Healthy Holiday Treats for Pets | Burlington, Oakville & Milton

The holidays are full of delicious food — but not everything on the table is safe for pets. While it’s tempting to share festive bites with your furry family, some holiday treats can cause upset stomachs or serious health risks.

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Here’s a helpful guide to safe, healthy holiday treats for dogs and cats — plus what to avoid — so your pets can enjoy Christmas and New Year just as much as you do.

Serving pet parents across Burlington, Oakville & Milton 💛

🎁 Why Holiday Treat Choices Matter

Holiday foods tend to be:

• Rich, fatty, or heavily seasoned
  

• Sweetened or chocolate-based
  

• Full of ingredients pets can’t digest

Even small bites can lead to stomach upset, pancreatitis, or toxic reactions. Choosing pet-safe alternatives keeps celebrations happy and stress-free.

✅ Safe & Festive Options

• Plain cooked turkey or chicken (no skin, seasoning, or bones)

• Carrot sticks or green beans

• Apple slices (no seeds)

• Pumpkin purée (plain, unsweetened)

• Dog-safe peanut butter (xylitol-free)

• Store-bought holiday dog treats made with limited ingredients
  
  

❌ Avoid These Holiday Foods

• Chocolate & cocoa

• Grapes & raisins

• Onions, garlic & stuffing

• Alcohol

• Fatty meats, gravy, and table scraps

• Bones (cooked or raw)

🐶 Healthy Holiday Treats for Dogs

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✅ Safe Options

• Plain cooked turkey or chicken (tiny pieces)

• Freeze-dried meat treats

• Small amounts of cooked fish (no seasoning)

• Cat-safe commercial treats
  

❌ Avoid for Cats

• Dairy (many cats are lactose intolerant)

• Seasoned meats

• Raw fish

• Chocolate, sweets, or bread dough

• Onions & garlic

• Cats prefer simple flavors — less is more!

🐱 Healthy Holiday Treats for Cats

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• Treats should make up less than 10% of daily calories

• Introduce new foods slowly

• Keep holiday food out of reach

• Remind guests not to sneak snacks

• Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy

• If in doubt — skip the table food.

🎄 How to Treat Safely During the Holidays

Between shopping, gatherings, and travel, routines can slip. Happy Paws helps maintain consistency with walks, drop-ins, and gentle check-ins, making sure pets stick to their usual feeding habits.

Need help this holiday? We’re here.
Serving Burlington, Oakville & Milton we help keep holiday care calm, predictable, and worry-free.

💛 Book your holiday pet care today with Happy Paws!

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