As the holidays draw closer, many of us are busy cooking up some delicious seasonal treats. If you have a dog, Fido will definitely be paying close attention as you start cooking, and will be practicing his best sad-puppy-dog face. Our canine buddies definitely deserve some special snacks at this time of year! Read on as a Fayetteville, NC vet lists some treats you can give your pooch.

Meat

Meat is crucial to your pet’s diet: in fact, it should be the main ingredient listed on Fido’s dog food. You can give your pooch most types of meat, fish, or poultry, such as steak, chicken, turkey, duck, hamburger, pork, or beef. Many types of fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and cod, are fine as well. Deli meat is also safe for your dog. Just be sure that Fido’s food is fully cooked, unseasoned, and free of bones and fat.

Fruits and Veggies

Your pup can have some small amounts of veggies mixed in with his main course. Cooked, plain potatoes; squash; peas; green beans; spinach; and pumpkin are all fine. Your pup can also have a bit of banana, or some strawberries or blueberries. Just be sure never to give Fido grapes, currants, or raisins, or pitted fruits, especially avocado.

Appetizers

If you’re making appetizers for a holiday feast, you may be able to share a few of them with your pet. Fido can have meatballs, a plain cocktail wiener, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, or small bits of pepperoni, sausage, or bacon. Just don’t go overboard with these fatty snacks: they should only be fed occasionally, and in small amounts.

Other Options

Fido may enjoy a bowl of sodium-free broth, or a bit of peanut butter smeared on his doggy treat. Cooked eggs are also safe.

Unsafe Foods

If you aren’t sure if something is safe for your pet, do some research before handing it over. Many popular foods are toxic to Fido! Never give your pup meat on the bone; nuts; chocolate; coffee; caffeine; or raw foods. Also, avoid anything seasoned with garlic, onions, scallions, or chives. As mentioned above, pitted fruits, grapes, currants, and raisins are also on the no-no list, as is anything that contains xylitol. Ask your vet for more information. Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your Fayetteville, NC pet hospital, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!