The holiday season has arrived and if you're anything like most dog parents, your dog is most likely hovering around the kitchen in hopes that a tasty “treat” may find their mouth. While we all want our dogs to enjoy the holiday flavors too, it's important to keep their safety in mind and give them a safe alternative that won’t leave them feeling sick or worse.
Why some animal bones are harmful
Most holiday meals include cooked meats like turkey and ham. While the leftovers may look like a perfect treat, cooked bones can be very harmful and lead to:
- Choking hazard
- Intestinal blockage
- Perforations of the digestive tract
- Dental fractures
(American Veterinary Medical Association, 2023)
Safe Alternatives for Holiday Chewing
With that out there, here are a few safe alternatives for holiday chewing:
- Beef marrow bones
- Bully sticks
- Pig ears
- Shin bones
- Stuffed shin bones
Raw bones are less likely to splinter compared to cooked ones (FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, 2021). In addition, these safe chew options provide dogs with mental enrichment, help satisfy their natural instinct to chew, and can even support dental health. High-quality chews also tend to last longer, keeping dogs busy during the holiday chaos while reducing the temptation to hover around the dinner table.
Holiday Foods to Avoid
- Cooked bones
- Ham or fatty meat trimmings
- Onions and garlic
- Chocolate, grapes, raisins
- Artificial sweeteners like xylitol (FDA, 2020)
Final Thoughts
Your dogs can enjoy a special treat this holiday season too, just keep them safe! With the right bones and chews they can enjoy the festivities without the risk.
-Samantha with Hank & Roy