GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Do you share a bite of your meals with your beloved pet?
Whether you hand your dog a piece of meat while you're cooking or let your cat slurp some milk, it is all too common for pet owners to share with their furry friends. But during the holiday season, it is extra important to check what foods are healthy and possibly toxic before you share.
The Animal Humane Society shared a list of what common holiday foods your pet can and cannot eat.
Toxic:
- Raw or undercooked meat, eggs and bones: this can put your pet at risk of Salmonella and E. coli. Bones can splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet's digestive tract
- Desserts: chocolate is poisonous for both cats and dogs. Also, xylitol, a common artificial sweetener, can lead to liver failure
- Garlic, onions and chives: irritate stomachs in small amounts, toxic in large amounts
- Grapes and raisins: can cause kidney damage
- Nuts: can cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis
- Salty snacks: cause excessive thirst and sodium poisoning
- Citrus fruits: citric acid can cause minor stomach upset in small doses, and can act as a central nervous system depression if eaten in large amounts
- Milk: most cats are lactose intolerant and eating dairy can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. Dogs can have small amounts of milk, but some dogs are also lactose intolerant
For more foods to avoid feeding your pet, check the website of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). If you think your pet has eaten something poisonous, call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
Foods you CAN give your pet:
- Eggs: This can be a healthy treat for your dog or cat as eggs are full of amino acids and protein. Just make sure to fully cook the eggs
- Fish: Most fish can be beneficial for your pet as long as it is fully cooked with the bones removed
- Meat: Purina reports that cooked, lean meats such as beef, chicken, turkey, liver and lamb are okay for your pet to eat. Make sure you cook the meat thoroughly and remove all skin and bones
For more on foods you can bond over with your pet, check out the American Kennel Club or Purina.
