As dog owners, we all want to give our pets the best—especially when it comes to food. But sometimes, even the best feeding habits slip during the holiday season. It’s easy to want to spoil your furry friend with special treats when everyone’s indulging. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s important to be mindful of the holiday foods that aren’t so great for your dog.
If you’re a dog owner, we encourage moderation when offering those special treats. And remember, some human foods can actually harm your dog. A better way to treat your pet? Grab a bag of Nextrition cold-pressed dog food. It’s gut-healthy, all-natural, and perfect for sensitive stomachs.
Just Say No to Turkey Scraps
Turkey often takes center stage at Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, and while the meat itself isn’t typically an issue, avoid giving your dog turkey scraps like bones, skin, and gravy. Bones can be a choking hazard or cause internal injuries. Turkey skin is high in fat which can lead to pancreatitis and can be difficult to chew leading to choking hazards. Turkey gravy should also be avoided due to the additional spices put in most gravies that can be toxic for dogs.
If you do offer your pup some turkey meat, make sure it’s in moderation, remove any spices, and carefully check for bones before feeding.
Be Careful with Stuffing and Mashed Potatoes
Mom’s homemade stuffing might be delicious, but if it contains onions or garlic, it’s a no-go for dogs. Both can be toxic to your furry friend, so it’s best to avoid sharing this dish altogether.
As for mashed potatoes made for humans, these are often loaded with fat, butter, and dairy—all of which can upset your dog’s stomach. Keep these off your dog’s plate too.
Be Extra Cautious with Desserts
The holiday season is prime time for showing off your best dessert recipes. But many of these rich treats are risky for dogs. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, be mindful of sweets like pies, cakes, cookies, and candies around your dog.
Chocolate and raisins, for example, are highly toxic to dogs. So, no chocolate candies or grandma’s famous fruitcake. Also, watch out for artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which can be deadly for dogs. Any holiday treats containing xylitol should be kept far away from your pet.
Never Give Your Dog Alcohol
Alcohol is another thing that’s a definite no for dogs. Even a small amount can cause serious health issues. Dogs aren’t natural drinkers for good reason—keep the alcohol away from them.
Plenty of Safe Alternatives
It’s natural to want to include your dog in the holiday festivities, and there’s nothing wrong with giving them a few special treats—as long as it’s done safely. There are plenty of great alternatives to those not-so-safe holiday foods:
- Plain, cooked turkey meat
- Plain green beans or cooked pumpkin (no pie filling)
- Plain, cooked sweet potatoes
- Apple slices (in small pieces, without seeds or core)
And as always, moderation is key. Too much of a good thing, even during the holidays, isn’t ideal.
If you want to keep treating your dog long after the holiday season, why not switch to Nextrition cold-pressed dog food? We’re pretty confident your dog will love it more than dry kibble. And if you’ve got a picky eater, Nextrition might be just what you need to get them back to eating normally.
