What’s Safe and What to Avoid This Holiday Season
Healthy Dogs | November 2, 2022
A well-made food and plenty of variety are all your dog or cat needs to be happy this holiday season. However, many pet owners want to share the season’s bounty with their pets by giving them a taste of people food over the holidays. Done right, this tradition can be a fun way to make the holidays special. But the wrong foods or the wrong amount of food can cause gastric upset or even a trip to the vet. So, if you want to offer some people food to your pet, keep a mental list of safe foods to share.
If your cat or dog has a sensitive stomach, you might want to consider planning a holiday meal just for them. From gently cooked to wet food, plenty of our partners manufacture high-quality holiday-themed foods that are balanced with the right amount of seasoning, fat and protein to appeal to your pet.
But if you’d still like to give your pet a few bites of holiday food from your own festivities, consider using a digestive supplement. These supplements can reduce the chance that a change in diet (even an unintentional one from counter surfing) will cause an upset stomach. Some digestive supplements can be added to food to reduce the risk of an upset stomach later, while others can help diminish the symptoms of digestive upset if they occur. Pets with sensitive stomachs or who might eat a lot of special foods over the holidays can benefit from daily supplementation during the holiday season.
Here are a few digestive supplements we like:
Add OptaGest to food before offering it to your pet. This supplement makes food easier to digest while feeding the healthy bacteria in your dog or cat’s gut. Many pet owners add this supplement to all foods as an overall health aid.
This supplement can soothe an upset stomach after eating. With regular use, it may help your dog or cat’s sensitivity to diet changes. Also try: The Honest Kitchen Perfect Form Herbal Digestive Dog or Cat Supplement.
Organic pumpkin is a good source of fiber to keep bowel movements regular. It can also be a great holiday treat for pets who love it. Other fiber supplements to try: Nummy Tum-Tum Pure Organic Sweet Potato Canned Dog or Cat Food Supplement or Herbsmith Scooter’s Butt Bars or Diggin’ Your Dog Firm Up! Pumpkin Super Dog or Cat Supplement.
We like this supplement because it includes prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes and soothing herbs. Plan on using this supplement the entire holiday season for best results. Other probiotic supplements to try: Animal Essentials Plant Enzyme and Probiotics Dog and Cat Supplement and Ark Naturals Gentle Digest Dog Cat Soft Chews.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list of the foods you can share with your pet (or those you should avoid!), here are some options to consider. Whatever you share, please make sure it’s 10 percent or less of your dog or cat’s total meal and you reduce their regular food accordingly. That way, your dog or cat can enjoy the holidays without the risk of an overfull stomach.
Turkey, chicken, fish and other cooked lean, unseasoned and bone-free meats are a good choice for dogs or cats. Remove visible fat and skin before you offer a taste to your pet, and skip any fatty meats or bone-in cuts.
Share: Raw VegetablesRaw baby carrots, green beans, and other vegetables can be a fun, healthy treat for your pet. While cats tend to avoid eating raw vegetables, we know tons of dogs who love them. Cooked vegetables are fine, too, as long as they’re not seasoned with oil, butter, salts or other dried seasonings.
Cooked eggs that use a small amount of fat (or none at all) are a great food for dogs or cats. Your dog or cat can also safely eat raw eggs if they are otherwise healthy.
Large uncooked beef bones or uncooked turkey necks, shared in limited amounts, can be a satisfying treat for your dog or cat. Cooked bones, smoked bones, pork bones or other types of raw bones you purchase at your local grocery store should never be fed to your dog or cat because they represent a significant health hazard. If you’re unclear about what bones are safe to eat, look at the selection at a trusted pet store to ensure you’re choosing something safe.
Low sodium or unsalted broth, especially the homemade kind that’s made without garlic or onions, can be a healthy treat that adds additional moisture to your dog or cat’s meal. You can even safely freeze leftovers in ice cube trays to be defrosted for later. Be sure to skip the gravy and pan drippings, which can be too fatty and rich for your dog or cat’s digestive system.
