Serve Up Holiday Cheer With Pet-Safe Feeding
The holidays are a time for family, warmth, and festive meals. Between the aromas from the kitchen and treats at every turn, it’s easy to want to include your pets in the celebration. Dogs and cats are part of the family, after all. But many traditional holiday foods can be harmful or even toxic to them.
Understanding which foods to keep off their plates is one of the simplest ways to protect your furry companions and ensure they enjoy a comfortable, stress-free season.
Common Holiday Foods That Can Harm Pets
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two compounds that dogs and cats cannot process effectively. Even a small piece can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, tremors, or seizures. Dark and baking chocolates are especially dangerous. Keep all chocolate desserts and candy safely stored and remind guests not to share sweets with pets.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy, peanut butter, and baked goods. It can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar and lead to seizures or liver failure in dogs. Cats are less likely to ingest these foods but can still experience stomach upset if exposed. Always check ingredient labels and keep sugar-free items well out of reach.
Fatty Meats, Bones, and Table Scraps
Rich foods like turkey skin, ham, and gravy can upset your pet’s digestive system. For dogs and cats, excess fat can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and potentially serious inflammation of the pancreas. Cooked bones pose another risk, as they can splinter and cause choking or internal injury.
If you want to treat your pet, serve a small portion of plain, lean turkey or chicken without seasoning, bones, or skin.
Onions, Garlic, and Chives
These ingredients flavor many holiday dishes but can damage red blood cells in both dogs and cats, leading to anemia. This applies to raw, cooked, powdered, and dried forms. Even small amounts eaten repeatedly can cause long-term health problems. Avoid feeding your pets anything that contains these ingredients.
Grapes and Raisins
Found in cookies, salads, and fruitcakes, grapes and raisins can trigger kidney failure in dogs and may also harm cats. Sensitivity varies, but even a few pieces can be dangerous. If your pet eats grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian right away.
Alcohol and Caffeinated Drinks
Holiday beverages like wine, cocktails, coffee, and tea can cause vomiting, disorientation, tremors, or worse in pets. Cats are drawn to creamy or sweet drinks. Keep glasses and mugs on high surfaces where curious pets can’t reach them.
Teaching Children to Keep Pets Safe
The holidays often bring children excitement, and plenty of food. Young family members may want to share their snacks or dinner with pets as a way of showing love. While their intentions are kind, even small bites of the wrong food can make pets sick.
Take time to educate children about which foods are unsafe for dogs and cats. Encourage them to ask before feeding pets anything from their plate. To make it fun, prepare pet-safe treats together using healthy, simple ingredients. Check out the recipes in our “Cook Up Happiness!” blog article for healthy pet treat recipes. Teaching kids about responsible pet care early helps them build lifelong compassion and respect for animals.
Pro Tip: Swap rich table scraps for pet-safe festive bites. A few pieces of plain cooked turkey or a small veggie treat keeps pets happy without upsetting their stomachs.
Safe & Pet-Friendly Holiday Treats
There are plenty of healthy ways to let pets join in on the holiday fun. Try these simple alternatives:
- Plain, cooked turkey or chicken with no bones, skin, or seasoning.
- Steamed vegetables like carrots, green beans, or pumpkin.
- Homemade pet treats made with oat flour, xylitol-free peanut butter, and pumpkin puree.
- Frozen snacks made from plain yogurt blended with banana or apple slices
For cats, small bites of plain cooked fish or chicken make an occasional festive reward. Keep portions small, and avoid adding salt, butter, or sauces.
Important Note: As always, these treats are to be used occasionally and are not nutritionally balanced enough to replace a full meal or a primary source of nutrition. For pets with allergies or food sensitivities, consult your veterinarian before trying new treats.
Supporting Your Pet’s Health During the Holidays
Between travel, visitors, new foods, and colder weather, the holiday season can disrupt your pet’s normal routine. These changes can lead to digestive upset, stress, or stiffness, especially in adult dogs and cats. Maintaining strong immune and joint health during this time is essential.
That’s where NuVet Labs® can help.
For Immune and Digestive Support
NuVet Plus® is a daily supplement formulated to promote a healthy immune system, aid digestion, and support overall vitality for both dogs and cats. Its carefully balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants helps fill nutritional gaps that can occur during busy seasons. Adding NuVet Plus to your pet’s routine can help them maintain energy, digestive balance, and resilience throughout the holidays.
For Joint Comfort and Mobility
Cold weather can make joints feel stiff and uncomfortable. NuJoint Plus® mobility, flexibility and long-term comfort, helping dogs stay active and playful all season long. For dogs with advanced joint needs, NuJoint DS® (Double Strength) offers additional support to maintain comfort and mobility.
Together, NuVet Plus, NuJoint Plus, and NuJoint DS provide a comprehensive foundation for year-round wellness, keeping your pets strong and healthy no matter the season.
A Season of Care and Connection
Our pets bring warmth, companionship, and joy to the holidays. Keeping them healthy is one of the most meaningful gifts we can give.
Make pet safety part of your celebration by keeping toxic foods out of reach, reminding guests not to feed pets from their plates, and supervising children when they offer treats. With a few thoughtful precautions and the right daily nutrition, your dogs and cats can enjoy the holidays safely and comfortably.
This season, give your pets the gift of lasting wellness with NuVet Plus and NuJoint Plus. Together, they support the health, vitality, and happiness your furry family members deserve.
From all of us at NuVet Labs, we wish you and your pets a happy, healthy holiday season filled with love, comfort, and plenty of safe treats.
At NuVet Labs, our mission is simple: to help pets live long, happy, and healthy lives. Through science-backed nutrition and a community focused on wellness, we support your journey as a devoted pet parent.
Because every wag, purr, jump, and cuddle matters💚
Start your pet’s wellness journey today with NuVet supplements! Just one chewable wafer (dogs) or one scoop of powder (cats and dogs) daily promotes a healthier, happier pet. Dosage may vary by weight.
Shop NuVet Labs supplements and explore the full line of products designed to keep your furry family glowing from the inside out.
