Picture this: It’s New Year’s Eve, the family is complete — your uncle is cooking adobo, your aunt is serving carbonara, and there’s already that familiar tang of red wine in the air, either saved for later or because your dad has popped the bottle early. The lights are dim, gifts sit neatly about the living room, and everyone has finally settled around the dining table.

But just as you reach for a piece of lechon kawali, you hear it! That all-too-familiar adorable whine or purr from under the table. Your dog or cat looks up at you with those irresistible eyes, silently asking for a bite.

It’s a familiar dilemma for many pet owners: do you give in, or do you say no? While it’s tempting to share our holiday food with the pets we love, the festive season can be tougher on their health than we realize. Richer meals, more treats, and disrupted routines can quietly take a toll on their well-being.

But worry not! Here are expert-backed tips to help keep your pets fit, happy, and healthy throughout the holiday season.

Balance diet and exercise, don’t overfeed

Weight gain is among the most common pet health issues, especially during the holidays, when routines change drastically and treats are more readily available.

“One of the most common mistakes that pet owners make is overfeeding,” says Dr. Evelyn Austria, veterinarian and Royal Canin’s scientific communication manager.

She noted that overfeeding, while often driven by affection toward pets, is often a result of many pet owners being unaware that pets, like humans, have different energy requirements depending on their lifestyle.

This habit often begins early. Puppyhood and kittenhood, for instance, are indeed exciting stages, and many owners become eager to introduce various treats, and even “table food,” such as our leftovers. Young pets, however, have sensitive digestive systems that are not yet fully developed.

“Puppies and kittens, when they are growing, [they still] have sensitive guts. They are still not [yet] fully developed,” she adds.

Lifestyle also plays a key role in nutrition. Indoor pets generally require fewer calories than highly active ones, which is why specialized diets are formulated with lower calorie and protein content to match their energy needs. 

Lastly, exercise remains essential regardless of whether pets live indoors or outdoors. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation support weight control, joint health, and longevity, making regular activity a non-negotiable part of responsible pet care, even — and especially — during the busy holiday season.

Skip the handa leftovers

Given the abundance of food during the holidays, it’s often tempting for pet owners to share leftovers with their pets. However, many traditional Filipino dishes served during noche buena or big dinners can be harmful to animals. Dr. Austria reminds pet owners to be particularly mindful of what they feed their pets during the festive season, noting that well-meaning habits can sometimes lead to serious health problems.

“Be careful of what you’re feeding your pets during the holidays,” she said. “We don’t recommend giving leftovers.”

Rich and fatty foods such as lechon kawali, along with other indulgent holiday dishes, can trigger digestive issues and more severe conditions like pancreatitis, which is a painful and potentially life-threatening illness that veterinarians frequently see spike during the holiday season. Sudden exposure to oily, salty, or heavily seasoned food can overwhelm a pet’s digestive system, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs or underlying health conditions.

While it’s understandable for pet owners to want their pets to feel included during family meals, experts stress that inclusion does not have to come at the expense of their health. Instead of sharing table food, pet owners are encouraged to offer treats that are specifically formulated for pets. These alternatives allow our little companions to participate safely in the festivities without the risk associated with human food, helping ensure that the holiday season remains enjoyable for both pets and their families.

Why expert-backed pet nutrition matters

In today’s digital age, many pet owners turn to the internet for advice, including homemade diet recipes. However not all online sources are reliable, and well-meaning recommendations can sometimes do more harm than good. Diets that appear healthy or “natural” may still lack essential nutrients, especially when followed long-term without professional guidance.

Veterinary and pet nutrition experts from Royal Canin explained that proper pet nutrition is not about individual ingredients alone, but also about achieving the right balance of nutrients. These diets are formulated by veterinary nutritionists to support pets’ needs across different life stages, body sizes, and activity levels.

Dr. Austria cited a study that evaluated 200 homemade pet diets found online. However, the study revealed that only 5% of these diets were complete and well-balanced. This means the vast majority were nutritionally inadequate for long-term feeding and could potentially lead to health issues over time.

As the holidays approach, remembering our pets’ needs is one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to care for them. With proper nutrition and informed choices guided by expert advice, pet owners can help ensure that the festive season remains joyful and safe, not just for the family, but for our beloved little companions, too. – Angel Baleña/Rappler.com

Angel Baleña is a Rappler intern studying Creative Writing at University of the Philippines Diliman.