Share: Blueberries, Strawberries, Apple, Pineapple, Banana and BlackberriesSweet treats may be the cornerstone of many holiday gatherings, but to treat your dog or cat, stick with naturally sweet fruit. The six suggested fruits are only a few that your pet might enjoy, but be sure to avoid grapes, cherries, and apple seeds (which are toxic) and fruit with pits that may create a choking hazard. Check online to verify that the fruit you’d like to offer your dog or cat is safe.
If you’re unsure if a food is safe for your dog or cat, look on a trusted website to verify before you share a portion of that food. Keep in mind that fatty meats, pan drippings and other rich, salty, or highly seasoned foods can trigger significant gastric upset or even pancreatitis in your dog or cat, even though they’re carnivores. Cooked bones and small bones can splinter and become a choking hazard or perforate your dog or cat’s digestive system. And plenty of sweets, especially low sugar desserts, can contain ingredients safe for humans, but toxic to pets. So play it safe by doing your research, and you can ensure a happy holiday for all the members of your household.
Weruva WX Phos Focused Freeze-Dried Chicken and Tilapia is a low-phosphorus, high-protein supplement made from 93% boneless, skinless chicken breast, tilapia, and egg white. It has no grains, fillers, bones, or organs.
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Due to its naturally low phosphorus content, this food is suitable for cats requiring phosphorus management, particularly those with kidney conditions. Additionally, it’s highly digestible protein helps maintain lean muscle mass.
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You can serve it dry or add water to soften the texture. Adding water can help your cat digest it more easily and boost their daily water intake. This recipe is meant as a supplement and works well as a topper or treat alongside a complete, balanced diet.
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If you want help figuring out if this is right for your cat, visit your local Mud Bay and speak with a Muddy, or shop with us online today.
#mudbay #healthypets #kidneyhealth #cats #catfood
If your pup brings the energy indoors, meet their new favorite toy. The ultra plush Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball is designed for fetch, toss, and all-out play.
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With a strong inner mesh liner and concealed double stitching, it delivers the durability Fluff & Tuff is known for in a soft, soccer-inspired design.
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Kick off the fun and shop the Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogs #timetoplay #healthypets
Need to keep your dog engaged while you work, host, or help them burn energy?
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The Woof LickMat and LickMix make enrichment easy.
The textured design encourages longer licking, helping promote calm behavior and engagement. Premeasured lines make portioning easy every time.
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Simply mix the grain-free Cheddar and Bacon LickMix. It’s easy to digest, simple to prepare, and each bag provides 10 or more lick sessions. Made from 100 percent silicone, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe. Strong suction cups keep the LickMat stable for easy, everyday use.
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Enhance your dog’s daily enrichment—visit us in-store or online and bring home the woof LickMat and LickMix today.
#mudbay #woof #healthypets #dogs #petenrichment
👀 Looking for a way to slow down mealtime and keep your dog thinking? The GURU Pet Company Bobble Ball turns your dog’s food into an interactive activity.
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Simply fill it with kibble or small treats, screw the top back on, and let the wobble begin. The weighted base creates unpredictable movement that keeps dogs engaged and working for every bite.
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A great option for dogs new to enrichment or seasoned puzzle pros.
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Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay today.
#mudbay #dogs #staybusy #healthypets #dogtoys
🎉 New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are now available in-store and online at Mud Bay!
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We’re excited to offer two new formulas that are complete and balanced for both cats and dogs.
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The Digestive Support Formula has beneficial fiber from lentils and sweet potato, along with probiotic inulin from chicory root. It also includes organic apple cider vinegar for extra immune and digestive support.
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Our Hip & Joint Support Formula features turmeric, oat flour, and omega-3 fatty acids from tuna 🐟 to help support joint mobility and immune health.
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All Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated and free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. And they are convenient and easy to use as a complete meal, a treat, or a topper.
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You can find the full line—including Skin & Coat, Cognitive, Digestive, and Hip & Joint Support formulas—exclusively at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #healthypets #mealtime #pnwpets #mudbayairdriedtoppers
💫 New at Mud Bay!
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CocoTherapy Cranberry Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Blondie Coco-Charms. Small in size and low in calories, they are an ideal training treat.
