It's no secret that the holidays tend to be a time of dietary indulgence for many of us. Even those of us who usually try to watch what we eat typically allow ourselves a little something special or an extra helping of Aunt Sue's famous family recipe. And while we may let our diet slip a little bit it's important to keep our dogs' diets in check during the holidays.
While we certainly advocate the giving of healthy treats (in controlled amounts), it's important not to change up a dog's diet too much. Drastic changes in diet, whether it's changing to a new food or slipping Buddy something from the table, can wreck havoc on a dog's delicate stomach. So while they may look up at you with adoring eyes that simply beg to have a piece of the spiral-cut ham, it's best to keep their diet as normal as possible. Also keep in mind that dogs can be master thieves when it comes to food so keep any toxic treats - mainly chocolate! - out of dogs' reach.
If you have any questions about what to feed/not feed your dog it's best to ask your veterinarian. A list of toxic foods and houseplants can also be found here: http://www.entirelypets.com/toxicfoods.html