Holiday Dos and Don’ts for Sharing With Pets

The holidays are a time for joy, family, and delicious meals. Naturally, you may want to share the festive spirit with your pets. However, it’s crucial to ensure the foods you share are safe for them. Human foods may contain ingredients that are harmful—or even toxic—to dogs, so it’s essential to know what’s okay to give and what to avoid.

Safe for Sharing

Some holiday staples can be shared with your dog, provided they are plain and prepared safely:

• Turkey (plain, no bones): A lean source of protein, but make sure it’s unseasoned and bone-free to prevent any choking or digestive issues.
• Ham (small portions, lean, and low-sodium): A tasty option in moderation. Avoid glazed or heavily seasoned ham, which can be too salty or sweet for pets.
• Sweet Potatoes (plain): These are nutrient-rich and make a healthy treat—just skip the butter, sugar, or marshmallows.
• Green Beans (unseasoned): Crunchy and packed with vitamins, green beans are an excellent choice if served plain.
• Pumpkin (pure, no pie mix): This digestion-friendly ingredient is a great way to add a little festive cheer to your dog’s diet.

What Not to Feed Your Dog

While some foods are safe in moderation, others can be highly dangerous. Keep these items away from your pets:

• Turkey Bones: These can splinter and cause choking, internal injuries, or intestinal blockages. Stick to the meat instead.
• Grapes & Raisins: Even small amounts can be toxic to dogs, potentially leading to kidney failure.
• Onions, Garlic, & Chives: These ingredients can damage your dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
• Chocolate & Desserts: Many sweets contain chocolate, xylitol, or other harmful ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

Why Sharing Human Food Can Be Risky

Even foods that seem harmless to humans may contain hidden dangers for pets. Seasonings, high-fat content, and artificial sweeteners are common in holiday dishes and can lead to digestive upset, pancreatitis, or worse. Always research ingredients before offering human food to your dog, and when in doubt, stick to pet-safe treats or meals.

Make Your Dog a Holiday Treat

Want to treat your furry friend to something special this holiday season? Instead of sharing your meal, consider whipping up a homemade treat tailored just for them.

Looking to pamper your pooch with a healthy homemade treat? Look no further! Our Meatballs with Veggie Puree recipe, made with premium ButcherBox For Pets products, is the perfect way to make your dog feel part of the celebration.

This recipe uses wholesome ingredients, turning your dog’s dry food into a delightful and nutritious snack. It’s simple to make, ideal for dogs with food sensitivities, and a fun way to show your pet how much you care.

Making treats at home also allows you to control what goes into them, ensuring your dog enjoys a healthy, preservative-free option. Plus, it’s a great way to spend some quality time in the kitchen while ensuring your pet is included in the festivities.

A Safe and Happy Holiday for All

Sharing the holidays with your pet can be a wonderful experience, but their safety should always come first. Stick to the safe options above, avoid the risky ones, and consider treating your dog to a homemade delight.

This season, let your furry friend enjoy festive flavors with our Beef Liver Bites, Turkey Jerky, and Pumpkin Spice Meatballs. These treats are made with high-quality ingredients, no artificial additives, and flavors pets love—perfect for celebrating the holidays in a way that’s both safe and delicious.

From crunchy bites to savory jerky and festive pumpkin spice, we have something for every pup to enjoy. Treat your dog to these irresistible goodies and make the holidays a truly tail-wagging experience for them.

Here’s to a joyful holiday season for the whole family—furry members included!