With the holiday season officially here, many people are making their favorite seasonal foods. Our furry friends also love to indulge in special snacks! It’s fine—and even beneficial—to give your pet treats, but be sure to stick with safe foods. A Westminster, MD vet lists some good options in this article.
D ogs
Man’s Best Friend has a pretty healthy appetite. (Actually, that’s putting it mildly. Fido will eat pretty much anything.) Meat, fish, and poultry really make the best treats for pups. Just be sure to remove the skin, bones, and fat first. Some meats, such as organ meats, should only be given on occasion. You’ll also want to limit meats with high fat content, such as sausage. Processed meats are okay here and there, but it’s best to give your pet whole foods.
Cats
For the most part, Fluffy can eat many of the same things as Fido. Cats often have even lower tolerance for fatty foods than dogs do, so you’ll want to skip things like bacon and sausage entirely. While some furballs do seem to like sweet treats like cake and muffins, sugar isn’t good for them. Stick with safer options. In addition to store-bought treats, kitties can also enjoy plain, canned boneless tuna, chicken, shrimp, crabmeat, or even salmon. Your feline pal may also appreciate some shredded deli meat.
Cows
Do you have a bovine buddy? Bessie also deserves a yummy snack! Like horses, cows love carrots, apples, and molasses. They can also have things like potatoes and turnips, corn husks, and broccoli. Cabbage is also fine, but too much can give Bessie’s milk a flavor you probably don’t want. You can also give your hooved pal things like dandelion leaves and clover.
Unsafe Foods
Although every type of animal has unique dietary needs, there are a few things that are unsafe for most of them. The no-no list includes garlic, onions, scallions, and chives; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; nuts; mushrooms; grapes, currants, and raisins; and raw dough or yeast. Rhubarb is also unsafe, as are avocados, fruits with seeds or pips; meat on the bone; and anything that contains xylitol or a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Always research new foods before giving them to your pet. Ask your vet for more information.
Happy Holidays! As your local Westminster, MD animal clinic, we are here to help. Please contact us anytime!