Does your pet get their own stocking or a few gifts or treats under the tree? Are you teetering on the line of “crazy pet parent” and adding your pet to your Holiday cards dressed in matching flannel pajamas? We’re not judging; we’ve been there, too.
But the holiday season can have dangerous or fatal consequences to our animals, especially if you enjoy sharing food or making your pet their own holiday feast. Follow this guide to ensure all your 4-legged friends can safely enjoy their holiday treats!
Common Holiday Foods/Treats that are Dangerous to Dogs:
Fido might be awfully cute as he rests his head on your lap at the dinner table, but be careful of sharing foods containing the following:
- Grapes or raisins (such as fruitcakes) can result in kidney failure.
- Chocolate and cocoa are extremely toxic to dogs and cats, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, seizures or heart problems.
- Fatty scraps from your turkey, ham or other meat can cause pancreatitis in your pooch, leading to abdominal pain, vomiting or bloody diarrhea.
- Poultry bones are brittle and can splinter which can puncture your pet’s stomach or intestines.
- Onions and garlic present a very high risk of toxicity and can lead to hemolytic anemia.
- Raw dough containing yeast can continue to rise in your dog’s stomach if consumed raw. So be weary when making those homemade breads.
- Eggnog is not for Fido! Alcohol has the same effects on a dog’s liver and brain as it does on humans, so be mindful of where you place your glass.
- Certain nuts, such as macadamia nuts, contain toxins that result in upset stomach, vomiting, tremors or rapid heartbeat.
Common Holiday Foods/Treats Dangerous to Horses:
Do you make homemade treats for your equine partner around the Holidays? If so, be cautious of these ingredients:
- Chocolate can cause many complications including colic or metabolic derangements in your horse. Chocolate may also contain varying amounts of caffeine which could test at competitions.
- Avocado and avocado oil can be extremely toxic to horses. Every part of the avocado fruit and tree is poisonous to horses and may lead to irregular heartbeat, restricted breathing, or colic.
- Sugary Fruits in large quantities can easily cause colic or founder. Be cautious when presenting your horses with a Santa-sized bag of apples.
- Wheat bran or bran mashes can cause mineral imbalances, affect digestion and lead to diarrhea if served in high volumes or too frequently.
- Dairy products are not a good choice for treats because your horse is lactose intolerant and dairy products could cause diarrhea or upset stomach.
Safe Treats for your Horse:
- Fruities from Cavalor are the perfect dessert treat for your ponies. The mix of molasses and fruit extracts are delicious and nutritious.
- Kelcie’s Pumpkin Spice Horse Treats are the perfect addition to your horse’s Thanksgiving snack. These bite-sized nuggets are perfect for your horse while you are eating your pumpkin pie.
- Paddock Cakes Paddies are the perfect chewy treat to satisfy your horse’s candy cravings.
Safe Treats for Your Dogs:
- ROAM Deli-Prepped Jerky is an indulgent all-natural treat packed with lean protein that will take your dog’s taste buds on an exotic adventure.
- Fruitables from Manna Pro are a healthy treat for your lovable pup. Their treats are available in lots of delicious holiday flavors such as Pumpkin/Blueberry.
- Sweet Potato Fries from Wholesome Pride Pet Treats are made of 100% freeze-dried sweet potatoes for all your pup’s holiday cravings.
Shop Now
Shop more treats for your horses or pets here. You can shop ALL of our products at FarmVet.com 24/7 or call one of our friendly Sales Associates at 1-888-837-3626. You can also email your order to [email protected].
Learn More
Food isn’t the only thing that can pose a threat to our animals around the Holidays. Learn how to prepare your horse for the fireworks here.