Pets can also enjoy the Christmas and New Year celebrations with a festive meal specially prepared by you.
“Do you want to include your favorite furry friend in your holiday celebrations? There are plenty of traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas foods that are perfect for sharing. So, if you want to create a festive meal for your special four-legged companion, here are some safe human foods for dogs you can fill your pup’s holiday dog bowl with, “ said Jennifer Coates, DVM, in “7 Safe and Healthy Human Foods for Dogs That You Can Serve for the Holidays” in PetMD.
If you have been feeding your dog or cat with dry and canned food, here are some healthy food you can give your pet this holiday season to make it festive and special for your pets.
Pumpkin
You can roast pumpkin for that unique, delicious smell that dogs love.
Or you can boil some pumpkin (without the skin and seeds) and add some beef, chicken or pork which we in the animal welfare group Save ALL Inc.- Save Animals of Love and Light do for our rescued dogs.
Pumpkin also goes well with moringa (malunggay) leaves.
Never put salt in any of your pet’s homecooked meal.
Cranberry, strawberry, blueberry and blackberry
Yes, you can give cranberry to your dog. Cooked, not raw. Avoid products with too much sugar and specially with XYLITOL which is toxic to dogs.
“Cranberries are safe for dogs,and they may help support urinary tract health. Plus, cranberries contain lots of healthy antioxidants,” Coates said.
“However, raw cranberries may be tough for dogs to digest. Instead, you can give your dog a small amount of cranberry sauce. Because it can be high in sugar, make sure that you serve only a small amount, and be sure that it doesn’t contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is very dangerous for dogs,” Coates said.
To be safe, it is best to make a pet cranberry sauce yourself. Here is how we make strawberry sauce or “jam” for dogs in Save ALL which you can do using cranberries.
1. Wash the cranberries.
2. Pound the cranberries.
3. Grate a pumpkin or sayote and cook by boiling. This will give the sweetness you want in a cranberry sauce or jam.
4. Mix cranberries, cooked pumpkin or sayote, and ADD WATER.
5. Put all the ingredients in in the blender.
6. The cranberry sauce or “jam” is ready to be served to your pet.
Strawberries, black berries and blueberries are also safe for you dogs, according to naturipefarms.com in “3 Types of berries dogs can eat!.”
Green beans
In the Philippines, green beans are called Baguio beans. Without salt, pepper and butter, these beans are good for your dog.
“Green beans served without all the trappings (like salt, seasonings and butter) are great for dogs. They are a low-calorie snack that is high in iron and several other vitamins and minerals that dogs need.” Coates said.
“Their high-fiber content also helps fill your pup’s belly and keep them full, which may help aid in weight control,” Coates added.
You can give the beans as a treat, or add to your dog’s meal.
Carrots
Boil a carrot and give to your dog.
If you prefer it raw, make sure to give a baby carrot so that it is easy to bite and chew.
But a cooked carrot is easier to digest.
“Carrots are a great source of vitamin A and fiber, “ Coates said.
Sweet potatoes
Pups specially love kamote or sweet potatoes but this is good for all dogs of all ages, Coates said.
Do not give too much to a senior dog, however, as the kamote can be very sweet and any excess in sugar – even from natural sources—is not good for senior dogs.
“They’re a good source of B vitamins, vitamin A and fiber,” Coates said.
You can boil or bake sweet potatoes without any sugar, salt, butter or pepper. Dogs love these mashed.
You can add ground meat or liver to make the dish more tasty for your dog.
Food to avoid
Core and seeds of any fruit like apple
Avocado
Grapes
Raisins
Candy
Chocolates
Peanuts
Macadamia nuts
Wild mushrooms
Pitted fruits
Onions
Garlic
Chocolate
Alcohol
Anything with caffeine
Sugary desserts
Food that is high in fat
Food that have salt
Food with preservatives
Any item that contains xylitol
Editor’s Note: Please bring your pet to the vet immediately if your pet has eaten any of these food.
