Dinner Ideas for Cats and Dogs – Christmas Special

From a succulent roast to delicious yams and chocolates and cakes; Christmas day is all about feasting on your favorite dishes. However, festive food isn’t only for us, it for our wiggly tail family members too! It can be quite hard to resist slipping your doggy or kitty some Christmas meal leftovers, but you could be putting that in potential danger if you don’t know what they can and can’t eat. Not only is festive food quite rich and fatty, but sometimes it can be straightaway poisonous to both, cats and dogs.

Don’t be discouraged, there are still certain festive foods that are fine to feed your pet. However, you just need to ensure that you do this in moderation so that your furry friend doesn’t have to suffer from any nasty repercussions.

Here is the ultimate Christmas dinner guide for cats and dogs.

Christmas Dinner Guide for Dogs

Here is everything you can feed your four-legged canine friend on Christmas.

Starters

Fish, specifically salmon, is a great start for your little pup. This food is extremely high in protein and Omega 3 fatty acids that help support and build a dog’s immune system while bringing a shine about to its coat. It is preferable that you give you pup plain salmon rather than smoked salmon. Also, prawns are another great option for a starter as long as they are cooked and shelled properly.

Main Course

When it comes to meat, you should get your canine friend some delicious turkey to munch on. Opt for restricted amounts of skinless and boneless meat to add to your dog’s meal.

Bring a little variety to your pooch’s Christmas meal by adding a variety of vegetables. You can include some potations, sprouts, green beans and parsnip. Make sure that you serve them plain to your pup before any butter or oil is added.

Dessert

Don’t abandon your pup and its appetite once dinner is over; dessert is just as important! Choose desserts that are low in lactose like ricotta cheese or yoghurt. When given in moderation, these desserts can be great for your pup as they are fantastic sources of calcium and protein. Also, instead of giving

Christmas Dinner Guide for Cats

Here is everything you can feed your cute little cat on Christmas.

Starters

Start off your kitty’s meal with a fishy appetizer. The best choice would be tiny amounts of canned tuna as it is a great source of protein.

Main Course

When deciding on what mean to feed your cat, don’t think much – always opt for lean meats. Small quantities of skinless turkey breast are a great option to feed your kitty.

Just like dogs, cats would do well with carrots, parsnip, sprouts, and swede. Just remember to keep the veggies as simple and as plain as possible. Don’t add butter, seasoning or anything toxic such as garlic and onions.

Dessert

Don’t feel guilty when devouring your yummy Christmas pudding. Cats aren’t quite interested in having sweets or desserts as they would much prefer savory foods.

What Not To Feed Your Pets

This section covers everything you should avoid feeding your pet during Christmas dinner.

What Not To Feed Your Cat

Meats

The Christmas dinner spread is often loaded with a whole lot of meat varieties including, ham, turkey, goose, pork or duck, depending on whatever is your festive specialty. Even though none of these meats are toxic to kitties, they are richer than their typical food, and therefore, should be avoided or fed in moderation.

Goose Fat, Gravy or Stuffing

Christmas time is incomplete without mouthwatering stuffing that includes various combinations of chestnuts, bacon, cranberries, etc. There is also a very high chance that your favorite stuffing also contain onions or garlic that can be highly toxic to cats. Moreover, bacon and chestnuts are awfully high in fats and can cause serious gastrointestinal problems.

Seasoned Vegetables

Vegetables are a great option for your kitties, but only when they are given in plain form. Vegetables containing any seasoning including butter, onions, or garlic can be toxic for your cat. Also, never give raw potatoes to your cat; always make sure that they are either slightly roasted or mashed.

Desserts

Avoid feeding your cat any Christmas desserts such as cake, mince pie, or pudding as they are quite unsuitable for kitties. The problem is that most Christmas desserts contain nuts or dry fruits that can be harmful to a cat. Moreover, many cats are also lactose intolerant so you should avoid feeding them any dessert that contains dairy products such as custard, cream and ice-cream.

What Not To Feed Your Dog

Meats

Even though duck, goose, ham or turkey aren’t exactly toxic for your canine friend, but they are far richer than their usual food and therefore, should be avoided.

Goose Fat, Gravy or Stuffing

Overly rich or fatty foods can cause serious gastrointestinal problems and maybe event pancreatitis. So, you should avoid giving your pet any type of fat. Moreover, most gravies and stuffing contains onion and garlic, which can be highly toxic for your pup. Not only can they cause anaemia, but they can also prove to be extremely fatal in some cases. Also, since chestnuts are a stuffing staple and are very high in fat, they should also be avoided.

Vegetables

Due to their lactose and fat content, never feed your dog raw potatoes. Always mash or slightly roast them for flavor.

Desserts

Since most Christmas desserts contain high amounts of dried fruit and nuts, you shouldn’t feed them to your pup at all. Stick to feeding your canine friend small quantities of yoghurt for dessert.

Hopefully, this Christmas dinner guide for cats and dogs will make your holiday season more festive and fun than ever!