The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, lots of delicious food! While it's tempting to give our furry friends a taste of all the holiday treats, there are certain food that can be dangerous for our pets. It can be a tough time for pet owners. After all, when your pup or kitten is sitting there begging with those big pleading eyes, it's hard to say no to an extra treat. 

Unfortunately, much of the food you love around this time of year can be dangerous—and even deadly—for your four-legged friends. To keep your pet out of harm's way during the holidays, let's take a look at what we need to avoid to keep our four-legged pals safe this season. Here are some tips and tricks on how to avoid common holiday food dangers.

Things to Avoid 

Keep an eye out for other holiday staples such as macadamia nuts, raisins, and grapes, alcohol, even onions and garlic. All these items can cause serious health issues if ingested by your pet—so best to keep them out of reach altogether.

Say No to Chocolate! 

When it comes to holiday treats, few things are as tempting as a delicious box of chocolate. But if you're a pet owner, resist the urge! Chocolate contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Depending on the type and amount consumed, eating chocolate can cause seizures or even death in pets. So if you want to keep your furry friend safe this holiday season (and every other day of the year), leave that yummy chocolate where it belongs—in your tummy. 

 

No to Milk!

Don't think of giving your pets the gift of milk this holiday season, because it's just not a good idea - even if they look at you with those wide eyes and give you that cute, sad face when passing by the carton. Though we may love to indulge our pets with special treats, feeding them milk or other products based on milk can result in digestive issues like diarrhea, viciously ending their festivities. 

 

Bones

Although giving your beloved pet a juicy Holiday bone may seem like the right thing to do, it is actually not in their best interest. It can be dangerous for your pet as they are not used to eating bones and can choke or crack them, potentially leading to obstructions or fractures. 

 

Raw meat and Egg Could Harm Them

Feeding holiday leftovers to our pets can seem like an innocent gesture, but feeding your pet raw or undercooked meat and eggs can put them at risk of contracting serious illnesses like Salmonella or E. coli. Not only that, but the avidin in raw eggs can hamper the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin essential for healthy skin and coat. Ultimately, it’s best to treat your fur babies to a special meal all of their own - one packed with nutrition specifically catered for their species - instead of putting them in harm's way with dishes meant for human consumption!

Lay Off The Leftovers 

We've all been there; after a big holiday feast, we have so much leftover food that it could feed an army! But before you give any of that deliciousness to your pets, ensure none of the ingredients pose any risk. For example, while the turkey is generally considered safe for pets in small doses, it could contain onions and garlic, which can cause plenty of problems. Don't forget about those delightful sauces and condiments that often accompany meals; many contain xylitol which is highly toxic for animals. 

Giving Safe Treats 

No one wants their pet feeling left out on Christmas morning or during special family meals! If you'd like to give your pet a little something special this season, there are plenty of healthy treats available that won't harm them. Look for snacks specifically formulated for dogs or cats. You can also opt for rawhide chews or other chew toys instead of food if you're looking for something more interactive than just edible treats. 

Keep It Out Of Reach     

It's easy enough for humans not to indulge in certain food during the holidays—just don't buy them! But when it comes to keeping curious critters away from potentially harmful snacks (like those mentioned above), you'll have to get creative with storage solutions; use something secure like containers with lids or place items high up on shelves so they won't be within reach of your mischievous pet. And if all else fails…just remember why you got them in the first place: they're always happy just spending time with their family (a couple of extra treats won't hurt either).  

It's always important to be mindful about what we feed our pets throughout the year—but especially during the holidays when there are so many temptations around! Just remember that certain human food can be hazardous for animals so always check with your vet before giving them anything new or unfamiliar. 

That way everyone can enjoy the holidays safely and happily. With these tips in mind, you can rest assured knowing that your pup or kitty will stay healthy throughout this joyous season—and well beyond too!