Holiday Feasts We Can (and Shouldn’t) Share With Our Furry Family
Sharing the Table Without Sharing the Tummy Troubles
The holidays are all about family, food, and those irresistible puppy-dog eyes staring at you from under the table. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably caught yourself thinking, “Just a little bit won’t hurt…” But not all holiday foods are created equal for our furry family.
So today, let’s talk about the safe, shareable goodies that can actually benefit your pets and the ones that should stay on the human plate.
🍗 Foods We Can Share (in moderation)
Regardless of the time of year, we always want to ensure our furry guys are getting a quality diet that supports their overall health and wellness, so even though there are many foods over the holidays we can share, we still want to make sure the majority of our furry family's diet is complete and balanced. That means we can replace up to 20% of their regular meal with some tasty and beneficial Christmas goodies!
We've been told our whole life to "eat less processed food and more fresh, whole foods", our furry family members are the same, so whether it's Christmas or not, replacing up to 20% of our pet's ultra-processed diet with fresh food is always beneficial! If you've got a furry guy who is eating kibble, even the best kibble...replacing some of their kibble with whole foods will significantly improve their health.
If your furry guy isn't used to switching things up, then gradually introducing fresh food is our recommendation. That way, you can improve the diet, while working your way up to replacing 20% of the diet with whole foods. With the holidays upon us, the furry guys should get to enjoy the season too, but we don't want an upset tummy or worse, so use this list to make sure your furry guy can taste the season without regretting it later!
Turkey (plain, no skin, seasoning or bones)
Lean protein supports muscle maintenance, energy, and immune health. Skip the gravy and spices, and you’ve got a fantastic festive protein topper.
Pumpkin (pure, not pie!)
Full of fiber, pumpkin helps keep digestion smooth sailing after all that excitement and extra treats. It’s also rich in beta-carotene for skin and coat health.
Green Beans
Low-calorie, full of vitamins, and perfect for pups watching their waistlines. Steam or boil them plain, then cool for a crunchy side they’ll love.
Sweet Potatoes
A great source of antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients that support gut health and energy. Just serve them cooked and plain, no marshmallows, no sugar.
Cranberries
Rich in antioxidants and urinary tract–supporting compounds, these can be offered in small amounts, fresh or unsweetened dried only.
Carrots
Crisp, sweet, and loaded with beta-carotene and fiber. Plus, they double as a natural dental treat.
A complete source of amino acids and packed with nutrients like vitamin D, B12, and selenium. Eggs help support healthy skin, a shiny coat, and strong muscles. They’re a simple way to add real-food nutrition to any meal.
Tiny but mighty! Berries are rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals, support brain health, and strengthen the immune system. They’re also low in calories and high in fiber, perfect for a guilt-free festive treat.
🚫 Foods to Keep Off Their Plate
Stuffing & Gravy: Often loaded with onions, salt, and butter, all of which can upset their stomachs when it's served in a rich stuffing.
Chocolate & Sweets: Even small amounts can be toxic. Keep dessert safely out of paw’s reach.
Cooked Bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries. Skip the “doggy bone” leftovers and opt for a chew designed for safe gnawing instead. A raw meaty bone is perfect to distract the furry guy!
Onions, Grapes & Macadamia Nuts: These can cause serious digestive and blood-related issues for dogs and cats.
Alcohol & Eggnog: Even a sip can be dangerous. Let’s toast with bone broth instead!
Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is toxic to dogs. It can be in peanut butter, yogurt, chewing gum or human toothpaste, just to name a few things. Be sure to always check the ingredients before sharing with the furry guys.
🐶 Our Holiday Tip
If you want your furry family to join the festivities without worry, grab one of our fresh holiday foods or natural toppers in-store. From gently cooked turkey dinners, to pet safe Gingerbread flavoured peanut butter and pure organic pumpkin, we’ve got healthy, pet-safe options that bring the joy of the season without any risks.
Because at House of Paws, we believe every pet deserves to celebrate, just with the right kind of feast.
Wishing you and your floofs a pawliday full of happy bellies and wagging tails!