You are not the only person that loves festive food! Your pooch really wants a bite or two, too!  To avoid an emergency vet visit this holiday, learn how to safely give your pooch a little snack under the table. 

Photo provided by Gina Ayer Mimms "Oliver"

STARTERS

Veggies and cheese from the crudité platter are perfect bite-size treats for your dog or cat.  But skip the grapes, which can be bad for pets kidneys.




MAINS

Small bites of most proteins are great for your dog or cat;  brisket, roast and lamb are all fair game.  If you are serving turkey, chicken or duck, slide the fatty skin off before serving (it is tough on your precious one’s pancreas) and make sure there are no bones.




SIDES

Stuffing with apple, celery and mild-sausage is okay, but avoid anything that is full of onions or garlic.  Both are toxic to animals - even in small amounts and after cooking.  Plain-ish sweet potatoes, green beans, Brussels sprouts and corn are all fine, but casserole additions like marshmallows or butter might be hard to digest.




DESSERTS

We all know chocolate is at the top of the no-no list, but did you realize that even non-chocolate sugary people treats are on it, too, because they are a gateway drug to cravings and obesity?  Show your dog he is on the nice list with a spoonful of canned pumpkin - you can even garnish it with a dollop of whipped cream.  No second helpings, though!




Credits:  ASPCA