Festive food your pets can eat, too!

Big family meals are a staple of the holiday season. If you’re lucky, you just get to show up and enjoy the food—but if you’re like many, you’ve already drafted your first grocery list and planned your big meal.

Most of us aren’t too shy about second helpings, but how much of it is safe for your furry family members?

A bite or two of turkey is safe for pets, but avoid the skin and spices

Animal Humane Society Chief Veterinarian Dr. Graham Brayshaw says when it comes to turkey, a bite or two is safe for cats and dogs—just be sure it’s free of fatty turkey skins and seasoning.

Two much of the high-fat content in turkey skin can cause pancreatitis, which is caused when the pancreas overworks to produce enzymes that break down food.

When giving animals a bite of your bird, make sure there’s no seasoning on it as well. Spices can wreak havoc on canine and feline stomachs!

Never give your pet cooked turkey bones

Cooked bones are dangerous. They can splinter, leading to choking and possible obstruction in gastrointestinal tracts. Make sure the trash is behind a closed door or cabinet, and keep careful watch of your pet around the dinner table.

Other holiday foods to avoid giving your pet

• Deserts: Chocolate is unsafe for dogs and cats. The darker the chocolate, the worse it is. You should also avoid pumpkin pie and be especially mindful of xylitol, an artificial sweetener sometimes used in baking.

• Grapes and rasins: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and kidney damage.

• Nuts: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and sodium poisoning.

• Garlic, onions, and chives: Irritates stomachs in small amounts, toxic in large amounts.

Include them in the festivities with their own special treat

If you don’t want your pet feeling left out, the best way to include them is to get them a special treat of their own. You can pick up a turkey-based treat at your local pet store.

Or jump to desert and give them either raw pumpkin or make your dog a tasty pumpkin treat. Sweet potatoes are also a great option cooked or plain without seasonings or toppings.

Your pets are important members of the family—so of course, they should be included in holiday festivities as well. Just make sure you do it in a safe, fun way so everyone can enjoy spending quality time together.