Cheers to a Festive and Fit Holiday!
Entering the final stretch of the weight gain trifecta with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, the 39 days in between become a feast for both families and pets alike. Unfortunately, this festive indulgence often leads to unwanted pounds for everyone involved. As the confetti settles, many find themselves in need of a fresh start, both for themselves and their pets. So the question is: how can we celebrate the holidays with our furry friends in a healthier way?
The good news is that, with a bit of planning, we can revel in the festivities with our pets without resorting to unhealthy, fattening foods. Here are some friendly tips to keep your pets in tip-top shape this holiday season:
1. Sharing the Love: Let's be honest, sharing a bit from the table is almost inevitable. The key is to understand that not all "people food" is bad for pets. With the well-known exceptions like onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, some nuts, and chocolate, healthy fare can often be shared with your pet. Just steer clear of anything fried, breaded, glazed, or excessively fatty, as sudden diet changes can upset your pet's stomach. A good tip – if you don’t know all the ingredients in a certain dish, don’t feed it to your pet.
2. Pet Treats in Moderation: It's okay to treat your pet, but moderation is key. Remember that your pets are much smaller than you, so adjust portions accordingly. A small indulgence is better than a holiday spent in our office.
3. Smart Choices for Festive Feasts: Be mindful of what you're sharing. Opt for healthy choices like crunchy vegetables and lean cuts of meat, such as salmon, tuna, or organic beef and turkey. Keep portions small. A good rule of thumb: For every 20 pounds of dog, offer thumb-size bites of fish and meat. For cats, a few flakes of fish or half a thumb of meat is plenty. The bottom line: Remember, it's about including them in the festivities, not overindulging them. And one word about turkey bones – DON’T. Buy a chew toy instead.
4. Adjusting Kibble and Boosting Exercise Reduce your pet's regular food to avoid holiday weight gain. While you may be busy with guests and preparations, make it a goal to take your dog for a brisk walk each day. Exercise helps combat holiday stress – and weight - for both you and your furry friend.
In essence, healthy holiday habits apply to pets as much as they do to us. By following these friendly tips, you'll not only have a healthier and happier pet but also find your own resolutions a bit easier to tackle when the New Year arrives. Cheers to a festive and fit holiday season for both you and your four-legged companions!