When we talk about health, we don’t always discuss the mental and physical effects our pets have on our lives. Their existence in our lives truly contributes to our health. And in order to keep them around for as long as we can, it’s our job to take care of their health as if it’s our own.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve found the holidays are as fun for our pets as they are for us. And maybe even more since they don’t experience holiday stress. Lol. There’s colored paper to rip to shreds, (I can’t actually wrap around Blossom because she’s all over this), brightly lit trees to climb (thank you Scarlett), and lots of friends and family coming in and out of the house–of course, just to visit our pets. Then, to top all this off, they get tons of extra table scraps.
Listen, I know our vets all tell us not to give our pets table scraps during this time of year. But let’s be honest: how many of us actually listen? My guess is, not many. At least know I don’t. And now that Blossom’s BiFF (“BB” here) is around, he and the kids are definitely giving her scraps of anything she asks for. No wonder he’s her BiFF.
While I have put together a list of human foods we can give our dogs below, I actually feel less guilty giving Blossom her share of our wonderfully full holiday tables because she is eating a great diet with The Farmer’s Dog. It’s a human grade, partially-cooked dog food that’s delivered right to your door. When you know your dog is getting the best nutrients and highest quality (i.e. non-kibble) diet daily, I think it makes it easier to justify some scraps every now and again.
So, rather than saying “just don’t give them anything,” I think it’s smarter to have a list of human foods we can give our dogs. Below is a good list of holiday favorites that our pups can also partake in–Blossom approved, of course.
In addition, remember, you can always make actual doggie treats, as seen here. Turkey would be a great substitution for the beef in that recipe, for a festive twist.
The happiest of holidays to you! Stay safe, healthy, and keep those puppies close. In the meantime,
Happy Cooking!