Six Holiday Foods to Keep Away From Your Pets

Learn why the following six foods can be dangerous for dogs and cats. 

1. Stuffing

   Thanksgiving dressing is often made with onions, scallions or garlic. These ingredients, however, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats and can cause a life-threatening anemia (destruction of the red blood cells). It’s best to avoid feeding any amount of stuffing to pets.
    

2. Ham

   Ham and other pork products can cause pancreatitis, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. Pork tends to be high in fat as well, which can lead to obesity in pets. Even a small amount of ham can contribute a very large amount of calories in a small dog or cat.
    

3. Turkey Bones

   Bones can cause severe indigestion in dogs and cats, potentially causing vomiting and obstructing the bowel. Bones may also splinter and cause damage to the inside of the stomach and intestines. In some cases, turkey bones may even puncture through the stomach and cause a potentially fatal abdominal infection.
    

4. Mashed Potatoes

   While potatoes are safe for pets to eat, mashed potatoes usually contain butter and milk, which can cause diarrhea in lactose intolerant pets. Additionally, some recipes call for onion powder or garlic, which are very toxic to pets.
    

5. Salads with Grapes/Raisins

   There are many salads served during the holidays that include grapes or raisins as an ingredient, from fruit salad, to waldorf salad, to ambrosia. However, grapes and raisins are very toxic and potentially deadly. Grapes can cause severe, irreversible and sometimes fatal kidney failure in dogs. Be sure to keep all dishes that include grapes and raisins away from pets.
    

6. Chocolate Desserts

   While pumpkin pie is the most famous Thanksgiving dessert and canned pumpkin has pet health benefits, many people offer a variety of chocolate desserts at Thanksgiving and throughout the holidays. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, yet dogs love the smell and taste of it. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Keep all chocolate desserts out of the reach of pets to prevent an emergency trip to the veterinarian.
   
   If your pets ingest any of these foods this holiday season, be sure to call your veterinarian immediately. Unexpected veterinary visits can be expensive but that’s where pet insurance can help, by reimbursing on veterinary bills.
   
   Have a happy and safe holiday season!

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