Many humans treat their pets like family, showering them with love via treats and table scraps. Unfortunately, this can have serious consequences for our pets’ health. Certain foods for humans can be toxic to dogs and cats.
Although Fluffy or Spot may seem to enjoy them, table scraps can make pets sick. The human diet is unsuitable for pets—it can lead to pet obesity and other health problems. In addition, there are certain foods that are perfectly fine for humans but toxic to dogs and cats. Listed below are a few substances that you should be wary of.
Toxic Foods for Dogs and Cats
- Milk. You may like ice cream and milk, but it may not be good for your pets. The lactose from cow milk and milk-based products can lead to upset stomachs and diarrhea in pets. Even cat owners should avoid giving their little Fluffy milk products.
- Raw meat. Fresh food is good for our pets, but not raw meat. When you feed your pets raw meat you could be exposing them to bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella.
- Caffeinated foods. Caffeinated substances such as chocolate, coffee, tea, and energy drinks contain methylxanthines. If pets are exposed to methylxanthines it can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and abnormal heartbeats. In some instances, it can also lead to death.
- Grapes and raisins. While certain fruits are healthy for pets, grapes are not one of them. Grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs and cats. When consumed they can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, kidney failure, and depression in pets.
- Macadamia nuts. These delicious nuts are toxic for our four-legged friends. Eating as little as six nuts can cause pets to become weak and experience depression and tremors. Dogs, in particular, are very sensitive to these nuts and the symptoms start to appear after 12 hours.
- Alcohol. Obviously, you wouldn’t give your pets a sip of beer or wine, as it would disorient them and make them sick. But even giving them foods that have been cooked in alcohol could be a bad idea. It can lead to vomiting, tremors, comas, and even death.
- Onions. Are onions toxic to dogs? The short answer is yes, onions are not safe for pets either. They can damage their red blood cells and cause gastrointestinal irritation. Keep onions away from pets and also be sure to avoid giving pets food that is cooked with onions.
- Nutmeg. This common spice contains the myristicin compound, which is dangerous for pets. When consumed it can cause hallucinations, disorientation, and abdominal pain. High concentrations can lead to tremors, seizures, and nervous systems abnormalities.
- Rhubarb. A common ingredient in certain pies and jams, rhubarb is extremely toxic for our furry friends. The oxalates in rhubarb can lead to kidneys and nervous system damage. It can also cause tremors and salivation. Keep rhubarb and the leaves away from your pets.
- Avocados. Guacamole is delicious, but it dangerous for our animals. Avocados contain persin and if consumed by our pets it can lead to breathing problems, accumulation of fluid around the heart, and death. Not just avocados, but the whole plant should be kept away from cats and dogs.