The holidays are a time of togetherness, great food, and festive cheer, and in many San Pablo homes, that includes our pets. But as tempting as it is to slip your dog or cat a taste from the holiday table, not all seasonal dishes are pet-friendly. Evergreen Pet Clinic wants your holidays to be joyful and safe for every member of the family, including the four-legged ones. Knowing which foods are okay to share (and which are off-limits) can prevent emergency vet visits into the new year.
Why Holiday Foods Can Be Risky for Pets
Dogs and cats have very different digestive systems from humans. Many ingredients we enjoy during the holidays, like garlic, onions, rich sauces, or chocolate, can cause serious health problems, ranging from upset stomachs to toxic reactions.
Certain foods can lead to:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Pancreatitis
- Seizures or tremors
- Organ failure in severe cases
Holiday Foods You Should Avoid Giving Your Pet
Here are some toxic foods to keep far away from your pet’s bowl (and curious paws):
- Chocolate: Toxic to dogs and cats, especially dark and baking chocolate.
- Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in sugar-free desserts and gum.
- Onions, Garlic, and Leeks: These can damage red blood cells and are harmful even in small amounts.
- Fatty meats and turkey skin: High-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis, especially in dogs.
- Bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
- Alcohol: Even small amounts of wine, beer, or spirits are toxic to pets.
- Grapes and Raisins: Can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs.
Holiday Foods That Are Safe for Pets in Moderation
If you want your pet to join the holiday meal fun, stick to these vet-approved, plain options (always without added seasoning, butter, or sauces):
- Lean turkey or chicken (fully cooked and boneless)
- Steamed carrots, green beans, or sweet potato
- Pumpkin (pure canned pumpkin, not pie filling)
- Apples (sliced, no seeds or core)
Always serve in small amounts and observe for any sensitivity, especially if your pet hasn’t had these foods before.
What to Do in Case of a Food Emergency
If your pet consumes something questionable, contact a veterinary clinic for emergency services immediately. Quick action can save lives. As an alternative, you can call a helpline like the Pet Poison Helpline. There is a fee for their services, but they will let you know whether it is necessary to bring your pet in for emergency treatment, potentially saving you the cost of urgent vet care.
Of course, it is best to try and avoid emergencies for pets altogether, so follow these tips:
- Remind guests not to feed your pets from the table.
- Clear plates quickly after meals to avoid scavenging.
- Put away leftovers immediately once everyone has finished eating.
- Secure trash bins to prevent midnight raids.
Urgent Care for Poisoned Pets in San Pablo, CA
You can absolutely include your pet in the festivities with the right foods and a few precautions. Evergreen Pet Clinic treats pets that have swallowed toxic foods in San Pablo, including cats and dogs from Berkley, San Francisco, San Pablo, El Cerrito, and neighboring California areas. Give us a call at Evergreen Pet Clinic during our business hours. When we are closed (holiday hours may vary), contact your closest 24-hour animal ER right away.