Foods to Avoid this Holiday Season

‘Tis the season! The holidays like Christmas and New Year’s will soon be upon us. You’ll undoubtedly be gathering around family and friends and enjoying lots of lavish dinners, parties, and feasts.

Your four-legged friend will be there right behind you. You may feel tempted to treat Fido or Fifi to some table scraps, but that’s not always in their best interest. Not sure which foods are okay and which aren’t? Check out our handy list!

Foods to Avoid This Holiday Season

  • Mashed potatoes with gravy, onions, sour cream, or cheese. Pets can have this potato dish if it’s served plain.
  • Turkey bones and skin; turkey free of this is alright to consume.
  • Alcohol of any kind, which can be risky for smaller animals.
  • Macadamia nuts, especially candied or caramelized nuts.
  • Any foods with xylitol, including mints, gums, cupcakes, and other desserts. Even sugar-free treats have xylitol, so be smart about where you store it.
  • Raisins or grapes, as dogs sometimes get kidney failure from consumption.
  • Chocolate of any kind, be it baking chocolate, dessert, or candy. If it doesn’t affect your pet to the point of a higher heart rate, chocolate consumption can sometimes be fatal.
  • Alliums, which are scallions, leeks, and garlic. Dogs are more likely to develop anemia than cats, but both pets should beware.

Also, experts caution that you don’t deviate too much from your pet’s standard diet. Don’t feed them excessively spicy, fatty, sugary foods. Also, although you may be in the giving spirit because it’s the holidays, don’t overfeed your pet. The gastrointestinal distress this can cause over the next few days is not worth it.

If you have any questions about what your pet should or shouldn’t eat this holiday season, be sure to contact your veterinarian in Southington for clarification.

Call Apple Valley Veterinarians, Your Veterinarian Near Southington

Of course, if your pet gets into something they shouldn’t have, you’re going to need a veterinarian near Southington stat. Here at Apple Valley Veterinarians, our animal clinic has all sorts of veterinary care services, like a pet wellness exam, preventative care, nutritional counseling and pet diet guidance, vaccinations, surgery, and more.

To contact our veterinarian in Southington for veterinary care today, please call 860-628-9635 or visit Apple Valley Veterinarians at 1218 South Main Street.

Call Us Text Us
Skip to content