Food Pets Can and Can’t Eat This Australia Day

With Australia Day just around the corner, it’s time to fire up the barbie, grab some lamingtons, and celebrate! But before you share your Australia Day feast with your furry friends, let’s chat about some classic foods that are safe for them and which ones they should steer clear of. So, start up the barbie, and let’s dig in!

Safe Foods: A True Blue Feast for Your Pets

1. Plain Cooked Chicken

Plain, unseasoned chicken is a top-notch protein choice for both cats and dogs. Just skip the marinades and spices.

2. Carrots

Whether you’re prepping a salad or just snacking, unseasoned carrots are a healthy, crunchy treat for pets. Dogs especially love them, and some adventurous cats might too.

3. Apples (Without Seeds and Core)

Perfect for a summer day! Apples are rich in vitamins A and C, but remember to remove the seeds and core.

4. Pumpkin (Plain)

While pumpkin is the digestion champ, be sure to remove the skins as it can be a choking hazard and get stuck in the intestine. Serve it plain and cooked for a pet-friendly treat.

5. Green Beans

Another low-calorie, crunchy option that’s great for pets. Dogs love them raw or cooked, while cats might nibble out of curiosity.

6. Cooked Prawns

Cooked prawns can be a delicious and safe treat for your pets as long as you shell them and avoid any spices, herbs, or seasonings. Stick to plain prawns to ensure their health and safety

Unsafe Foods: A Fair Dinkum No-No

1. Snags (Sausages)

They might be a hit on the barbie, but sausages are a miss for pets. High fat, high sodium, and often packed with spices—best to keep these off their plate.

2. Meat Pies and Sausage Rolls

While iconic on Australia Day, these are often loaded with onions, garlic, and unhealthy fats. Treat your pets to something safer.

3. Vegemite

An Aussie classic, but its high salt content makes it unsuitable for pets.

4. Macadamia Nuts

A staple in Aussie desserts but highly toxic to dogs, causing symptoms like vomiting and lethargy. Cats might not have the same reaction, but it’s not worth the risk.

5. Lamingtons and Pavlova

Delicious for humans but packed with sugar and other ingredients that are harmful to pets. Keep these treats on your plate.

6. Grapes and Raisins

Whether fresh or in your festive fruit salad, these can cause kidney failure in dogs. Cats might not show the same reaction, but it’s safer to avoid them altogether.

7. Chocolate

No Tim Tams for the pups! Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to pets. Keep it out of paw’s reach.

Sydney Petlands: Your Pet’s Holiday Retreat

As you prep for Australia Day celebrations, we know you’ve got a lot on your plate (literally). Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or heading off on a well-earned getaway, Sydney Petlands is here to make your life easier. While you enjoy the sun, sand, and sausages this Australia Day, your pets could be living it up with us. Now that’s something to celebrate!