A reminder from 2019 about what is safe and not safe for your pets to eat at Christmas.

It is a time when we tend to throw caution out of the window along with any slimming books and fitness apps we might have (well some of us anyway).

Unfortunately, our pets are also treated to our sense of liberation and they end up eating many things they are not used to. Also their eating patterns might be thrown out the window, and in my experience their inner body clock is more accurate than a Rolex. This does not make for happy pets.

They are also likely be stressed by all the coming and goings, being handled by other family members and friends and being unable to take power naps at their appointed time.

This adds up to stomach upsets and it is not conducive to a convivial family Christmas dinner for the dog to upchuck just as you reach for the bread sauce!

On a serious note, in the case of certain foods such as chocolate, there can be both unfortunate side effects and in some cases the risk of death.

I thought that I might share some of the treats for pets that have been created in our household over the years at Christmas.

The rule of thumb is that if it is industrially produced food (and this included the majority of dry dog and cat foods) it is not good for your pet.

There are however, some fresh foods that we eat that are safe for your dog or cat and after the ones definitely to avoid, I will give you a list of those you can give to your pet as a treat.

N.B. If you are planning to change your dog’s current food be it dry or canned, do it gradually over a few days to ensure there is no adverse reactions. Later I will give you some options for your dog or cat should you choose to prepare their meals yourself.

Here is a list of some food additives and ingredients that can cause your pet harm and applies to cats as well as dogs

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