How to Make a Dog-Friendly Christmas Dinner
Dogs are part of the family, so it’s only natural that we want to include them in our Christmas celebrations. But while some festive foods are safe for our canine companions, others can be dangerous. So what can dogs eat at Christmas, and which festive foods should they avoid? Get expert advice on feeding your dog right over the holiday season – plus a great dog-friendly Christmas dinner recipe!
What Can Dogs Eat at Christmas, and Which Festive Foods Should They Avoid?
Dogs can enjoy certain festive treats over the holidays as long as they are healthy and safe for them to eat. Generally speaking, it is best to stick to their regular food routine during the holidays and avoid any human foods.
Safe Xmas Foods for Your Dog
As long as your dog does not have special dietary restrictions, some people foods that are typically considered safe for dogs include plain potatoes or sweet potatoes, boiled chicken (keep out any bones!), cooked white rice, green beans, and carrots – all without added seasonings or fats.
For a special treat around the holidays, you can give your pup small amounts of canned 100% pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!). Pumpkin is full of fibre which helps support digestive health in dogs.
What Foods to Avoid
On the other hand, certain festive foods should be avoided when feeding your dog. This includes anything containing chocolate, onions or garlic (which can be toxic to dogs), fatty meats like pork belly or beef rib roast (these can lead to pancreatitis), grapes & raisins (which may cause kidney failure), fruits like avocado (toxic for dogs) and nuts & seeds (ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal upset).
Foods that contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol should also be kept away from pets since this sugar substitute is poisonous for animals. Additionally, cooked bones should never be given to dogs because they often splinter into sharp pieces that can damage the stomach and intestines. Finally, beware of alcoholic drinks as these may seem like harmless fun, but too much alcohol can lead to life-threatening problems in animals.
Therefore it’s important to keep an eye on what your pup is eating at Christmas time and ensure they don’t get into anything unhealthy or dangerous. With proper supervision and moderation of their treats – both dog-friendly foods and human foods – your pup will surely have a happy holiday season!
How to Make a Dog-Friendly Christmas Dinner
Making a dog-friendly Christmas dinner can be a fun and unique way to share the holiday spirit with your pup. Here are some tips for creating a festive feast that’s safe and tasty for your favourite four-legged friend.
Use Dog Safe Ingredients
First, you’ll need to ensure all ingredients used in the meal are 100% dog-safe. Some human foods, such as onions, garlic, chocolate, and grapes, can be toxic to dogs and should always be avoided. You’ll also want to skip any seasonings containing added salt or sugar. But don’t worry—there are still plenty of safe ingredients that your pup will love!
Lean Proteins
Start by choosing lean proteins like cooked chicken (no bones!), turkey, beef, salmon or canned tuna that have been packed in water rather than oil or brine. Just make sure the poultry has been cooked thoroughly, and no fatty skin remains on the meat prior to serving. You can also include items such as boiled eggs (no added salt!), cooked lentils, brown rice or oatmeal.
Add Superfoods
Next up is adding “superfoods” which provide additional nutrients like vitamins and minerals that can help support a healthy diet. Try steamed vegetables like carrots, green beans or spinach – these are some of the most nutrient-dense options that provide essential antioxidants for overall health. Fruits like applesauce, mashed bananas or blueberries make a great addition, too, since they’re naturally sweet without added sugar or preservatives.
Healthy Fats
And no Christmas dinner is complete without healthy fats! Try adding unsalted nut butter from cashews or almonds – this provides omega-3 fatty acids, which can help keep their coat shiny and reduce inflammation.
Add a Sweet Treat!
Finally, it’s time for treat time! Surprise your pup with delicious homemade treats such as baking pumpkin puree with cinnamon (great for digestion!) or banana bread muffins made with puppy-approved ingredients like wheat flour, honey and applesauce (Skip the chocolate chips!). There are tons of recipes available online and pre-made treats if you’re short on time this holiday season!
No matter what you feed your furry companion at Christmas dinner—whether it be homemade dishes or store-bought treats—don’t forget to spend quality time afterwards snuggling up together on the couch in front of a classic holiday movie!
When to Feed Your Dog Over the Holidays
It’s important to remember that festive food should be given as treats, not meals. Gulping down too much rich Christmas dinner can cause upset tummies and diarrhoea. It’s best to keep dog dinner times separate from the family feast.
You can also ensure your dog doesn’t miss out during the holiday season by offering smaller portion sizes or extending their meal times a little longer throughout the day – this way, they won’t feel left out when everyone else is tucking into decadent dishes!
Ground Rules for Family and Guests
Finally, you’ll want to establish ground rules for any visitors who may come over for Christmas dinner. Such as not feeding pets without asking first or ensuring visitors keep dog treats off the table. This will help ensure that your dog isn’t getting too much of the good stuff!
Christmas Plants Gogs Shouldn’t Eat
Although not strictly food-related, it’s important to remember that some festive plants can be dangerous for dogs! Poinsettias, mistletoe berries and holly leaves contain toxins. If ingested, it can make your pup sick, so it’s best to keep these items away from curious noses.
So now you know exactly what dog owners need to look out for this holiday season in order to give their furry friends a safe and happy Christmas dinner! With these tips, your dog will surely have a merry time indulging in delicious dog-friendly foods.
Looking to learn more about dogs? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on this site. Where you can find additional tips and advice on everything from dog training and care to health and nutrition.
