Food that we eat does not necessarily translate into food that can be eaten by our pets. Some foods are health hazards to our pets despite them being very safe and healthy for humans. Pet owners must refrain from feeding their pets every thing that humans eat with the assumption that since they themselves can eat it then it follows that their pet can eat it. This may be a difficult undertaking because 1) Pets are excellent beggars – all they have to do is look at you with those begging drooling eyes and 2) it may be difficult to know which foods are poisonous!
Not all that is healthy food to humans is healthy to pets. Take for example Onions, Garlic and Chives! These are healthy vegetables that every human being on earth should eat. But did you know that they can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage in our pets, especially in dogs and pets. These foods are potentially dangerous when taken in large amounts! Another example is avocado.
“Avocado – The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are especially sensitive to avocado poisoning, and can develop congestion, difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. Some ingestions may even be fatal.”
Grapes and raisins are delicious and healthy to humans but are toxic foods to pets.
“Grapes & Raisins – Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic.”
It is very easy to give your pet fruit like peach, pear or plum, however the pit of these fruits contains cyanogenic glycosides which can cause cyanide poisoning.
The following is a list og some of poisonous foods to your pet that you feed your feed without knowing. The list is from a Humane Society article:
Alcoholic beverages
Apple seeds
Apricot pits
Avocados
Cherry pits
Candy (particularly chocolate—which is toxic to dogs, cats, and ferrets—and any candy containing the toxic sweetener Xylitol)
Coffee (grounds, beans, and chocolate-covered espresso beans)
Grapes
Gum (can cause blockages and sugar free gums may contain the toxic sweetener Xylitol)
Hops (used in home beer brewing)
Macadamia nuts
Moldy foods
Mushroom plants
Mustard seeds
Onions and onion powder
Peach pits
Potato leaves and stems (green parts)
Raisins
Rhubarb leaves
Salt
Tea (because it contains caffeine)
Tomato leaves and stems (green parts)
Walnuts
Xylitol (artificial sweetener that is toxic to pets)
Yeast dough
Your pet’s life and health are important and if you think your pet has ingested any food or anything that is dangerous to it contact your veterinarian and call the Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA) at (888) 426-4435.
We also advice that you download and print “Toxic Food Guide for Pets – What Not to Feed Dogs and Cats” document. This can be used as a reference and guide to the type of food you should avoid giving your pets.
Skyway Animal Hospital
3258 5th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 327-5141
A veterinary hospital located in Pinellas County providing veterinary medical
and surgical care in St. Petersburg Florida and surrounding areas since 1961. Need veterinary care for your dog or cat?
We have the experience. Calls us for an appointment and let us help you with your best friend and companion.
