A dog sniffing for snacks

The holiday season is not known as a time of year where many of us lose weight. Between the buttery, sugary desserts and rich, savory meat dishes, we’re lucky if we keep weight gain to a solid five to ten pounds. Pets are no exception to this trend, but with some healthy pet snacks waiting in the wings, you can keep them satisfied and safe all season long.

Get Your Veg On

While some pets go crazy for the crunch of certain cruciferous vegetables, others need a bit of convincing. The good news is that you can offer them a rich variety of colorful vegetables that add a lot of flavor and oomph between their expected meals of kibble. 

To limit the possibility of choking, cut veggies into bite-sized pieces. This will also reduce the chances of them chewing and spitting out larger bits. Another helpful tip is to slightly steam the vegetable to bring out its full flavor while making food softer to chew and swallow.

Make a small plate of the following veggie pet snacks to nourish and satisfy your four-legged friend:

  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Green beans
  • Fully cooked sweet potato
  • Zucchini
  • Cooked pumpkin (always be sure that canned pumpkin is unsweetened)
  • Peas

Take note of what they leave behind on the plate. Never force your pet to eat something they clearly dislike. Instead, praise them for eating what they did and focus on that veggie next time.

As a side note, sometimes the effect of vegetables on a pet’s digestion can clear the room. Be advised. 

Fancy Fruits

If you haven’t tested your pet on which fruit they like, you’re in for a real treat. Some pets love to catch flying blueberries in the air, others don’t seem to understand what to do with oddly-shaped and textured objects. 

To really elevate pet snacks to the next level, we recommend dicing up any of the following fresh fruits:

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Watermelon
  • Raspberries
  • Pineapples

You could also combine a few fruit bites with some of the above listed veggies for some interesting variety. 

Healthy Pet Snacks

If your pet simply cannot stand the temptation of your nightly snacks, try to satisfy their cravings with some plain, steamed rice or cooked oatmeal. Either option is different enough from their usual fare that they might scarf it up and eliminate their hunger. 

Plain yogurt, diced low-fat cheese, cottage cheese, peanut butter, or cooked chicken or turkey make pets pretty happy at snack time. 

Not For You (Sorry)

To reduce the risks associated with a pet poisoning please do not give or allow access to the following foods:

  • Macadamia nuts 
  • Chocolate
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Xylitol
  • Grapes or raisins
  • Uncooked bread dough

For more information about healthy pet snacks, please give us a call at (916) 624‑PETS (7387). Our veterinarians are always here for you at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital.