When the holidays roll around, it’s time to celebrate with family gatherings and a lot of festivities for pets and their humans alike. Make sure to keep your furry friends safe this season with pet-safe treats and snacks. You’ll share the joy of the season together while safeguarding their health. The team at CARA (Companion Animal Rehab and Athletics) is always here to share our best tips for safe and festive occasions.
Understanding Your Pet’s Nutrition
Before diving right into recipes or store-bought snack options, it’s important to think through your pet’s unique dietary needs. Dogs, cats, and bunnies have different nutritional requirements from humans. Chocolates aren’t the only dangers to your pets; it’s also important to avoid fatty foods and toxic ingredients like xylitol (a common sugar substitute), onions, and raisins.
If you’re not sure what to offer your pet as a healthy, safe treat, turn to the team at CARA. Our veterinarians and technicians can help you find healthy, flavorful options that include your pets in all of the festivities.
DIY Pet Treats for the Holidays
Homemade treats are a fun addition to the holiday spread and give your pet something to enjoy. Making the treats as a family is also enjoyable and encourages your pet to participate in your next gathering. Here are a few simple and safe recipes to consider:
Peanut Butter Pup Cookies
- Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted, natural peanut butter (xylitol-free), 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 egg, and ½ cup water.
- Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix all the ingredients until a dough forms. Roll out and cut into festive shapes and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool before serving.
Frozen Pumpkin Bites
- Ingredients: 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling), ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, and 1 tablespoon honey.
- Instructions: Combine ingredients and spoon the mixture into silicone molds. Freeze for at least two hours for a refreshing, low-calorie treat.
Tuna Cat Treats
- Ingredients: 1 can of tuna (in water, drained), 1 egg, and 1 cup oat flour.
- Instructions: Blend all ingredients into a dough, shape into small balls, and bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes.Cool and store in an airtight container.
Pet-friendly recipes are simple and customizable. If your pet has specific health conditions, allergies, or tummy troubles, you should consult with your vet first.
Safe Store-Bought Options
If you don’t enjoy baking or don’t have time to do it yourself, there are pet-safe snacks that are available in your local pet stores. Naturally, not every packaged treat is the same. Always look for:
- Short and Sweet Ingredients: The fewer ingredients, the better and safer for your pet. Short labels usually mean fewer artificial additives or fillers.
- Natural Sweeteners: If sweeteners are used in store-bought stores, make sure they’re pet-safe, such as honey or molasses.
- No Artificial Colors or Flavors: Additives can upset your pet’s stomach or trigger allergies.
- Human-Grade Options: Some brands offer treats made with the same quality ingredients as human food to ensure a focus on safety and nutritional standards.
The team at CARA recommends keeping your pets’ treats as a small portion of their diet, especially during festive occasions. When they’re already excited, they may be overstimulated and prone to overconsume. You can also offer engaging toys as an alternative to a treat.
Remember Portion Control
Don’t let your pets overindulge in the season and always practice moderation. Offering too many treats, healthy or not, can lead to digestion problems and contribute to obesity. Portion out the treats you plan to give your pets in advance to ensure you don’t accidentally overfeed them.
Choose Safe, Festive Alternatives
It’s difficult to say no to our beloved pets when they beg for party food scraps, but not all human food is safe or suitable. Instead of sharing your plate, consider these festive pet-safe alternatives:
- Turkey: Plain, unseasoned turkey meat without bones or skin offers a high-protein option for your pets.
- Sweet Potatoes: Offering baked or boiled sweet potatoes without added butter or sugar is a healthy snack.
- Apples: Apple slices without the seeds are crunchy, sweet, and satisfying.
Above all else, always avoid chocolate, stuffing, gravy, bones, and desserts that are prone to containing harmful ingredients.
Keep Your Pets Happy During the Holidays with Companion Animal Rehab and Athletics
Are you looking for an innovative approach to caring for your pet? Your beloved pets receive integrative medicine, sports medicine, and rehabilitation therapy from Companion Animal Rehab and Athletics (CARA). We provide a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment for both pets and their owners, with the highest quality care and customized treatment. Contact us today or schedule an appointment to take the next step in your pet’s health and wellness journey for a longer-lasting life.
