Holiday Table Scrap Guide: What’s Healthy and What’s Harmful for Your Dog

During the holidays spirits are high, we feel extra generous, and can easily sweep ourselves up in seasonal cheer. For those with dogs, we of course want to share the joy with our pets – often through their favorite thing: food. But while the occasional bite likely won’t have long term effects on your dog’s health, giving them table scraps can start a spiral of undesirable behaviors and tummy troubles. Keep in mind that even heathy additions to a dog’s diet can cause upset stomach if introduced suddenly. A simple, consistent diet is best, but check out our helpful guide for safely sharing holiday treats from your table.

If something isn’t healthy for you, then it likely isn’t good for your dog either. Resist giving your pets “junk food” that’s heavy in sugar, salt, fat, artificial ingredients, oil, grease, or carbohydrates when they flash you those pleading puppy eyes.

Junk food may be an obvious no-no, but several ingredients people deem healthy are toxic to dogs and can have fatal consequences if ingested. Do not give your dogs:

Onions

Garlic

Chocolate

Raisins/Grapes

Cooked Bones (a big temptation around Thanksgiving and Christmas!)

Fruit Pits or Seeds

Nuts

Avocadoes

Dairy

Corn on the Cob

Alcohol

Citrus

Caffeine

Coconut

Spicy/Seasoned foods

Beware of allergic reactions and food sensitivities as well. Many dogs suffer from wheat and egg allergies that can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and pancreatitis.

What’s safe to share? Don’t worry! Your pup can feel included with treats like:

Cooked Plain Rice

Cauliflower

Cooked Squash or Sweet Potato

Blueberries

Pears

Oatmeal

Cooked Chicken or Turkey

Remember to keep treat portions small. Too many table scraps can cause dogs to refuse their regular food and become difficult eaters which can lead to a host of other health problems. There is also the risk of their developing begging habits and in some cases even food-related aggression.

By all means show your love for your dog over the holidays by giving them the occasional cheeky nibble of your Thanksgiving turkey or some pear off your partridge’s tree; just be smart about what and how much you give them so you can both enjoy a happy healthy holiday season well into the New Year.