Holiday Hazard or Celebration Treats?
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People tend to operate under the assumption that if a certain type of food is safe for them, then it is safe for their pets, as well; this type of thinking is completely false. Our pets have a completely different physiological make-up than humans. The holiday seasons can make this assumption even more dangerous.
As we are enjoying vast quantities of food, we believe our pets should be getting extra amounts of “treats”. Some of the most hazardous foods to avoid giving pets during the holiday seasons are outlined below. Keep in mind that even though your dog or cat may seem to like these foods, the results may not fill your furry friend with joy.
Sensitive stomachs are common among pets. A cat and a dog’s stomach are small, and their intestines have a limited capability for breaking down complex foods, they cannot properly digest many holiday foods. They also do not gain any nutritional value from eating these foods. Introducing new foods to their digestive tract can have bad results. Even foods that their stomachs can normally handle will overwhelm your pet’s digestive system when consumed in large quantities. Pets do not have an “off-switch” like you or I when it comes to consuming some types of foods.
If you simply cannot resist letting your pet join in on the holiday meal, give them some freeze dried peanut butter dog treats or else abide by some general guidelines. Serve only small portions of low-fat foods. Do not give them anything spicy. Both of these food characteristics are proven to be trouble for pets. Some foods, however, need to be avoided altogether.
Garlic, onions, and scallions in large portions can lead directly to illness. Toxic anemia is a common result in pets that consume excessive amounts of these foods. This ingredient rules out holiday favorites such as stuffing. Grapes and raisins should also be avoided. In dogs, these fruits have been directly linked to kidney failure. Keep the puppies away from sweets that are likely to include these ingredients.
It should be a give that under no point your should pet be given alcohol. Chocolate and macadamia nuts are among the more well-known ingredients to avoid giving to pets. These items increase the rhythm of the heart to dangerously high levels. The chocolate goods that we bake during the holidays are especially hazardous. Baking chocolate contains higher levels of cocoa than what it found in ordinary chocolate bars. Consumption of high levels of cocoa can lead to an immediate trip to the veterinary ER.
Despite all of the dangers, there are plenty of holiday foods safe for your pets. Lean turkey that is free of bones makes a perfect holiday treat. Macaroni and cheese is also a popular, gooey treat. Green beans and macaroni are great treats to give to pets because they are unlikely to contain any hazardous, hidden ingredients. Again, your pet can enjoy the holiday meal with you as long as you feed them responsibly and in reasonable quantities.
As we are enjoying vast quantities of food, we believe our pets should be getting extra amounts of “treats”. Some of the most hazardous foods to avoid giving pets during the holiday seasons are outlined below. Keep in mind that even though your dog or cat may seem to like these foods, the results may not fill your furry friend with joy.
Sensitive stomachs are common among pets. A cat and a dog’s stomach are small, and their intestines have a limited capability for breaking down complex foods, they cannot properly digest many holiday foods. They also do not gain any nutritional value from eating these foods. Introducing new foods to their digestive tract can have bad results. Even foods that their stomachs can normally handle will overwhelm your pet’s digestive system when consumed in large quantities. Pets do not have an “off-switch” like you or I when it comes to consuming some types of foods.
If you simply cannot resist letting your pet join in on the holiday meal, give them some freeze dried peanut butter dog treats or else abide by some general guidelines. Serve only small portions of low-fat foods. Do not give them anything spicy. Both of these food characteristics are proven to be trouble for pets. Some foods, however, need to be avoided altogether.
Garlic, onions, and scallions in large portions can lead directly to illness. Toxic anemia is a common result in pets that consume excessive amounts of these foods. This ingredient rules out holiday favorites such as stuffing. Grapes and raisins should also be avoided. In dogs, these fruits have been directly linked to kidney failure. Keep the puppies away from sweets that are likely to include these ingredients.
It should be a give that under no point your should pet be given alcohol. Chocolate and macadamia nuts are among the more well-known ingredients to avoid giving to pets. These items increase the rhythm of the heart to dangerously high levels. The chocolate goods that we bake during the holidays are especially hazardous. Baking chocolate contains higher levels of cocoa than what it found in ordinary chocolate bars. Consumption of high levels of cocoa can lead to an immediate trip to the veterinary ER.
Despite all of the dangers, there are plenty of holiday foods safe for your pets. Lean turkey that is free of bones makes a perfect holiday treat. Macaroni and cheese is also a popular, gooey treat. Green beans and macaroni are great treats to give to pets because they are unlikely to contain any hazardous, hidden ingredients. Again, your pet can enjoy the holiday meal with you as long as you feed them responsibly and in reasonable quantities.