Looking For Healthy Pet Snacks to Get Through the Holidays? Look No Further.
Few of us have the willpower not to overindulge during the holidays. There’s just so much to eat, particularly hard-to-resist foods that happen to be loaded with calories. Our pets know how much we love to eat because they watch our every move, especially if we’re poking around in the fridge. Just as they mirror our emotional states, pets tend to crave the same things that we do during the holidays. The best way to counter their hankerings is to offer tasty pet snacks that don’t add to their waistline.
No Bones About It
Without a doubt, the holidays create opportunities for pets to find trouble. The dinner table and kitchen are just full of possibile tastiness. If they wait long enough and show their calm patience, just maybe they’ll be rewarded.
The bad news is that most holiday foods are actually quite unhealthy for pets. However, there are many options that safely satisfy their cravings for human yumminess.
Introducing…Vegetables!
Perhaps unsurprisingly, not all pets go bananas over veggies. But they can be relied upon to distract a pet with something healthy while also filling up their little tum-tum. A good rule of thumb is to lightly steam certain veggies to bring out their full flavor. This also makes it easier for them to chew and swallow bite-sized pieces. They may not like the texture of raw veggies and could end up spitting out remnants.
For the healthiest pet snacks, try any of these delicious veggies:
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Spinach
- Asparagus
- Cauliflower
- Brussel Sprouts
- Carrots
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Celery
- Zucchini
- Edamame
- Green beans
- Cucumber (raw is okay)
Some vegetables are not safe for pets to eat, such as mushrooms, avocado, onions, garlic, rhubarb, and unripe tomatoes.
Feeling Fruity?
Fruits also make excellent pet snacks, although your pet might not know it yet. It could take some time trying to figure out what they like the most. With proper encouragement, they may start to enjoy the following bite-sized fruits:
- Apples
- Berries (raspberry, strawberry, blueberry)
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Bananas
- Pears
- Oranges
- Kiwis
- Cranberries
A huge asset to offering your own pet snacks to your best buddy is, of course, pumpkin! A little dollop added to a small plate of any of the above fruits or veggies can make all the difference. Fresh, steamed, pureed pumpkin is best, but canned, unsweetened pumpkin puree is a great alternative. Believe us, your pet will love it!
Can I Have Some More?
For a bit of variety to pet snacks, cooked oatmeal, cottage cheese, plain yogurt, or Xylitol-free peanut butter go a long way toward pleasing pets.
We Love Healthy Pet Snacks
If you have additional questions or concerns about healthy pet snacks this holiday season, please give us a call at (916) 634-0822.
From all of us at East Sacramento Veterinary Center, have a safe and healthy holiday season with your pet!