Just A Few Days Until Someone Insists, “A Little Gravy Never Hurt Anybody.”
The holidays are here, and if your house is anything like ours, someone is bound to drop a “just a little won’t hurt” line about slipping your dog some table scraps. We get it—celebrations mean more people, more food, and more opportunities for well-meaning guests to sneak treats to your furry family member. But as the local experts in pet allergies and nutrition at Creature Comfort Pet Emporium, we know just how quickly a festive moment can turn into a trip to the vet.
Let’s arm you with the facts, so you can keep your pup safe and happy (and maybe avoid a little family drama, too).
The Safe List:
If you want your dog to join in the holiday feast, stick to these plain, unseasoned options:
- Plain turkey (no glaze, no seasonings)
- Carrots (raw or cooked, but nothing added)
- Green beans (plain only—hold the casserole)
- Sweet potato (before the marshmallows hit the pan)
- Plain pumpkin (NOT pie filling—pie filling usually has added sugar and spices that aren’t safe for dogs)
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The Danger Zone:
Some holiday favorites are off-limits and could cause serious harm:
- Stuffing (onions and garlic are toxic)
- Gravy (pancreatitis waiting to happen)
- Anything with xylitol (seriously, check every label)
- Cooked bones (splintering disaster)
- Chocolate anything (obviously!)
- All desserts and most appetizers—they’re usually packed with sugar, chocolate, nuts, or artificial sweeteners, all of which can be dangerous.
- Charcuterie board fruits like grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs, and even a small amount can cause serious issues.
- Dairy products like cheese might seem harmless, but they can upset a lot of canine stomachs, especially in dogs with sensitivities or allergies.
Your Defense Strategy:
We know it gets hectic when company is over, especially if your dog has allergies or sensitivities. Here’s how to keep things safe and stress-free:
- Share this safe-and-dangerous list in your family group chat—seriously, do it now!
- Put safe treats in a clearly marked bowl, so there’s no confusion.
- Assign someone as the “dog treat distributor” to keep an eye on what’s being offered.
- Have some plain pumpkin on hand for any digestive upsets (it really helps).
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And if you want your pup to feel included (and busy!) while your family enjoys Christmas dinner, opens presents, or just settles in for some holiday fun, we’ve got you covered. Creature Comfort Pet Emporium carries a wide variety of safe chews and treats—think tendons, bully sticks (we skip the stinky brands—promise, that’s a whole other blog!), dehydrated kneecaps, and so much more. These are perfect for keeping your dog happy, calm, and out of harm’s way during all those busy moments.
As always, if you’re unsure what’s safe for your dog—especially if they have allergies or sensitivities—just ask us. Our team is here to help you find the best options for your pet’s unique needs.
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Let’s keep those tails wagging and bellies happy this season!