It's no secret that Wyomingites love their pets. We put out a survey in June that found that 73% of Wyomingites would never date someone that didn't love their dog. Back in 2015, we also compiled a video of employee pets doing (or attempting) tricks in exchange for treats. I've also covered many a Dog Day at Washington Park and at the Laramie Recreation Center.

So, maybe it's clear that we love our dogs, but our feline friends deserve love, too. With the chaos that comes from gathering a large number of people in a small space, it's easy to lose track of what your furry friends might be up to. Maybe like my mom's puppy, they're perfecting the art of begging.

Caitlin Anderle, Townsquare Media
Caitlin Anderle, Townsquare Media
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Or maybe, like my stepdad's dog, they have yet to master the art of table manners.

Caitlin Anderle, Townsquare Media
Caitlin Anderle, Townsquare Media
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Either way, here's a quick list of the foods that you can share, and the ones you shouldn't share with your four legged friends this holiday season. This is by no means comprehensive, and there may be be some difference in acceptable snacks for dogs and cats, but these list are applicable to both species.

Foods that can be shared:

  1. Turkey meat--The general consensus seems to be that small bits of white turkey meat are okay to share, it's also noted that they should be stripped of the skin. Turkey skin tends to be a bit too fatty to share with our four legged friends.
  2. Baked sweet potatoes--A few bites of plain sweet potatoes without the addition of brown sugar and marshmallows is considered generally safe for dogs and cats alike.
  3. Plain green beens--Plain green beans are sometimes recommended as a supplement in a dog's diet. Although plain green beans are okay for Fido to eat, the fried onions and cream of mushroom soup in green bean casserole make the dish as a whole unsafe for your pet to eat.
  4. Plain carrots--A common ingredient in homemade treat recipes, these can be shared with your pets raw or cooked (without any butter or spices).

Foods that should not be shared:

  1. Stuffing--With all the recipe variations that include ingredients dangerous to your pets such as: mushrooms, raisins, onions, garlic, and various kinds of nuts, it's best to not share this popular side dish with your pets.
  2. Pumpkin pie--Although pumpkin can be used to relieve the upset stomach of Fluffy or Fido, the added nutmeg and cinnamon in pumpkin pie can prove dangerous for your four legged friends. The Laramie Animal Shelter has posted a pet-friendly treat recipe to their homepage that can serve as a goold alternative.
  3. Turkey bones--Turkey meat may be on the approved list for pets, but turkey bones should be kept far out of reach. The bones can easily splinter and cause internal damage to your cat or dog and are best sent straight to the garbage.
  4. Gravy--Many gravy recipes are too rich for our furry friends and may cause their stomachs to be unsettled. Sprinkling a bit of chicken broth on top of your pet's kibble will make a good alternative. There are also gravy mixes designed for cats and dogs available for purchase on the internet, as well as multiple YouTube tutorials for pet owners wanting to make their own.

Stay safe this holiday season!

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