Is Feeding Leftovers to Pets Safe? A Quick Guide

A holiday without turkey is simply soulless, and that includes all our furry friends—cats and dogs are welcome to join in the festivities. Lean, allnatural turkey is a fantastic source of protein, and it can occasionally be a safe treat for pets, as long as you take some precautions.

For those who have dieted before, you might know that turkey skin, though delicious, isn't the healthiest part. This goes for our fourlegged companions too. The excess fat and calories in turkey skin can lead to weight gain in pets during the holiday season and expose them to potential allergens, irritants, or toxic substances.

Dogs love bones, but turkey bones are small and brittle, not suitable for safe chewing. These bones or small fragments can cause choking or injure a pet's mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines. There are dogspecific bones designed to withstand severe wear and tear, much like a dental chew, which is safe for your pup.

While raw food diets are trendy, veterinary experts advise against feeding pets raw or undercooked meats and poultry. Undercooked turkey can expose your pet to harmful foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella, and could even make you sick during the cooking or serving process.

A little bit of the wrong food can turn a healthy, nutritious meal into an unhealthy or dangerous one. The added fats and sugars can cause gastrointestinal upset in the short term and lead to serious health issues like diabetes and pancreatitis in the long run.

Be particularly cautious with anything that's been seasoned, cured, or prepared with alliums like onions and garlic. These ingredients are staples in many kitchens, but they can be deadly to pets.

If you want to add a bit of flavor to your pet's food, opt for petsafe, savory sauces designed specifically for them.

Many fall and winter fruits and vegetables can provide pets with a wealth of vitamins. These include pumpkins, green beans, and broccoli. Apples can also be safe, but make sure to remove seeds, pits, and stems, as these contain a substance similar to cyanide that can severely harm pets.

Remember, the negative effects of salt, seasonings, and added fats can also affect healthy foods. In summary, don't feed your pet leftovers from your table. Choose simple, unseasoned portions. The same goes for fruits. You can offer a small piece of fruit without seeds, pits, or skin, rather than a slice of apple pie or canned cranberry sauce.

While some seasonal produce is safe for pets, others pose serious health risks. In addition to alliums, veterinarians also advise against feeding pets raisins, grapes, and any type of raw potato.

Just because your pet can eat something doesn't mean it should be a regular part of their diet, let alone a staple. Every time you offer leftovers, you're giving cats and dogs a treat, which might be tempting but remember, human food is just a reward snack. It shouldn't make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.

If your pet ingests something dangerous, stay calm and keep a close eye on any warning signs. If your dog or cat chokes, the symptoms will be immediately apparent. Pay attention to other symptoms of illness or poisoning, which may take minutes or hours to appear, including:

1. Diarrhea

2. Excessive panting and drooling

3. Fever

4. Repeated behaviors

5. Vomiting

If your pet shows any of these warning signs, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Quick action can often have a positive impact when dealing with pet health emergencies.