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6 Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Canine Companion This Holiday Season

Published by Lynzee Glass, Director of Communications at
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6 Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Canine Companion This Holiday Season
 


The holidays are a time to gather with family and friends and indulge in many delicious foods from ham and turkey, to mashed potatoes and gravy and sweet potatoes, to pies and candies. The holidays are also a time when many households have lots of leftovers in the fridge. It might be tempting to treat your fur babies by feeding them those leftovers but take caution when feeding your pets table food. 

Avoid feeding your dogs these six foods:

Cooked Bones: It may be tempting to give your dog a cooked turkey or chicken bone but cooked bones can easily splinter when chewed by your dog, which can potentially puncture internal organs. Be sure to check the trash for discarded cooked bones. Uncooked bones, however, can provide nutritional benefits and aid in teeth health. 

Chocolate: Chocolate contains the toxin theobromine which can be extremely fatal to dogs. Dark chocolate, including baking chocolate, is more harmful to dogs than milk chocolate. I recently read an article written by a DVM that stated 2 ounces of baking chocolate is enough to be fatal to a 30 pound dog.  My suggestion would be to avoid feeding all types of chocolate to your dogs. If your dog consumes chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Grapes and Raisins: Although, grapes and raisins may not be a typical food eaten during the holidays, it is always good to be reminded that grapes and raisins are extremely harmful to dogs and if consumed can cause severe kidney failure. 

According to VCA Animal Hospital, acute kidney failure from a toxic dose of grapes and raisins will usually develop in 1-3 days. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal pain and tremors or seizures. As the kidneys continue to shut down the dog will be unable to produce urine. If your dog consumes grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Milk and Dairy Products: Some dogs have no problems digesting milk and dairy products, but some dogs experience intestinal distress. Small doses typically aren’t harmful to your dog but could lead to smelly flatulence and possibly diarrhea. (Tip: If your dog seems to have an intolerance to lactose consider feeding your canine companion lactose-free dairy products.) 

Onions or Chives: Onions rank right up there with chocolate and grapes/raisins in terms of toxicity for dogs. According to Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS, “One fourth of a cup can make a 20-pound dog sick while several cups may be needed to make a large dog sick. Cats are even more sensitive.” 

Symptoms can include lethargy, weakness, red urine and decreased stamina. If your dog consumes onions, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Sugar: It’s not uncommon for sugary foods, such as pies and candies, to be present during holiday feasts. It’s a good idea to avoid giving sugary foods to your dog. Too much sugar can lead to dental issues, obesity and even diabetes. 

Avoiding these six foods will keep your canine companions healthy and happy this holiday season.  

This is in no way a complete list of the foods that can potentially cause harm to your fur babies. For more information on potential harmful foods for your pets consult your veterinarian. 




Lynzee Glass
Lynzee Glass, Director of Communications
Lynzee Glass has always had a passion for agriculture. Lynzee grew up in a small southwest Missouri town on her parents’ beef cattle operation. Her true appreciate for agriculture was developed during her involvement in FFA (Future Farmers of America). Lynzee attended Missouri State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural communications. After graduation Lynzee worked as the managing editor of Ozarks Farm and Neighbor newspaper, a regional livestock publication, where she had the opportunity to share the stories of Ozark farmers. Throughout that time, Lynzee was published over 100 times. Under her direction as managing editor, Ozarks Farm and Neighbor was award first-place in newspaper- general excellence by the Livestock Publications Council. She has also been recognized in the industry for her writing and photography skills. Today, her role as Director of Communications gives her the opportunity to continue working in agriculture. Lynzee oversees the website, social media, event planning, marketing and advertising. When Lynzee is not at the office she can be found volunteering within her church, serving as the marketing chair for Missouri State University Darr School of Agriculture Alumni and spending time with family and friends.