BEDFORD — As holiday gatherings wind down and refrigerators fill with Christmas leftovers, veterinarians are reminding families to think twice before sharing festive foods with their pets. While some leftovers are safe in moderation, many traditional holiday dishes contain ingredients that can make pets seriously ill.
According to national veterinary guidance, plain, fully cooked proteins such as turkey, chicken, lean beef, eggs, and salmon can be shared safely if they are free of seasoning, skin, and bones. Holiday meats often contain high levels of salt, fat, and spices that can lead to stomach irritation or pancreatitis. Fatty trimmings, ham, exotic fish, and any meats with hidden or brittle bones should be avoided.
Fruits like apples, bananas, blueberries, and seedless watermelon are considered safe in small portions. However, grapes and raisins—often found in holiday salads, stuffing, and baked goods—can cause kidney failure in dogs even in small amounts.
Vegetables can also be a healthy treat as long as they are served plain. Green beans, carrots, cucumbers, and cooked sweet potatoes offer fiber and nutrients. Christmas dishes containing onions, leeks, or chives are unsafe and should not be shared with pets in any form.
Plain cooked rice or pasta may help soothe sensitive stomachs, but buttery, cheesy, or heavily seasoned sides should be kept off the menu. Uncooked bread dough is particularly dangerous, as rising yeast can cause bloat and lead to alcohol toxicity.
Experts also urge families to keep sweets and rich foods out of reach. Chocolate, nuts, coconut products, alcohol, caffeine, and sugary desserts can pose significant health risks. Even small amounts of these ingredients can lead to heart issues, toxicity, or gastrointestinal distress.
As families enjoy the final days of the holiday season, veterinarians emphasize that careful choices can help prevent emergency visits. When in doubt, pet owners are encouraged to skip the leftovers entirely and stick to treats formulated specifically for pets.
By Natalie Derrickson, Orange County REMC’s Indiana Connection
