What to Know About Holiday Table Scraps for Pets
Source: Olga Ovcharenko / Getty
STATEWIDE — If you have pets, you are probably used to them wanting table scraps…especially around the holidays. Hoosier vets say some treats are okay for your furry friends, but others should be avoided.
Dr. Maddy Golichowski with the Zionsville Animal Hospital lists plain cooked turkey, pumpkin, most vegetables, peeled and cooked sweet potatoes, and mashed potatoes as being safe for pets. But, she stresses that these should be given in moderation.
The veterinarian also explains that most forms of seasoning – including garlic, onion, and nutmeg – can be toxic for pets. So, none of the table scraps offered to your dogs or cats should be seasoned.
Speaking of foods to avoid, cooked bones, chocolate, grapes, raisins, stuffing, and turkey/chicken skins are best left for humans. Golichowski says fat-heavy foods can also lead to pancreatitis in pets.
In order to keep your pets healthy this season, you are urged to closely monitor them, especially at mealtimes.
If they vomit, have diarrhea, refuse to eat or drink, or are lethargic, they may have gotten into something undesirable. And, if they ingest any grapes or raisins, you should immediately take them to a vet, as these items can harm their kidneys.
Have questions or concerns this season? Find emergency vet resources here.
Source: Olga Ovcharenko / Getty
