It’s the festive season and we all love to treat our furry companions with something special to celebrate with us, but if you’re thinking of giving them a festive snack, read this first to make sure you’re not doing them more harm than good! We’ve compiled a list of foods you shouldn’t feed your dog this Christmas.
Dogs Trust veterinary director, Paula Boyden says that “As a vet I have seen some terrible examples of dog poisoning over the Christmas period. In many cases the owner was totally unaware of the hidden dangers and was simply intending to be kind to their dog who was eager to share in the festive treats. Like with humans, all foods should be given in moderation…”
Here’s what you shouldn’t be feeding your dog this Christmas:
Mince Pies (containing grapes and raisins)
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure due to the toxic substance contained within them. It is a good idea to avoid feeding your dog these foods to avoid any future health issues! Christmas pudding and fruit cake are popular Christmas treats that contain raisins & nuts so be sure to keep your dog away from these too!
Christmas Nuts (including macadamia, almonds, pecans and walnuts)
Nuts contain a high amount of oils and fats which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets. Macadamia nuts are especially toxic to dogs, causing weakness, hyperthermia and depression. Symptoms usually occur within 12 hours of eating the nuts and can last up to 48 hours. Nuts, especially macadamias, are more common to buy at this festive time of year, so if you suspect your dog has eaten any, call up your vets as a precaution.
Citrus fruits
Certain parts of citrus fruits including the stem, peels, fruit and leaves include citric acid that can cause irritation and damage to the nervous system of our pets. Eating small doses is likely to cause stomach upset amongst our pets!
Turkey or Chicken Bones
We all love to give our dogs a treat at Christmas time, and one of those might be a cheeky piece of turkey meat… but be sure that there are no bones (big or small)! Cooked bones become dry and brittle and when chewed by your dog, they can crack and splinter, leading to cuts in the mouth and gums. It can also lead to choking and even punctured organs. If you do want to give your dog a taste of a delicious Christmas dinner, why not try using Dorwest’s Roast Dinner Toothpaste!
Chocolates
We all love to give and receive chocolates at Christmas time, but we need to be extra careful to make sure our dogs don’t get hold of them! Chocolate contains an ingredient called theobromine which is poisonous to dogs. The amount of theobromine depends on the type of chocolate and usually the darker varieties contain the highest amounts. The theobromine in chocolate can cause vomiting and/or heart failure in dogs, so be extra careful this year! Your dog doesn’t have to miss out though, there are many dog-friendly chocolate substitutes available, including these Good Boy Choc Drops...
That’s just a few of the foods we shouldn’t be feeding our dogs this Christmas! If you’re struggling to keep track, why not use PetScanner to keep notes of the foods your dog is allergic to/shouldn’t eat, and you can enjoy a happy, healthy Christmas with your four-legged companion!
Alternatively, if you want to make your own dog-friendly Christmas banquet, why not try Dogs Trust’s Christmas Menu consisting of a starter, main and dessert, all completely safe for your best friend!
Another healthy alternative is Natural Balance pet food. This high quality pet food is perfect for your pooch at Christmas and all year round. They are clear and concise about what goes into their product. pawster.com, has the best scoop about all things Natural Balance from ingredients, reviews and even coupons!
With these tips in mind to keep your pooch safe and healthy, we hope you both enjoy a wonderful Christmas together!
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