Expert reveals the common festive foods that could be fatal for your four legged friend

On a day filled with expensive hams, seafood, choc ripple cake and leftovers there is one family member to ensure they keep their hands – or paws – off the food.

Animal Emergency Service said the holiday season is their busiest time of the year so it is more important than ever to keep an eye on what your pet is eating.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition veterinarian Dr Ilze Nel said, “while many pet parents are aware of common hazards like chocolate and grapes, it’s the less obvious foods that catch people out.”

“Typical Australian BBQ favourites, such as a sausage sizzle, may contain onion or garlic powder, and it’s these ‘hidden’ ingredients that can damage a dog’s red blood cells and lead to serious health complications.”

To make sure your pet doesn’t get sick, Dr. Nel prepared the perfect guide to keep your puppy on the nice list.

The naughty list (do not feed)

• Grapes and raisins
• Onions and garlic
• Avocados
• Alcohol and caffeine
• Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol – an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products
• Cooked bones

The nice list (safe for occasional treat)

• Fruits including apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, pears and watermelon are all safe for dogs when seeds, stems and cores are removed
• Carrots, beans, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cucumber and pea
• Plain cooked chicken, turkey, lean beef, fish and cooked eggs

Dr Nel talked about the awkward scenarios that can arise when well-meaning guests slip the pets a little treat or two under the table.

“It’s best to avoid offering your dog any human food unless you’re confident it’s safe,” she said.

Other Christmas dangers to pets

Other dangers to look out for include Christmas ornaments, batteries, ribbon and strings – we all know of a labrador who eats anything in sight.

As right as it may feel to give a dog a bone – cooked bones can splinter and cause choking or serious internal injury.

“Our advice to pet parents is simple: keep human food out of reach, avoid feeding scraps, and, importantly, brief any guests or pet sitters on what is and isn’t safe to offer your cat.”

“It’s the small steps that can make a big difference and help ensure your pet stays safe,” she said.