Festive foods for your dog to enjoy (or avoid)

(NC) The holiday season is quickly approaching. Bring on the list-making, gift-giving, party-going time of year. But what would the holidays be without delicious dishes to keep everyone feeling merry and bright? And by everyone, that includes our canine companions, of course.

Check out this list of pup and pet-parent-approved festive foods, as well as those to avoid:

Enjoy pumpkin: Can you even call it a holiday feast without pumpkin? Good news for pups – pumpkin is not off the table for them to enjoy. In fact, pumpkins are a superfood and are full of nutrients. Feeding dogs cooked or plain canned pumpkin can also be beneficial for their digestion because pumpkin contains fibre – just be sure to serve it free of sugar and spices.

Avoid chocolate: There’s no way to sugarcoat it – chocolate is a no-go for dogs. The presence of both caffeine and a chemical called theobromine make chocolate toxic to dogs because they aren’t able to metabolize them the way that humans can. If ingested, chocolate can lead to a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, seizures and more. Pet parents should then monitor their pup closely and check with a veterinarian.

Enjoy fresh meats: When cooked, fresh meat such as chicken, turkey, pork or beef, can satisfy cravings while also offering pups a nutritious meal that is easy to digest. Pet parents can also choose a kibble made with fresh meats as a convenient option that supports dogs’ overall wellness, such as Now Fresh Good Gravy, which is made with easily digested fresh meats and nutrient-dense fruits and veggies.

Avoid table scraps: For many reasons, it’s best to skip the table scraps. Not only could an allergen or toxin be present that pet parents may not be aware of, there are several other health risks associated with feeding dogs table scraps, such as digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea, and even more serious problems like pancreatitis. Plus, giving dogs caloric-dense food can contribute to obesity.

Just like their pet parents, pups deserve to indulge a little over the holidays. But it’s important to ensure that what they eat leaves them feeling great. Learn more about pet nutrition at nowfresh.com, and always check with a veterinarian about any concerns, especially when introducing new foods.