Turkey, cranberry sauce, apple slices: Christmas treats to share with your pooch
GIVE your dog healthy foods this festive season and avoid toxic ones with these top tips from leading canine nutritionist Kristina Johansen
Kristina Johansen's top tips for a healthy dog this Christmas
Canine nutritionist Kristina Johansen has given dog owners some top tips of what foods dogs should be eating over Christmas.
She said: "There is nothing wrong in treating our pets to some Christmas dinner but often dog owners will dump all the leftover food in their dog’s bowl which is not a healthy way to share the festive meal.
"It’s important for dog owners to know which elements of the Christmas dinner can be dangerous for their canine companion.
“If you think your dog has eaten any harmful food or liquid you must call the vet immediately as the effects can often be reversed or minimised if caught in time.”
DO give them turkey
Turkey meat is low in fat (without skin) and doesn’t require any special preparation but you may need to set aside a portion for your dog before adding any butter, cheese, onions sugar or any other “do not eat” foods.
Replace gravy with low-sault bouillon with stock from the giblets to any turkey scraps for the dog’s dinner.
Look after your dog with these healthy foods and avoid the toxic ones
DON'T give them fat
High fat foods like turkey skin, goose fat, gravy, bacon and sausages should be avoided at all costs.
Too much fat can cause pancreatitis, inflammation of the dog's pancreas, which can be fatal or have long-term consequences.
If you want to treat your pooch to some turkey, choose skinless meat.
DO give them fruit
A little cranberry sauce can be shared with your dog but be aware that it's often full of sugar.
Many dogs love apples but make sure to cut out the core as apple seeds are toxic to dogs.
Apple slices can make a great healthy alternative to biscuits.
Instead of a Christmas pudding, core an apple.
DON'T give them bones
Don’t play wishbone with your dog.
Bones can perforate the oesophagus, stomach or intestines and cause blockages along the digestive tract.
Treat your pooch to a happy and healthy Christmas with all the best foods this year
DO give them winter vegetables
Brussels sprouts can become a Christmas staple for your dog as well as for your own dinner.
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans and parsnips are excellent safe food choices for your dog as well.
If you are giving him leftovers, make sure to rinse off any excess butter or oil or put aside a portion for your pooch before dressing the veg.
Treat your dog to some mashed potato by making it with a bit of low-fat yoghurt.
DON'T give them raisins
Raisins can cause canine kidney failure so keep your dog away from Christmas pudding, cake and mince pies.
Swap grapes and raisins for blueberries and dried cranberries.
DO give them salmon
Salmon is a great Christmas treat for your pooch.
High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can support a dog’s immune system as well as being beneficial for allergies and adding shine to your dog’s coat.
Choose tinned or cooked salmon. Never feed smoked salmon to your dog.
As smoked salmon is cured, it can contain a parasite which can cause problems for dogs but the likelihood of your dog becoming ill from smoked salmon is very slim.
Stick to tinned or cooked salmon to be on the safe side.
Don't give your dog small wishbones as they could cause blockages along their stomachs
DON'T give them chocolate
Don’t share your advent calendar with your dog.
Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which dogs can't metabolise as well as humans.
It accumulates in dogs' bodies and becomes toxic or even fatal.
Try replacing chocolate treats with apple or carrot sticks.
DO give them artificial sweetener in moderation
Xylitol, which can be found in chewing gum, store-bought desserts and anything artificially sweetened, is more dangerous than chocolate for dogs.
It lowers blood sugar in dogs, which can be life threatening as well as causing liver damage.
However a little natural sugar in moderation is not bad for dogs.
It occurs naturally in many foods and is necessary for a dog to have energy.
If a dog has too much sugar, he will react the same way you would if you over-indulged; hyperactivity followed by dental problems, lethargy, obesity and diabetes.
Keep the chocolate pud away from your pet this Christmas as it could be toxic to them
DON'T give them alcohol
Brandy butter and alcoholic drinks are a big no no for dogs.
Booze, even in tiny amounts, can do permanent damage or even be deadly.
DON'T give them nuts
Bowls of nuts are classic Christmas nibbles but whilst a little bit of peanut butter is fine for dogs, macadamia or walnuts can be toxic.
DO give them dairy in moderation
Many dogs are lactose intolerant so the milk in bread sauce can cause upset stomachs.
Yogurt and ricotta cheese are good alternatives as they are low in lactose and excellent sources of calcium, phosphorus and protein.
Swap cheese for ricotta cheese and replace whipped or sour cream with a bit of low-fat yoghurt.
The active bacteria in yoghurt can act as a probiotic which will help your dog’s digestive system.
DON'T give them onions
Onions cause a form of anaemia and should never be fed to dogs.
Garlic has similar effects but is much less potent so a tiny amount used for flavouring is OK.
For more information and top tips go to elmoskitchen.com