Deck the Halls (and the Dog Bowl): A Guide to Dog-Safe Holiday Foods

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and you know what that means - lots of delicious holiday treats! As pet owners, we're always tempted to share the seasonal goodies with our furry friends. But before you start sneaking Fido a bite of that Christmas pudding, it's important to know which holiday foods are safe for dogs and which ones should be kept far away from their wagging tails.

At Poppy and Poops, we're all about making sure our canine companions can enjoy the festivities just as much as we do. That's why we've put together this handy guide to dog-safe holiday foods. Get ready to deck the halls (and the dog bowl) with these pet-friendly eats!

The Nice List: Dog-Friendly Holiday Foods

When it comes to holiday treats, there are actually quite a few options that are perfectly safe for our four-legged friends. Plain, cooked turkey or chicken (without the bones, skin, or seasonings) can make a great addition to your pup's dinner. Roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, and plain pumpkin puree are also healthy, dog-approved choices.

Believe it or not, a few classic Christmas cookies can be shared with your canine companion as well. Plain, unsweetened oatmeal cookies or peanut butter biscuits make tasty (and safe) treats. Just be sure to avoid any that contain chocolate, xylitol, or other potentially toxic ingredients.

And let's not forget about the drinks! While eggnog and mulled wine are off-limits, your dog can safely enjoy a bit of plain, unsweetened broth or even some dog-friendly "eggnog" made with plain yogurt, pumpkin, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

The Naughty List: Foods to Avoid

Now, for the not-so-fun part. There are plenty of holiday foods that can be downright dangerous for dogs. Anything containing chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, or the artificial sweetener xylitol should be kept far away from curious canine snouts.

Rich, fatty foods like gravy, butter, and creamy sauces can also upset your pup's stomach and potentially lead to pancreatitis. And while it may be tempting to share that juicy ham or prime rib, the high salt content and bones can pose serious health risks.

Even some seemingly harmless holiday staples like bread dough, nutmeg, and alcohol should be strictly off-limits. These can cause everything from digestive issues to neurological problems in dogs.

Deck the Halls (and the Dog Bowl) Safely

The holidays are all about spending quality time with loved ones - and that includes our furry family members! By keeping these dog-safe (and not-so-safe) foods in mind, you can ensure that your pup can join in on the seasonal festivities without any unwanted trips to the vet.

So, go ahead and spoil your pup with a few pet-friendly treats. Just be sure to keep the rest of those holiday goodies safely out of reach. With a little planning and some dog-friendly eats, you and your canine companion can deck the halls - and the dog bowl - to your heart's content!