Eat, Purr, Love: Pet-Safe Holiday Treats

Key ingredients to avoid for your pet’s safety

Many holiday foods contain ingredients that are harmful and, in some cases, toxic to pets. Knowing which ingredients are dangerous for pets means you can safely and more easily enjoy the season with them. These holiday foods and ingredients should be avoided when making pet-safe holiday treats:

• Chocolate — Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are stimulants that pets can’t metabolize well. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous for your pet.
• Alcohol — Small amounts of alcohol can cause pets serious health issues, such as tremors, vomiting, and seizures.
• Xylitol — Found in some candies and baked goods, this sugar substitute can cause a severe drop in blood sugar and liver damage in dogs.
• Onions and garlic — These ingredients can cause gastrointestinal distress in pets that can lead to red blood cell damage.
• Raisins and grapes — These seemingly healthy treats can cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Macadamia nuts — Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, causing weakness, vomiting, and other severe reactions.

Best ingredients for pet-safe holiday treats

Fortunately, many safe, nutritious, and festive options are available for pets. Here’s a list of pet-friendly ingredients that will create delicious, pet-safe holiday treats:

• Pumpkin (pure and unsweetened) — Great for digestive health and low in calories
• Sweet potatoes — A great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals
• Peanut butter (xylitol-free, unsalted, and unsweetened) — A good source of healthy fats and protein that many pets find tasty
• Apples (without seeds) — High in fiber and vitamin C

Easy pet-safe holiday treats

Here are a few easy recipes for pet-safe holiday treats that your four-legged friend will love.

Pumpkin Pup Cookies (for dogs)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix together the pumpkin puree and egg.
3. Gradually add the flour until dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough and shape the treats with holiday-themed cookie cutters.
5. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until firm.

Tuna Tidbits (for cats)

Ingredients:

• 1 can of tuna in water, drained
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine all the ingredients and blend well.
3. Form small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until firm.

Apple and Carrot Bites (for dogs)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup finely grated carrots
• 1 apple grated, seeds removed
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
2. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
3. Form small balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until slightly firm.

Tips for buying pet-safe holiday treats

If making homemade holiday treats isn’t in the cards, many pet stores offer safe, holiday-themed items. Follow these tips to ensure you buy safe, high-quality treats:

• Read the ingredients — Avoid treats with artificial additives, colors, or sweeteners.
• Check for pet-friendly labels — Look for treats specifically labeled for dogs or cats, as they have been tested for pet safety.
• Consider limited-ingredient options — Simpler recipes reduce the risk of harmful ingredients, especially for sensitive pets.

Holiday festivities that include your pets can be joyful and safe, with a few simple precautions. By avoiding toxic ingredients and opting for pet-safe holiday treats, you can create lasting memories with your pet, while ensuring they stay healthy and happy all season long. However, if you suspect your pet ingested a toxic food or ingredient, contact your AAHA-certified veterinarian as soon as possible.