As pet parents, we want our furry companions to live their best lives, which includes ensuring their diet is safe and healthy. While it’s tempting to share a snack with your dog or cat, many common human foods can be harmful—even deadly—to pets.
According to one study, chocolate, onions, macadamia nuts, grapes, raisins, xylitol, and ethanol have been the most common causes of food-associated poisoning in dogs and cats throughout the last decade.
Metro Mutts provides premier pet care services to Washington, DC, pet parents, and their four-legged family members. We understand the importance of knowing what foods to avoid giving your pets to keep them safe and healthy.
Here’s a list:
1. Chocolate
Chocolate is among the most well-known toxic foods for pets, especially dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both stimulants that can be harmful to pets. The darker the chocolate, the higher the risk, with baking chocolate and dark chocolate posing the greatest danger.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. In severe cases, chocolate ingestion can be fatal.
It’s essential to keep all forms of chocolate out of reach of cats and dogs. If you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately.
2. Grapes and Raisins
Although healthy for humans, grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs and cats. Even a small amount can be dangerous, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. The exact toxic substance in grapes and raisins remains unknown, but it’s clear that they are harmful to pets.
In Washington, DC, where the summers can be brutally hot, pet owners may be tempted to offer cool grapes as a treat. However, finding alternative pet-safe fruits is crucial to avoid any risk.
3. Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, and other members of the allium family (such as chives and leeks) are toxic to both dogs and cats. These foods can cause gastrointestinal irritation and damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Onion or garlic poisoning symptoms include vomiting, weakness, and an increased heart rate.
Whether raw, cooked, powdered, or in any other form, these foods should never be given to your pets. Be particularly cautious with foods containing hidden onions or garlic, such as soups, sauces, or baby food.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol, even in small amounts, can be dangerous for pets. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, and, in severe cases, coma or death. Pets are much more sensitive to alcohol than humans, and what might seem like a harmless amount can have serious consequences.
Given the vibrant social scene in Washington, DC, where outdoor gatherings and events are common, it’s essential to ensure that your pets do not have access to alcohol, whether in drinks or food preparations like desserts.
5. Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute in many sugar-free products such as gum, candy, baked goods, and toothpaste. It is incredibly toxic to dogs, causing a rapid release of insulin, which can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, and death. Even a small amount of xylitol can be dangerous.
On the other hand, cats are generally not attracted to sweets, but as a precaution, keeping xylitol-containing products out of their reach is still important.
6. Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are another food that is toxic to dogs. Ingesting these nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. The exact cause of toxicity is unknown, but symptoms typically appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last up to 48 hours.
Although cats are less likely to eat nuts, it’s still wise to keep macadamia nuts and any foods containing them out of reach of all pets.
7. Caffeine
Caffeine in coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks is toxic to dogs and cats. Like chocolate, caffeine contains stimulants that can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and, in severe cases, death.
In a city like Washington, DC, where coffee culture thrives, ensuring your pets cannot access caffeinated beverages or foods is important. Always be cautious about where you leave your coffee cups or energy drinks, and clean up any spills promptly.
8. Avocado
Avocados contain persin, which is toxic to many animals, including dogs and cats. While the risk is lower for dogs, they can still experience gastrointestinal upset if they overeat avocado. For cats, avocados can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Avocados are a common food item in the DC Metro area, where fresh, health-conscious eating is popular. Be sure to keep avocado-based foods like guacamole away from your pets.
9. Bones
While giving your dog a bone to chew on might seem natural, cooked bones can be dangerous. They can splinter and cause choking, blockages, or tears in the digestive tract. This is especially true for poultry bones. Raw bones are generally safer, but they still pose risks and should be given under supervision.
Bones can also be a choking hazard for cats and cause similar digestive issues. Instead of bones, consider offering your pets safe, vet-approved chew toys or treats designed to satisfy their chewing instincts without the risks.
10. Dairy Products
Many pets are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar in milk. Feeding dairy products to lactose-intolerant pets can cause upset stomachs, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
While a small amount of cheese or plain yogurt might be fine for some pets, it’s best to avoid dairy altogether, especially if you’re unsure of your pet’s tolerance.
11. Raw Meat and Fish
Raw meat and fish can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can lead to food poisoning in pets. Additionally, certain types of fish, like salmon, can contain parasites dangerous to pets.
If you choose to feed your pet a raw diet, it’s essential to do so under the guidance of a veterinarian to ensure that all risks are minimized and that your pet receives a balanced diet.
What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something They Shouldn’t
If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, acting quickly is essential. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately. For expert advice, you can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661.
For pet owners in Washington, DC, Metro Mutts offers various services to keep your pet healthy and safe. Whether you need pet sitting, dog walking, or boarding, our experienced team is here to help. If you have more questions about our services or need advice on pet care, feel free to contact us.
Conclusion
Protecting your pets from harmful foods is crucial to being a responsible pet parent. Awareness of the dangerous foods for pets and taking precautions can help ensure your furry family members stay healthy and happy. If you are unsure what’s safe for your pet, consult your veterinarian.
Ready to book a service? Book now with Metro Mutts to ensure your pet receives top-notch care while you’re away. For more information about our services, visit our services page or check out our FAQs for details on how we operate.
