10 healthy and safe (Christmas) snacks for dogs and cats

The holidays are a time of coziness and good food, but not all of our festive foods are safe for pets; because chocolate, raisins and highly spiced foods can be harmful, below are 10 healthy and safe ideas to responsibly treat your dog or cat during Christmas.

5 healthy Christmas snacks for dogs

1. Small pieces of cheese

• Advantages: Rich in calcium and protein; many dogs love it.
• Notice: Choose low-fat cheese and give in moderation.

2. Apple pieces (without seeds)

• Advantages: Naturally sweet, high in fiber and a source of vitamin C.
• Notice: Remove seeds and core (contain toxins).

3. Cooked pumpkin puree

• Advantages: Supports healthy digestion and is high in fiber.
• How to serve? A small spoonful as a snack or mixed into the food.

4. Chicken breast (cooked, without herbs).

• Advantages: Lean, easily digestible protein.
• How to serve? Without salt/oil/spices, in small pieces.

5. Sweet potato chips

• Advantages: Nutritious and pleasant to chew.
• How to serve? Thin slices without oil/spices, fried or dried.

5 healthy Christmas snacks for cats

1. Cooked fish (salmon or whitefish).

• Advantages: Rich in omega-3 and protein; good for coat and overall health.
• How to serve? Cooked, without seasoning or oil, in small pieces.

2. Cat grass with a twist

• Advantages: Helps with digestion and is attractive to many cats.
• How to serve? A pinch of chopped catnip over the cat grass for extra fun.

3. Tuna water (canned water-based).

• Advantages: Tasty and moisturizing.
• Notice: Water-based tuna only; in moderation due to salt content.

4. Unsalted chicken broth

• Advantages: Warm, flavorful drink that helps hydrate.
• How to serve? Offer salt-free and cooled.

5. Pieces of boiled egg

• Advantages: High in protein, including vitamin B12.
• How to serve? Hard-boiled, in small pieces and without seasoning.

5 healthy snacks for dogs and cats

1. Small pieces of banana

• Advantages: Sweet treat with potassium.
• Notice: Only small amounts due to natural sugars.

2. Carrot slices

• Advantages: Low in calories, rich in vitamins and good for chewing.
• How to serve? Raw or lightly steamed, without seasoning.

3. Unsalted green beans

• Advantages: Low in calories and high in fiber.
• How to serve? Lightly steamed, in small pieces.

4. Cucumber slices

• Advantages: Moisturizing and low-calorie.
• How to serve? Raw; remove peel if too hard.

5. Cooked turkey (without skin or seasoning).

• Advantages: Lean protein; ideal as a festive treat.
• How to serve? Without skin/spices/bones, in small pieces.

Important tips

• Give in moderation: Even healthy snacks can cause stomach upset if given too much.
• Watch for allergies: Always introduce new snacks in small amounts.
• Avoid toxic ingredients: no chocolate, raisins, garlic, onion, grapes or highly spiced foods.

Completion

With these safe, simple (Christmas) snacks, you'll make the holidays as special for your dog or cat as you are for yourself; if you want to go completely "all out" this Christmas, also check out our recipes for pet-friendly Christmas cookies for your dog or cat.