on party food. There are even pet-friendly holiday treats available in stores, or you can make simple, safe goodies at home.
PetNest Animal Hospital has urgent care for pets that swallow toxic foods in Frisco, including dogs and cats from Plano, Frisco, Little Elm, The Colony, and nearby Texas areas. Contact us if your pet needs emergency veterinary services. Please note that our hours may change around the holidays. If we are closed, contact your closest 24-hour vet.