It’s the most wonderful time of the year for your dog too!
The Christmas season is one of the jolliest seasons in the Philippines. We’re known for our long holiday celebration and Noche Buena is one of the exciting things to happen in the household. Adorable furbabies also deserve a treat.
You may have bought them gifts already but you can always express your love for your furry best friend by giving them hearty and healthy Christmas meals. Since dogs tend to munch on everything that’s served in front of them, we’ve listed down food and meals that are safe for eating and also those that you should avoid giving this festive season.
Meals that are safe for your dog
Luckily, there are several festive foods on your table that dogs can enjoy safely. You can celebrate the holiday without worrying too much. The following foods will be a treat for your pets but there’s a catch so pay attention.
Rice cakes (kakanin)
Dogs are allowed to eat rice cakes like puto, bibingka, and even puto bumbong as long as they do not contain high levels of sugar and salt. However, since rice cakes do not have enough nutritional value to make it to the top healthy meals for doggos, feeding them just the right amount would make them happy.
Pancit
Your pets might feel enticed to eat what you’re eating too and luckily pancit bihon or any type of noodles can be fed to dogs as long as they aren’t spicy or mixed with other sauces that have harmful ingredients for dogs. Eating a small quantity of plain cooked pancit wouldn’t be harmful.
Queso de Bola
Cheese, especially those that are low in fat can be safe for dogs. While cheese is included in the OK list of holiday food to eat for dogs, it should be fed in moderate amounts only. Feeding too much can cause weight gain and an upset stomach.
Lumpia
Spring or egg rolls are a delight for every celebration and dogs can have some of that delicious Pinoy staple too. Just take note that spring rolls allowed for dogs shouldn’t have any spices or sauces. Plus, the filling should be fully cooked. Feeding too many shanghai rolls can cause intestinal distress, heart problems, and even obesity so feed them in moderation.
Mashed Potato
Potatoes can be a healthy treat for your dogs, just make sure to feed them in moderation and don’t go overboard since they’re starchy. Potatoes are filled with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can help with a dog’s digestion.
Unsafe foods for your dog
It’s important to be aware of the meals that might bring danger to our pets. Some foods may be a treat for us, but might be the same for dogs. Avoid feeding the following to your dog.
Chocolate
Most pet owners know how harmful chocolate can be to dogs and we know that there are plenty of chocolates around Christmas so avoid storing them where dogs can find or reach them. When ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, and even seizures.
Grapes
There are certain fruits that are safe for dogs but unfortunately, grapes aren’t one of them. Other dogs can tolerate eating small amounts of it but it’s not worth the risk, so steer clear from grapes or raisins.
Christmas Ham
Although it’s a great source of protein, cooked and unseasoned hams are not safe for your dogs. Store-bought or those with preservatives tend to have high sodium content which is bad for your dog’s overall health.
Cooked Bones
There can be a lot of cooked bones set aside for your dog but you should know that these aren’t safe for consumption. Raw bones are good for your dog’s dental health as chewing promotes mental stimulation. However, cooked bones are dangerous because they become soft and splinter once your dog chews on it. Bone splinters can harm and even kill your dog, so it’s best not to feed them any.
Food with spices
Dogs aren’t used to eating garlic, onion, and other spices and since most of our meals are made with those ingredients, it’s best to check on how a meal is made before giving it to your dog. If you wish to give them the same hearty meal, you can create a plain version of that meal for them.
This list can go on and on with all the can and can’t-eat food for dogs. And if you’re unsure of what to feed, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian first.
If you’re a busy person and do not have time to visit a vet, it’s best to use PetPal, the newest innovative platform dedicated to pets and their owners. Here, you can book an online consultation, order medicines and vitamins for pets, reserve an appointment at an animal clinic or hospital, and also get a digital pet passport.
