Wiesbaden. What would Christmas be without gingerbread and roast goose? Unthinkable for many people. But not all festive treats are healthy for dogs etc. Too much fat, too much sugar – and often even toxic: Some delicacies pose a real danger to dogs and cats. Chocolate, raisins and some other foods are for four-legged friends (not only) taboo at Christmas.
The Central Association of Zoological Specialist Companies (ZZF) recommends that pets only be pampered with animal-friendly food, even during the holidays. From sugar-free Advent calendars for cats to herbal cookies for rodents, pet shops have a large selection of suitable alternatives. Some of the treats offered in winter designs offer additional benefits, such as supporting dental care or reducing tartar.
Whether with Santa Claus on the packaging or without, the same applies to all snacks at Christmas: “They should fit the main food, especially for sensitive animals, and be included in the calculated nutritional values of the daily ration,” reminds ZZF President Norbert Holthenrich. The extra rewards often contain more energy than expected and can already make up a significant portion of your daily needs. “If only bowl meals are counted, snacks or chews can add pounds.”
Chocolate is pure poison for dogs and cats
Most owners know that their four-legged friends are not allowed to eat chocolate. But if the plate of cookies or chocolates is left unattended on the table, it unfortunately quickly happens that Bello & Co. cannot resist. “Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats,” explains Holthenrich. “Depending on the dose and the body mass of the animal, theobromine can cause diarrhea, vomiting or tremors, and in the worst case, ingestion can lead to death.”
The dose makes the poison. As a guideline, the less the dog weighs and the darker the chocolate, the more harmful the candy is. The proportion of theobromine is highest in cocoa powder and dark chocolate. For small dogs like Yorkshire Terriers, a bar of dark chocolate can be fatal.
Cinnamon and raisins are also poisonous for four-legged friends
There are several dangers lurking in cookies and gingerbread: Many of the ingredients such as sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg or macadamia can be extremely harmful to four-legged friends. Bitter almonds, which look no different from sweet almonds, contain amygdalin, which releases hydrogen cyanide. The consequences for the animal can be vomiting, convulsions and shortness of breath. The sugar substitute xylitol (also xylitol or birch sugar) is also highly toxic.
Science has not yet clarified which substance in grapes, fresh or dried as raisins, is toxic to dogs and cats. What is certain, however, is that even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, apathy and kidney failure. The popular Christmas stollen is also taboo for the animals. “Never give your dog raw yeast dough,” Holthenrich makes clear. “The yeast that grows in the stomach can cause, among other things, painful flatulence.”
Poultry bones are life-threatening
If the feast smells too tempting, the begging look is usually not far away. However, the fatty, spicy foods can quickly upset the stomach of pets. “It’s better to stay firm and don’t give food from the table,” advises Holthenrich.
The leftovers from the Christmas goose are absolutely taboo for dogs and cats. The cooked bones splinter very easily when bitten, so sharp pieces can injure the stomach and intestines. Whether raw or cooked, onions and garlic also contain substances that are toxic to four-legged friends.