Dogs don't need to miss out on Christmas dinner, but their owners should be selective about what they give them, a pet insurance firm has warned.
People who can't resist the pleading look from their pet as they eat their Christmas dinner can take heart - with a bit of care, dogs can join in with the meal too.
While few owners probably want to give them a seat at the table, many do feel the need to include them with a bit of food. More Than pet insurance has provided advice on what they should - and shouldn't - get.
The most important thing to remember is that the Christmas weight gain that so many people suffer is far worse for dogs - more than twice as much, to be precise. A dog's recommended calorie intake is just 40 percent that of a human's, which means that if pooch puts on six pounds then it's the equivalent of his owner putting on a stone.
Chocolate fit for a human can be poisonous to a dog, so More Than advises sticking with standard dog treats. Garlic, onion and raisins can all make dogs ill so stuffing and Christmas pudding shouldn't be on any mutt's menu either.
This is especially important as recent reports have indicated treatment for pets is becoming more expensive while people are shunning pet insurance to save money.
However, now for the good news. "It might not seem that adventurous, but white meat, either turkey or chicken, with boiled or steamed vegetables won't do dogs any harm at all and the smart money says they'll wolf this meal down," said the firm's pet expert Samantha Pennicard.
