Forbidden Foods for Your Dog at Christmas
When our Christmas parties arrive, in addition to affection, we share food. We’ve been preparing dinners and meals (in our minds) to share at these parties to be able to enjoy them with our family and friends. And, of course, our dogs are part of the family, and so we need to know all about forbidden foods for our dog at Christmas.
As much as we want our furry friend to be part of the feast we’re having, we must look after their health and show affection in other ways. So, we aren’t only going to tell you which foods you can’t give your dog at Christmas, but we’re also going to tell you which ones you can give him or her. Because, here at My Animals, you and your pets matter to us.
Forbidden foods for your dog at Christmas
Chocolate
This is the most commonly known forbidden food for a dog at Christmas, and at any time of the year. In addition to the fact that sugar is harmful to the animal, chocolate contains a type of substance called theobromine that can’t only harm your dog – it can even kill it.
Ice cream
You already know that while you’re having dinner, your dog will ask you for everything that you’re eating. They’re just happy to eat and eat, and it’s your responsibility to decide what to give and what not to give. Ice cream is not an option. The high content of cream (as a dairy product) can do a lot of damage to your animal’s stomach.
Nuts
Forget about giving your dog almonds, walnuts, or any kind of seed. These are high in phosphorus and can seriously damage your animal’s body. In addition, walnuts are toxic to them.
Xylitol
Although, this substance is mostly found in chewing gum, at Christmas many baking products contain it. These also tend to have a high sugar content, something that, as we’ve mentioned, is very harmful to your dog.
Avocado
This is very popular in salads or prawn cocktails. However, you should resist the idea of giving your dog any. Avocado has a substance called persin that can cause gastrointestinal and respiratory damage in your furry friend.
Grapes
These are just a NO NO! There have been cases of dogs suffering from kidney failure by just eating 6 grapes. They can cause vomiting and diarrhea, leaving the dog dehydrated, and it can die in 3 or 4 days.
Onion and garlic
A dog’s stomach isn’t as prepared as ours for such strong flavors as onion and garlic, and they can cause great damage to your animal. Avoid them completely.
Milk products
As in the case of ice cream, milk, yogurt, and cheese are also prohibited for your dog at Christmas, and any time of the year. In addition to its high lactose content, its excess fat isn’t beneficial for your body.
Foods that you can give your dog at Christmas
Despite our list of all the food that you can’t give your dog at Christmas, that doesn’t mean that you can’t give them anything nice as a gift! Here are some recommendations:
- Sorbets. We aren’t talking about the typical champagne sorbet, but about the type of ice cream that’s used to make it. It’s an ice cream made without milk that your animal can eat without any problem at all. Just avoid giving it to them too cold.
- Fruit. Although you can’t give them grapes, there are other types of fruit such as apple, pineapple, or watermelon that can be eaten without any problem.
- Turkey. Don’t forget to save a piece of turkey for your best friend. Make sure that you remove any onion, garlic or spices that you may have cooked it with.
- Seafood. You mustn’t give it to them in excess, but peeled prawns are fine. If you give them the peel then it can make them constipated. However, if your dog is a Dalmatian, forget this tip.
- Lactose-free foods. If there’s a lactose intolerant person in the family and you have lactose-free foods like cheese, then you can give your dog a piece as a treat too. They’ll love it.
- Ham. Most of us love ham for Christmas and your dog is no exception!
We hope you have a very happy Christmas holiday surrounded by those who love you, including your dog – free from any mishaps!