No More Holiday FOMO with Healthy Pet Snacks
The fun of the holidays goes down a few notches when we have to continually say “no!” to our pets. They can’t help wanting to taste whatever goodness we have heaped on our plates. Unfortunately, most of what we indulge in over the holidays is potentially dangerous for our pets to eat. Healthy pet snacks might seem like an impossibility this time of the year. However, these treats are not only available, they’re deliciously satisfying to hungry, curious pets.
Tasty and Good For Pets!
The holidays can be a cozy, joyful time, but they can also be risky for our furry friends. In addition to all the requisite pet safety measures, pet owners have to contend with a hungry, possibly opportunistic animal begging for scraps.
The good news is that there are many options for delicious, satisfying pet snacks that don’t require a great deal of careful planning. In fact, the best kinds of pet snacks are raw fruits and vegetables that many of us already have in our refrigerators.
Gettin’ Veggie With It
Admittedly, most pets are likely to ignore a plate of vegetables in lieu of something a bit more decadent. But if you ease them into vegetable acceptance over time, they may take you up on your offer of any of the following lightly steamed, bite-sized veggies:
- Carrots
- Potato
- Sweet potato
- Green beans
- Spinach
- Kale
- Peas
- Asparagus
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
They may be more likely to scarf down any of these veggies if mixed with a bit of pureed or cubed cooked pumpkin. Canned, unsweetened pumpkin puree is a close second to fresh cooked pumpkin.
Fruity Tuesdays
Fresh pet snacks can be improved with the addition of fresh fruit. If your pet isn’t familiar with some of the fruit on our list, give them time. Provided the fruit is ripe and cut into small pieces, they’ll likely accept it with some other goodies listed above:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries)
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Kiwis
- Oranges
- Pears
If your pet is showing a great deal of interest in the kitchen or under the holiday dining table, give them a nice variety of any of these fruits paired with low-fat cottage cheese, cubed cheese, Xylitol-free peanut butter, plain yogurt, steamed rice, or plan, cooked oatmeal.
Pet Snacks for Days
Of course, these options for pet snacks can be applied throughout the year, and are especially helpful during the holidays. Remember these holiday foods are toxic to pets and should never be offered or left out for them to try:
- Chocolate
- Garlic
- Onion
- Grapes or raisins
- Uncooked bread dough
- Caffeinated or alcoholic beverages
- Macadamia nuts
- Xylitol
If you have additional questions or concerns about these delicious, safe, nutritious pet snacks, please give us a call at (530) 823‑6306.
From all of us at Bowman Veterinary Hospital, have a happy holiday season with your pet!