As the holidays approach, our homes flood with guests, and our tables fill with entrees and treats, it is more important than ever to be aware of what your dog is eating. During this busy holiday season, it can be easy to leave your dog unsupervised. Unfortunately, a dog’s strong nose often gets them into mischief. It’s important to make sure that food stays out of their sight and ideally, out of their bellies!

With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's around the corner, use this helpful blog as a guide to the dos and DON’Ts when it comes to your dog eating human food.

Human Foods that are Harmful to Dogs

As dog owners, we often find ourselves tempted to share our food with our canine companions. We know, their puppy-dog eyes and begging is sometimes irresistible! While it's natural to want to treat our furry friends, it's important to remember that not all human foods are safe for dogs. In fact, some common table scraps can be quite deadly. Now, THAT is not a treat!

The question is, why are human foods so horrible for animals? Human foods are often too rich and fatty for dogs to properly digest, leading to digestive upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. These foods often contain high levels of sodium, which can be harmful to a dog's kidneys. In addition, some ingredients are toxic to dogs, such as methylxanthines, Xylitol, and yeast.

Here is a list of human foods that are toxic to dogs:

• Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains.
• Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Even a small amount can be dangerous.
• Onions, garlic, and chives: These members of the Allium plant family can damage a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia.
• Xylitol: This artificial sweetener is found in many sugar-free gum, candies, and baked goods. Xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar in dogs, which can be fatal.
• Bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or intestinal blockages. Leave the turkey wishbone for the children!
• Alcohol: Dog’s have no tolerance for alcohol. Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and even death in dogs. Keep alcoholic drinks away from your dog’s curious nose.
• Caffeine: Caffeine can cause hyperactivity, tremors, and seizures in dogs. Caffeine can also be found in coffee, energy drinks, and chocolate.

Human Foods that are Safe for Dogs in Moderation

If you want to treat your dog to something other than their usual kibble, there are a few safe and healthy foods that you can consider. Of course, only give your dog new foods in moderation to avoid upsetting their stomach and to allow a response time in case they don’t enjoy the food at all. Here are a few ideas:

Fruits and vegetables: Many fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs, such as apples, carrots, blueberries, bananas, and watermelon. Of course, it is important to avoid grapes and raisins.

Sweet potato: A common Thanksgiving dish, dog’s can also indulge in the flavor of sweet potato when served plain and cooked thoroughly. Just be sure to avoid additional ingredients like salt, butter, or brown sugar.

Cooked rice and pasta: Rice contains a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Rice is often recommended to pets with gastrointestinal issues. Depending on the size of your dog, serving sizes range from 1 tablespoon to a half cup of rice.

Cooked beef, chicken, turkey, & salmon: You may enjoy your burger medium-well, but it is important that you never serve your dog uncooked meat. When cooked thoroughly, dog’s can enjoy the protein and flavor of ground beef, turkey, chicken, and salmon.

How to Keep Human Food Out of Harm’s Way

We’ve all been there. You leave the room for a few seconds and come back to find your plate licked clean. We can’t blame our dog’s for their strong and curious noses, but we must be diligent in keeping our food out of their reach.

With the holidays approaching, you may be in attendance or hosting a few holiday parties. With a house full of guests, it can be easy to lose sight of your dog’s whereabouts. Likely, your dog is following the strong scent of FOOD!

10 tips to keeping human food out of your dog’s reach:

1. Keep food above the dog's eye level.
2. Set up gates to keep your dog’s out of the kitchen.
3. Temporarily shut your dog in a vacant room.
4. Seek out a dog-sitter for the time being.
5. Keep your dog in their crate with toys, food, and water.
6. Refrain from tossing them table scraps.
7. Do not allow guests to feed the dogs.
8. Discard scraps, bones, and waste in the trash.
9. Sweep the kitchen floors often.
10. Distract them with their own healthy treat from Bully Sticks Direct.

As you practice these strategies with your pets, you may need to make guests and strangers also aware of these preferences to avoid any accidents. Always check with your veterinarian if you are unsure about the safety of a food you are serving. Find more helpful blogs on Bully Sticks Direct’s website about the health and safety of your dogs!

Treat Your Dog With All-Natural Bully Sticks

Depriving your dog of human food does not mean you must deprive them of treats and indulgence! There are dog treats available to you from Bully Sticks Direct that are all-natural and made with very few ingredients. Bully Stick Direct has a large catalog of treats that range in size and flavor, so you can find a treat that your dog loves! A few best-sellers include:

• 12 inch Extra Large Monster Bully Sticks https://www.bullysticksdirect.com/12-monster-jurassic-bully-sticks-odor-free-xl-thickness/
• 6 inch Odor Free Medium Bully Sticks https://www.bullysticksdirect.com/6-select-bully-sticks-odor-free-medium-thickness/
• 6 inch Braided Pork Pizzles https://www.bullysticksdirect.com/6-7-pork-bully-stick-springs/
• 6 oz Turkey Tendon Strips https://www.bullysticksdirect.com/turkey-tendon-strips-6-oz-40-45-pieces/

The best part about Bully Sticks Direct? Bully Sticks Direct is…

• A family-owned company operating out of Michigan, USA
• A single-source supplier
• Preservative-free
• Hormone-free
• Antibiotic-free
• Single-ingredient dog treats
• 100% protein dog treats

Learn more about us on our website and follow along with our furry-friendly community online!