Foods That Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs
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Posted by Jennifer Copley Sep 30, 2008 |
Lots of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas treats can be harmful to pets. While most cats won’t go for foods that can harm them, there are always exceptions to the rule, and dogs are often quite indiscriminate in their dietary choices. Foods to keep away from your furry friends include:
- Alcoholic beverages (particularly beer)
- Apple seeds
- Chocolate (all forms, including cocoa)
- Citrus oil
- Garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, shallots, chives (Allium Species)
- Grapes and raisins
- Human medications and vitamins
- Leaves and stems of tomato, rhubarb, and potato plants
- Macadamia nuts
- Meat with bones in it (can cause choking)
- Mushrooms (may cause kidney damage)
- Mustard seeds
- Products sweetened with Xylitol (gum, etc.)
- Salt (in higher quantities than that found in pet foods)
- Yeast dough (uncooked bread)
Many people give their pets baby food, particularly if the animal is recovering from an illness. If feeding a pet baby food, check the label to ensure that it contains none of the ingredients listed above.
- Cope, R.B., BVSc, PhD, ASPCA: "Allium Species Poisoning in Cats and Dogs"
- PetEducation.com, Dr.s Foster & Smith: "Citrus Oil Toxicity in Dogs and Cats"
- The Humane Society of the United States: "Foods Potentially Poisonous to Pets"
- WebVet: "Toxic and Dangerous Foods for Pets"
- Wesley Chapel Veterinary Services: "What Foods Are Harmful to Your Dog?"
For more information on toxic substances, see Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and What to Do if Your Cat Has Been Poisoned.