When that delicious smell of your big Easter roast fills the kitchen, you can be sure your dog notices! They'll likely be giving you those hopeful eyes, wishing for a bite.
Now, it's generally recommended not to share food directly from your plate with your dog. Feeding pets human food scraps can cause problems like stomach upset, or much more serious issues, including seizures, kidney failure, and even death.
However, Easter is a special day. Perhaps you're wondering if just a small portion of something different would be okay as a treat? If you're very careful about what you offer, sometimes a little, safe morsel is fine.
The question is, what exactly can your dog eat from the Easter dinner? This article will help answer that question, covering the safe choice for your pet.
Which Easter Foods Are Safe for My Dog?
If preparing Easter goodies for the kids is something you usually do, why not put together a special treat collection for your dog too? You could include a safe, Easter Dinner Bundle, and maybe a fun new toy.
Roast Lamb
What about the roast lamb? Good news – plain, cooked lamb is generally safe for dogs and is a great source of protein. A small piece can be a healthy treat for them to enjoy.
Safely preparing the lamb before sharing it with your dog requires removing absolutely all the bones. Cooked bones are dangerous because they can break into sharp pieces when chewed, possibly causing choking or serious damage inside your dog's mouth or stomach. Never ever give cooked bones to your dog!
You should also cut away any fatty parts and the skin, because too much fat is hard for dogs to digest and can lead to stomach problems or even serious issues such as pancreatitis. Only offer a small amount of the plain, lean meat.
Vegetables
Sharing some vegetables from your Easter plate can be a good idea for your dog, as they're generally low in calories and rich in essential nutrients. Many common veggies you might have for your holiday dinner are safe for your dog to try in small amounts.
Feel free to offer carrots, Brussels sprouts, green beans, cucumbers, celery, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, and peas. Even plain, cooked potatoes, sweet potatoes, or squash can be okay in moderation.
The most important thing to remember is how they're prepared. Only share plain vegetables – meaning no added butter, oils, salt, garlic, onion, or scallions.
Fruits
Fruits can also be healthy, nutrient-filled snacks for your dog. Many common fruits are safe for pets in small amounts, including apples, bananas, berries (like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries), oranges, pears, pineapple, and even watermelon.
Before giving your dog any fruit, make sure to remove any thick skins, inedible parts like cores or pits, and all seeds, as these can be harmful or cause blockages.
Also, make sure any fruit you offer is plain and fresh. Never share pieces that are part of a dessert, because those often contain extra sugar, spices, or other ingredients that may be toxic for pets.
Side Dishes and Appetizers
Those delicious side dishes and appetizers that often steal the show at holiday dinners can sometimes be shared with your dog too, but only if they're plain and safe. For instance, a small amount of plain cooked rice or plain cooked pasta is usually fine. Plain cooked eggs, like scrambled or hard-boiled, can also be a good treat, but definitely avoid deviled eggs because of the extra ingredients.
Small amounts of certain dairy products, like plain Greek yogurt or a small part of cheese, might be okay for some dogs. Even peanut butter can be shared, but it's necessary to check the label first and make absolutely sure it does not contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs.
The same golden rule mentioned for fruits and vegetables applies here too: to avoid giving your dog harmful seasonings, set aside their plain portion before preparing the food for guests.
Which Easter Foods Are Not Safe for My Dog?
Even if a food isn't technically poisonous to dogs, sharing too much or giving them fatty parts of your Easter meal can still make them sick, often causing an upset stomach.
Here are a few key considerations:
- Avoid Salt, Sugar, and Fat: Don't give your dog foods that are salty, sugary, or high in fat.
- Stick to Lean Meats: If you share any meat, make sure it's a small piece of plain, lean meat with no fatty bits, skin, or bones.
- Plain Veggies Only: Offer only vegetables that have been cooked plainly, without butter, oils, salt, or other seasonings. Avoid veggies cooked in fat, like roast potatoes cooked with the meat.
- Beware of Hidden Ingredients: Be extra cautious with pre-made foods, sauces, gravies, or mixes you didn't make yourself. They often contain hidden ingredients like onion powder or sweeteners that are poisonous to dogs.
- Absolute No-Gos: Remember, some human foods are extremely dangerous for dogs. Never give them anything containing onions, garlic, leeks, chives, or similar ingredients. Grapes, raisins, and sultanas are also very toxic and must be avoided completely.
- Alcohol: If you're enjoying some alcoholic drinks while celebrating with friends and family, be sure your dog doesn't get into any unattended glasses! Even a small amount can cause a dangerous drop in body temperature, vomiting, slowed breathing, low blood sugar, seizures, coma, and potentially even death.Most pet owners know not to let their dogs drink alcohol directly. However, the American Association of Poison Control Centers has noted something important: because people are using alcohol-based hand sanitizers much more often now, there has been an increase in dogs accidentally being exposed to alcohol this way.
Ready to Spoil Your Dog This Easter?
Now that you know which common Easter foods can be safe or unsafe for dogs, why deal with the guesswork of finding safe scraps? Dogs deserve to join the celebration too, and Healthy Dogma has made it easy!
Forget the hassle – let your dog enjoy their very own Special Easter Dinner, designed just for them.
Lamb is often a centerpiece of traditional Easter meals, so we've crafted a special, small-batch Easter Dinner featuring delicious Lamb. This single-serving meal lets your dog safely enjoy the holiday feast alongside you, with a wonderful fresh aroma they'll love.
The main course combines savory Lamb with clean ingredients like whole eggs, spinach, sweet potato, goat milk, sunflower seeds, kelp, and zinc, all tastefully seasoned with just a hint of garlic and thyme.
But the feast doesn't stop there! We've included a delightful Cookie Cranberry Crumble for dessert, made with tasty ingredients like pumpkin, oats, apples, and cranberries. For an extra special touch, try topping the crumble with a dollop of plain yogurt. And to complete the experience, there's a crunchy, savory Lamb Ear Chew.
This complete Easter bundle gives you the 8 oz. Lamb Dinner, the 2 oz. Cranberry Crumble, and the Lamb Ear Chew, all neatly packed in a disposable, two-compartment dish. Preparing it couldn't be simpler – just add warm water, stir, and let it sit for a few minutes.
It's the perfect way for your dog to join the family meal safely, without you worrying about harmful table scraps.
Please note: To ensure shipment in time for Easter, orders must be placed by April 16th.
Happy Easter!
