People Food Can Be Harmful to Pets

Did you know that certain foods are toxic to dogs and cats, even though they are safe for humans? Common foods that are harmful for pets include: grapes, raisins, avocado, chocolate, coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, bread dough, macadamia nuts, onions, salt, fatty foods and xylitol, a food additive for sweetening.

Grapes and raisins can cause acute renal (kidney) failure. Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, is contained in the fruit and seeds of an avocado.

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine that can be toxic to cats and dogs. Dark chocolate contains even higher the amounts of these substances, both of which have effects on the heart and may cause rhythm abnormalities. These substances can also act on the central nervous system causing excitement, tremors, seizures and even death. The caffeine in coffee and tea can have a similar effect. Ingesting alcoholic beverages (ethanol) drives down blood sugar levels and can cause problems with the central nervous system, causing depression, bradycardia, even death. Dogs and cats can also be exposed to ethanol from eating yeast-leavened bread dough. Bread dough can also lead to increased gas and bloating. 

Macadamia nuts can lead to neurologic signs such as ataxia and hind leg paralysis. Signs from this ingestion can be quite rapid after ingestion. Onions and garlic contain ingredients that can lead to anemia. Salty foods eaten by a pet to excess can lead to excessive thirst and urination.  If this process becomes exaggerated, the pet can have signs of sodium ion toxicity resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, depression, body tremors, increased body temperature, seizures and possible death.

Fatty foods such as foods containing high amounts of cooking fat or butter can lead to simple digestive upset or a more serious problem if the pancreas becomes inflamed.  Pacreatitis leads to vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and severe cases can lead to a fatal endpoint. The food additive xylitol is common in chewing gum, candy, other food products, and even some medications. It can cause the animal's blood sugar level to steeply drop leading to signs of hypoglycemia possibly resulting in seizures and death.

The best practice is to avoid “people food” and stick to the food and treats that are specially formulated for your pet’s breed, weight, and age. It may save a reaction that results in a trip to the animal emergency hospital.