People Food to Avoid Feeding Your Pets

When adopting a new animal, you may not know all of the right things to feed it. It’s important to know that just like humans, dogs and cats are allergic to some human foods. Be cautious when giving your dog or cat any type of human foods especially the ones that are poisonous to dogs.

According to Ashley Forti, BVMS, MRCVS, here are some examples of products you should avoid feeding your dogs:

1. Chocolate, coffee and caffeine

All of these products contain theobromine which is found in cocoa seeds, coffee beans and some nuts. These can make your dog or cat throw up, have diarrhea, increase their heart rate, panting, become hyperactive, increase their thirst and urination, have tremors, seizures or even die.

2. Raisins and grapes

These have the potential to cause kidney failure. Some animals can eat them and be okay but other dogs may be more sensitive and develop clinical signs after ingesting a small amount. Even a small amount of grapes can make a cat ill. Repeated vomiting and hyperactivity are signs your pet could be having a reaction to ingesting raisins or grapes.

3. Over the counter medications

Rather than going to the vet, many people choose to give their animals medication at home. Administering pain relievers like Aspirin, Aleve, Advil and Tylenol can cause your pet to have gastrointestinal irritation, ulceration, perforation leading to sepsis, and even death. Over the counter medications can also cause acute kidney failure and neurological disease. There are veterinary pain medications that are specifically formulated for dogs and cats which are much safer to use. If your dog or cat is in need of pain medication, consult your veterinarian.

4. Garlic, Onions and Chives

These specific food items can cause both dogs and cats to have an upset tummy and red blood cell damage. Regardless of if your pet ingests a large quantity once or eats smaller amounts regularly, poisoning can occur so be sure to keep your pet way from garlic, onions, and chives.

Being smart about what you feed your animals is very important. Always double check to make sure that any of these ingredients aren’t in anything you are giving your pet and remember: it’s best to talk to your vet and ask what’s right for your pet.

What other items can people eat but not share with their pets? Leave a comment and let us know!