(NewsUSA) - The holidays ring in a season of food prep and culinary indulgence, enticing people and pets with an abundance of activity in the kitchen as holiday meals and treats are prepared for family and friends. As celebrations commence, it’s easy to allow your pets to take part in the festivities with special treats and scraps, as meals are prepared. Expert Veterinarian Dr. Aziza Glass for Freshpet, the leading fresh pet food company, advises pet parents to be choosey when it comes to involving your pet in the holidays, helping avoid the ER and creating ways to make the moments special.

Foods to Skip

Foods to keep away from your pet include any type of bones, sauce-ladened sides such as mashed potatoes or creamed peas, onions, garlic, and spicy foods.

Some dangerous holiday foods might come as a surprise to pet parents. Grapes, raisins, and currants may seem healthy, but they are extremely poisonous to dogs and potentially cats, whether alone, in a fruitcake or other food, according to Dr. Glass.

Also on the naughty list are alcoholic beverages and chocolate, as well as cookies, pies, and other sweets.

Fatty meat scraps aren’t safe either, as they can cause inflammation of the pancreas, with symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Foods to Pick

Consider these twists on holiday favorite foods that are safe and easy to serve your pet as special occasion treats:

Cranberries: Skip the sweetened cranberry sauce, and instead serve your dog cranberries straight up. Whether dried, frozen, or fresh, a small handful is the perfect holiday dog dessert. Just keep moderation in mind, says Dr. Glass, since too many can cause an upset stomach.

Vegetables: If vegetables are on your menu, consider them for your pet as a healthy treat. Green beans, carrots and sweet potatoes, for example, are safe and nourishing options - just remember to keep the prep simple, avoiding seasonings including salt and pepper.

Fresh Pet Food: Take the guesswork out and give your pet a special holiday meal from Freshpet. Freshpet recipes include high quality proteins and farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and are developed by veterinary nutritionists. For example, Freshpet’s Select Chunky Chicken & Turkey Roll includes peas, carrots and brown rice and never any fillers or additives - a simple way to elevate the nutritional value of your dog food bowl for the holidays and beyond.

For more ways to keep your pets happy and healthy, visit freshpet.com.