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Made with 100% organic ingredients, you can feel good giving them to your dog during longer training sessions. CocoTherapy Coco-Charms are also free from grains, dairy, gluten, eggs, and preservatives, and are low glycemic.
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Shop the Cranberry Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Blondie CocoTherapy Coco-Charms in-store or online today!
#mudbay #cocotherapy #trainingtreats #dogs #healthypets
🎉 🎉 GIVEAWAY! New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers for Cats & Dogs
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We’re excited to give you a chance to win a bag of one of our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper formulas.
Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated, complete and balanced for cats and dogs, and easy to use as a topper, treat, or complete meal.
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New Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper Formulas:
Digestive Support
Made with turkey, chicken, and lentils, plus organic apple cider vinegar and chicory root to help support healthy digestion and immune function.
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Hip and Joint Support:
Made with turkey, chicken, fish, and oats, plus turmeric and omega-3s from tuna to help support mobility and joint health.
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To enter:
👍 Like this post
😃 Tag us and tag a friend
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We’ll pick winners at random and notify them on April 16th. Each winner will receive a bag of our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers. 🍀 🤞 Good luck!
#mudbay #foodtoppers #dogs #cats #petfood
Check out these new aquatic-themed toys for your pup from Fluff & Tuff.
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Available in-store now: Claude the squid, with tentacles that are great for tugging.
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We also have Dottie the Puffer Fish, who will keep your pup active with a nice fetch session, and, last but not least, we have Millie the Axolotl, who is an engaging option for all of the above and ready to shake up your pup’s toy selection.
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Shop these fun new Aquatic options for your pup in-store or online today!
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogtoys #playtime #pnwpets
We visited the local dog park today to share a fun spring surprise 👀🎉
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The park pups got to try our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers!
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We can’t share all the details on these new toppers yet, but here’s what we can tell you:
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Two new formulas are coming soon, and you’ll find them both in stores and online. They’ll be available in 8-ounce and 24-ounce bags.
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Just like our current toppers, these new formulas give both cats and dogs complete and balanced nutrition. You can serve them as a full meal, sprinkle them on top of their food, or offer them as a treat.
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Thank you to all the pups who came by to try them today.🐾🎉
Check back next week because we have a giveaway coming up. Stay tuned and have a great spring!🌈 💐 🌷 ☀️ ☔
#mudbay #dogpark #sneaktreat #mudbayairdriedtoppers #new
Keep your pet happy and blissfully engaged with the woof LickMat and LickMix.
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The LickMat is BPA-free, 100% silicone, and dishwasher safe on the top rack, with suction cups for stability and a design that encourages longer licking. It also features suction cups for stability and a design that encourages longer licking, while its built-in mixing bowl and measuring lines make mixing easy.
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The Bacon and Cheese LickMix is grain-free and designed for use with the LickMat, woof Pupsicle, or as a meal topper. Each bag yields about 10 LickMat sessions when used as directed.
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Treat your dog with the Woof LickMat and LickMix. Shop all woof products in-store and online today!
#mudbay #woof #dogs #enrichment #petproducts
Stock up on your dog’s favorite Bulk Biscuits and make every refill count.
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Mud Bay’s Bulk Biscuits are all-natural, with many locally sourced options, including organic and grain-free varieties. When you refill your Mud Bay Mud Bucket, you pay $4.24 per pound instead of $4.99 on every refill. That’s 75 cents saved per pound, or 15% off each refill.
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Our Mud Buckets are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and come in two handy sizes: 2.75 liters and 8.5 liters. Designed for easy refills and fresher storage, they help make treating your dog simple and eco-friendly.
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Refill. Reuse. Re-Biscuit. Visit your local Mud Bay today to pick up a Mud Bay Mud Bucket and some tasty biscuits for your dog!!
#mudbay #mudbuckets #dogs #treats #healthypets
Shhhhh! 🤫
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Don’t tell your cats or dogs just yet, but we have two new Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper formulas landing in-store next month! We also want to let you know we`ll be offering a giveaway so that your pets can enjoy one of the new formulas.
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More details to come, so stay tuned for your chance to win a bag of our newest Mud Bay Air-dried toppers.
#mudbay #airdried #comingsoon #airdriedtopper #giveaway
