As the weather cools down and we embrace the cozy fall season, many of us love to indulge in delicious seasonal treats like pumpkin pies, sweet potato casseroles, and apple crisps. As a pet parent, it’s important to know which fall foods are safe to share with your animal companions and which to keep out of reach. Let’s explore some pet-friendly Fall foods, tasty treats you can make at home, and the dangers of some common fall ingredients. 

Safe Fall Foods for Pets

Many seasonal fruits and vegetables are not only safe for pets but also packed with beneficial nutrients. Here are a few fall favourites that are both delicious and pet-approved: 

1. Pumpkin: Pumpkin is a fantastic fall food for pets! It’s rich in fiber, which can help support digestive health, and full of vitamins A and C. Be sure to offer plain, cooked pumpkin or canned pumpkin (without added sugar or spices). Pumpkin can even help soothe an upset stomach in dogs and cats. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it often contains added sugars and spices that could be harmful. 
2. Sweet Potatoes: Another fall staple, sweet potatoes are a nutritious and delicious option for pets. They are high in fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins B6 and C, which can promote skin health and boost your pet’s immune system. Serve them boiled, baked, or steamed with no added seasoning or butter. 
3. Apples: Apples are a great low-calorie snack for pets, especially dogs. They contain vitamins A and C, along with fiber, which can support digestive health.  
4. Carrots: Carrots are another crunchy, nutritious snack perfect for fall. Rich in beta-carotene and fiber, they make an excellent, low-calorie treat for both dogs and cats. Serve them raw, cooked, or grated into their meals. 
5. Green Beans: Green beans are packed with fiber and vitamins and are a great low-calorie snack. Just make sure they are plain and unseasoned when you offer them to your pet. You can use fresh, cooked, or even frozen green beans as a crunchy treat. 

Homemade Fall Treats for Pets

Want to get creative in the kitchen? Here is an easy fall-inspired treat you can whip up for your dog at home. 

Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients: 

1. 1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened) 
2. ½ cup peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free) 
3. 2 cups wholewheat flour 
4. 2 eggs 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 
2. Mix the pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs together in a bowl. 
3. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until dough forms. 
4. Roll the dough out to ¼-inch thickness and cut into your desired shape. 
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow the treats to cool completely before serving. 

Fall Foods to Avoid

While it’s tempting to share our favourite fall dishes with our pets, certain seasonal foods can be dangerous—even toxic. Be sure to keep these foods out of reach: 

1. Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats due to its theobromine and caffeine content. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures or death. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous. 
2. Onions and Garlic: These common cooking ingredients, often found in fall dishes like soups and stews, can be harmful to pets, especially cats. Onions, garlic, and anything in the allium family can damage a pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms can include lethargy, weakness, and vomiting. 
3. Raisins and Grapes: Grapes and raisins, which may pop up in seasonal desserts or snacks, are highly toxic to pets, particularly dogs. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure, so it’s essential to avoid giving these to your pet. 
4. Nuts (Especially Macadamia Nuts) : While some nuts, like peanuts, are safe for pets in moderation, macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. They can cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors. Other nuts, like walnuts, can be choking hazards or cause digestive upset, so it’s best to avoid nuts altogether. 
5. Thanksgiving Table Scraps: With Thanksgiving around the corner, be mindful of what your pet might sneak off the table. Fatty foods, like turkey skin or gravy, can lead to pancreatitis, a serious and painful condition. Additionally, cooked bones (especially from poultry) can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries. Stick to pet-safe, unseasoned, and plain turkey meat if you want to share a bite with your furry friend. 

Fall is a wonderful season to enjoy with your pets, and many seasonal foods can be safely shared with them. However, it’s essential to know which treats are safe and which can be harmful. By sticking to healthy, pet-friendly foods like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and apples, and avoiding toxic ingredients like chocolate, onions, and raisins, you can ensure your pets have a safe and enjoyable season. Happy fall!