Celebrating the Holidays: What You Shouldn't Feed Your Cat or Dog
Our companion animals are family, and it's natural to want to involve them in the festivities. Buying them gifts and including them in the family photo is great, but sharing food from your holiday plate is something you should steer clear of. For their health and safety, it's important to stick to their usual food routine and avoid human food. If you want to give them something special, choose food that are specifically designed for them.Many human foods are harmful to animals. You may have heard it before, but a reminder is always helpful, and it's especially important info if this is your first holiday season with a cat or dog.
We’ve compiled a short list of foods that are potentially harmful (depending on the quantity and your companion’s weight, of course):
Onion: ensure animals can’t access the garbage and never let them lick anything that came in contact with onions
Chocolate: the darker it is, the more toxic it is. This goes for cats as well as dogs
Coffee: toxic for dogs only
Avocado: the fruit as well as the leaves are toxic for dogs and cats
Garlic: best avoided for dogs
Fresh grapes, raisins and sultanas: toxic for dogs only
Macadamia nuts: toxic for dogs onlyKeep in mind that every living being is unique, so something that may cause an upset stomach for one animal may not affect another one. Therefore, it’s important to be vigilant and observant when it comes to the food they eat. If you think your companion has eaten anything that’s unsafe or you want more information on the topic, consult your vet right away.
Following these tips will help your companion stay safe and healthy during the holidays.
