What Your Dog Can Eat Off Your Plate During the Holidays

A holiday comes around, and there’s one thing on your mind as you prep, serve, and eat food: Can my dog eat this? Okay, that might not be the only thing on your mind, but it is something pet parents think about, especially during the holidays. 

How can you resist sliding them a little snack outside of their regularly scheduled meal times when faced with their sweet puppy dog eyes? You can resist by knowing which foods are good for them versus which could cause stomach upset or other issues. Whether you’re traveling for the holidays using a travel kennel for dog comfort or staying home preparing a large meal for the family, here are the foods you can and can’t feed your dogs. 

Safe Foods

These food items are generally safe for your pup to digest in reasonable portions. That said, it’s never a bad idea to discuss food items with your vet, especially with food-centric holidays on the horizon.

Well-Cooked Meat

You might have heard about raw diets, but it’s best to stick to well-cooked meats around the holidays to avoid any tummy troubles. Well-cooked beef and poultry are generally safe for dogs, but it’s best if they’re unseasoned (and one should certainly avoid any onion or garlic powder).

Carrots

High in fiber and satisfyingly crunchy, carrots are the perfect appetizer for you and your pup. You can munch on raw carrots before a full meal. If you cook carrots for a party, your dog should primarily eat carrots without glaze or seasonings. While one small nibble is unlikely to lead to discomfort, too much of a tasty treat can lead to stomach upset. 

Green Beans

Like carrots, green beans are a great holiday snack for your pups. You can’t give them a bite of green bean casserole, but a few unsalted green beans straight from the can will have them munching on their daily greens intake. 

Well-Cooked Eggs

If you’re making a holiday breakfast for a big group, you can save some scrambled eggs for your dogs. Without chopped onions or garlic, cooked eggs are a safe and healthy food for dogs, and you can put them right on top of a bowl of dog food if you want. Even if you add spinach, bell peppers, or cheese, it’s safe for your dog to have a few bites.

Pumpkin

Cooked pumpkin is actually really good for a dog’s digestion. Mashed or chopped, you can add a spoonful of pumpkin to your dog’s daily diet. No pumpkin pie filling, though! (And avoid giving your pup any baked goods, which may contain xylitol—it’s known to be toxic to dogs.)

Cranberries

You might not be able to give your dog cranberry sauce because it contains too much sugar, but if they want a tart treat, you can give them a fresh or dried cranberry or add cranberries to homemade holiday dog treats. 

Unsafe Foods

Avoid giving the below food items to your dog, and be diligent whenever you have these ingredients in your house. If a lot of cooking and baking is happening in your home, consider using large dog kennels to help keep your pups away from a busy kitchen so nothing goes “missing” from a countertop. 

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic—fresh, cooked, raw, or powdered—are two common holiday ingredients and favorite seasonings in general. However, they have been known to cause gastric discomfort in dogs and can be seriously harmful in large amounts. If you give your dog safe holiday foods, do so before adding seasonings.

Grapes

You’ve heard about grapes. So, don’t do it. Anything with grapes or raisins stays on the table and out of your dog’s mouth and stomach. All grapes are toxic to dogs and can lead to kidney trouble. 

Chocolate

You’ve also heard about chocolate. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which dogs should not consume. If they happen to lick a chocolate shaving off your shirt or pants, don’t worry too much, but any more than that may lead to a trip to urgent care, depending on your dog’s size. 

Fat Trimmings

Unlike lean cuts of meat, the fat trimmings of meat are actually difficult for a dog to digest. Too much fat in a dog’s diet can lead to pancreatitis. If they happen to eat a tiny bite by accident once or twice throughout the season, don’t panic, but definitely do not intentionally offer your dog fat trimmings. 

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, especially when coated in chocolate. Many nuts also pose a choking hazard and other risks. 

Yeast Dough

Uncooked yeast dough is incredibly harmful to dogs. Yeast rises, so if your dog eats uncooked yeast, it can expand in their stomach and lead to issues. A dog consuming yeast is most often accidental, so keep rising dough pushed back on countertops and keep your dog away. 

There are a few holiday foods your dog can enjoy with you, but many that they cannot. It mostly has to do with food preparation and seasonings because many holiday foods include elements that are harmful to your pup. When in doubt, don’t feed your dog any human food, and try not to look into their eyes when they rest that sweet little snout on your lap. 

Bonus: Their Food

Ultimately, the best thing you can feed your dog during the holidays is pet food that’s formulated for their unique needs. And, of course, pet treats! Keep your quality treats and food fresher longer by investing in effective food storage containers. And, since it’s a busy time of year, automatic feeders and waterers can help make sure your furry friends stay hydrated and fed during the holiday season.

About Petmate 

Your four-legged friend can turn the day around whenever you feel a little down. With such an important companion in your life, it’s crucial that you give them the proper care and attention they need, and Petmate can help. The pet supply manufacturer has everything pet parents need to build a comfortable space for their dogs and cats, including a highly rated top entry litter box, dog food storage container options, and travel dog kennels. Petmate will also help you stock up on essential products like cozy bedding, pet bowls, and fun toys. Whether it’s a specialty product like a Chuckit! Launcher or an everyday item your pet needs for comfort and safety, Petmate ensures you can find your furry family member’s ideal product. 

Take care of your pups and keep them safe during the holidays with supplies from petmate.com.