Holiday Treats for Pets

Thanksgiving is approaching fast, and the rest of the holidays aren’t far behind. At this time of year, many of us are enjoying some delicious seasonal cookies and dishes. Your pet definitely deserves a special treat! Just be sure to only offer safe, suitable foods. Read on as a Pickerington, OH vet lists some holiday treats for pets.

Cats

A can of plain tuna or chicken in water will definitely get your kitty’s motor going. Fluffy can also have some shredded deli meat, sodium free broth, cat milk, or cooked, plain, boneless meat.

Dogs

Cooked, plain meat, fish, or chicken with the skin, bones, and fat removed is a safe bet for dogs. Fido can also have small amounts of bacon or sausage, a hot dog, or a cocktail wiener, cheese, or eggs. Just don’t go overboard with these fatty treats.

Horses

Everyone knows that carrots, apples, peppermints, and sugar cubes are Silver’s favorite treats. However, if you want to see your horse get really excited, combine oats, molasses, shredded carrots, honey, and brown sugar into a batter. You can also add chopped apple if you like. Divide into cookies, and bake for about 15-20 minutes at 350. Instant happy horse!

Birds

Different types of birds have their own specific dietary needs. For example, parrots may enjoy baby carrots, apple slices, seedless grapes, or whole-wheat pasta. Ask your vet for more information.

Pocket Pets

Bunnies, hamsters, gerbils, and Guinea pigs are all very adorable little pets. Small amounts of fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, apples, and pears, are suitable for most pocket pets. Hamsters may enjoy treats like cheese, mealworms, or dog biscuits, while gerbils may like celery, string beans, bananas, or plain popcorn.

Exotics

There are no across-the-board recommendations for exotic pets, as their nutritional needs vary so widely. For example, if you have a snake, your pet may only eat mice. Iguanas, on the other hand, are vegetarians, and should eat mostly leafy greens, but can enjoy a bit of fruit on occasion.

Tips

As mentioned above, each kind of pet has their own unique nutritional needs. That said, there are some foods that are unsafe for most pets, such as chocolate, caffeine, processed foods, meat on the bone, garlic, onions, scallions, and chives, and avocados. Ask your vet for specific snack recommendations Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your Pickerington, OH vet clinic, anytime!