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The Christmas season is a time of sharing and goodwill, which is why your dog may get spoiled with extra treats this time of year. There's nothing wrong with feasting with your favorite furry pal, but it's important to know which festive foods not to feed. There are many foods that make dogs sick, and you don't want your dog throwing up during a celebration (or anytime for that matter)!
Here are the basics on what foods you shouldn't share with your dog. This doesn't mean an end to festive cheer!
What Not to Feed Dogs
The ASPCA has a list of people food to keep your dog away from. Here are a few that often find their way into the festivities.
Paws Off the Food on this List
- Bones
- Onions
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Nuts
- Yeast dough
- Fatty meats (or meat scraps)
- Food cooked with nutmeg
- Food with xylitol as an ingredient
These foods tend to be more prevalent over the Christmas period. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your pup as dogs have a way of getting on tables or counter tops to get at the feast when you're not looking. They also have a way of charming your guests or family members with their big puppy eyes, so make sure they are aware that they shouldn’t feed your dog anything without your permission. Keep an eye out when loading the dishwasher too, as most machines are down closer to your pup's height, it provides easier access to lick the plates, bowls and spoons clean. This will not only help keep your dog from eating any harmful foods, but it will also help stop them from cutting their tongue on something sharp like a knife.
Dogs are curious creatures, and the food that they see you eating seems like it should be okay for them as well. Knowing the potentially harmful foods to avoid will not only keep your dog safe, but it will also help avoid the extra pounds that many of us humans have to deal with in the new year.
Don’t forget that what your pooch craves most is love and attention from you. So, during all of the chaos of Christmas preparations make sure you give your dog some personal attention... okay, okay, maybe a couple extra dog treats too. Shhh, we won't tell.
Contributor Bio
Erin Ollila
Erin Ollila is a pet enthusiast who believes in the power of words and how a message can inform, and even transform its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print. Reach out to her on Twitter @ReinventingErin or learn more about her at http://erinollila.com.
