UK homeowners can attract animals to their gardens and ‘help them thrive over winter’ by leaving out Christmas dinner leftovers. According to the RSPCA, many Christmas favourites loved by humans are just as popular with animals.
Sharing advice for homeowners on social media, the animal welfare charity explained which leftovers are liked by which animals, and how people can help their local wildlife this winter. Posting on Facebook, the RSPCA said: “Every kind of animal deserves a Merry Christmas – wildlife included!
“To reduce waste, turn your leftovers into a seasonal feast for the animals in your garden to help them thrive over winter!” The post was accompanied by several photos about ‘wildlife-friendly Christmas dinner leftovers’, listing the foods suitable for birds, badgers, and foxes.
The RSPCA explained that birds can eat potatoes (boiled, baked, roasted or mashed), Christmas cakes, mince pies (especially stale ones), unsalted nuts and savoury snacks (chopped and crushed), and grated cheese. If you’re feeding birds, it’s advised to keep the food off the floor and away from hedgehogs.
For badgers, the options include turkey (boneless, without gravy, and only in small amounts), potatoes (boiled, baked, roasted, and mashed), grated cheese, peas, sprouts, and carrots. Once more, it’s advised to keep the food off the floor and away from hedgehogs.
The RSPCA added that foxes can eat turkey (boneless, without gravy, and only in small amounts), peas, sprouts, and carrots, which should be kept off the floor, away from hedgehogs. Meanwhile, hedgehogs can be fed meat-based cat or dog food, but the charity warned that ‘Christmas leftovers and milk aren’t suitable for hedgehogs.’
Following the lists, the RSPCA shared another photo thanking the public for their help. It said: “Thank you for helping local wildlife. Remember to clean dishes and dispose of uneaten food daily, and always provide a source of clean water.”
Pet owners should be aware that many leftovers suitable for garden wildlife could be dangerous for pets. The RSPCA’s website explains: “If you do decide to leave out food for wildlife, make sure to keep your pets away from any Christmas cakes, mince pies, unsalted nuts, savoury snacks and grated cheese, as these are dangerous for cats, dogs and small animals. Don’t feed wildlife or pets any processed meats – like pigs in blankets and stuffing – as these are incredibly high in salt.”
Other festive dangers that pet owners should be aware of include Christmas trees and decorations. For instance, pets could chew on Christmas light cables, get fallen needles stuck in their paws, or choke on baubles.
Pet owners who suspect poisoning are urged to act as quickly as possible. The RSPCA said: “Never ‘watch and wait’ in any case of suspected poisoning. If you think your pet has been poisoned by any food, plant or other toxin, act fast and contact a vet for advice immediately.” More advice is available on the charity’s website.
