Festive Foods for Furry Friends – The Do’s and Don’ts of Treating Your pet at Christmas

Christmas is a time to have a good time together with your family members, so it’s no surprise that we prefer to contain our furry relations within the festivities. But whereas we take pleasure in a wide range of festive meals, pet house owners must watch out what they permit their four-legged companions to bask in.

PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing stated: “It could be very tempting to share Christmas treats with pets, however sadly a number of meals could be unsuitable and even poisonous for them. It’s crucial to know what you possibly can and may’t feed your furry good friend to maintain them joyful and wholesome in the course of the festive interval.

Not-so-festive meals

“There are quite a few meals and drinks that you just’ll must steer clear of paws at Christmas. Mince pies and Christmas cake comprise raisins and sultanas in addition to alcohol, all of which could be poisonous to pets. Chocolate can also be toxic for canines and cats and may have deadly penalties. So whenever you’re indulging in Christmas treats, you need to be actually aware to maintain them out of paws’ method.

“As properly as candy treats, watch out with roast leftovers too. Stuffing and gravy typically comprise onion, leeks and garlic, which could be lethal to each cats and canines. You must also be careful for bones in meals. Not solely are they a choking hazard however cooked bones can splinter simply and injury your pet’s throat or abdomen, they may even trigger intestine blockages. A visit to the vet is actually not the way you need to spend the festive interval.

Careful on the energy

“It’s not simply poisonous treats you have to be careful for, however unhealthy ones as properly. Bacon, turkey pores and skin, cream and cheese sauce to call a couple of are all excessive in fats that would go away your furry member of the family feeling very poorly and may in some circumstances trigger vomiting and even the intense situation pancreatitis. If pets eat excessive calorie meals recurrently, it will probably quickly result in your pet turning into chubby.

Safe sustenance

“Your four-legged good friend can nonetheless benefit from the festive celebrations with out feeding them leftovers, reminiscent of a brand new toy to maintain them entertained. Alternatively, deal with them to a distinct flavour from their normal meals (so long as they don’t have an excellent delicate tummy) to allow them to safely style one thing particular whereas getting all of the vitamins they want. For pooches, strive taking them on a brand new strolling route to allow them to take pleasure in new sights and smells.

Special events

“If you continue to actually can’t resist the temptation to let your pet bask in human meals, you’ll must know what components of your roast dinner are most secure. Avoid the wealthy darkish meat and follow lean components of chicken which might be plain and boneless. You may deal with your furry good friend to boiled or steamed pet protected greens reminiscent of carrots, parsnips, broccoli and inexperienced beans. Whatever the meals, at all times give your pet a small portion to keep away from an upset tummy, this may even assist to maintain them at a wholesome weight.

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity. We’re on a mission to enhance pet wellbeing by way of prevention, training and therapy. Support from gamers of People’s Postcode Lottery helps us attain much more pet house owners with very important recommendation and knowledge. www.pdsa.org.uk