Many people know that eating healthy foods is vital to your mental and physical health: your pet is no different. Dogs and cats both have their own specific dietary needs that need to be met to ensure they live a healthy and happy life. One thing we all need to keep in mind is that foods that are healthy for us, might not be healthy for our furry friend.
Take a look at the list below for some key foods to keep away from your pet:
1. Onions and garlic
You should never give your dog any food that contains onions or garlic. These vegetables are great for humans, but contain a substance that is very toxic to dogs: N-propyl disulfide. This compound can cause the red blood cells in your dog to breakdown which could lead to anemia. There is a similar compound in garlic that has the same effect on dogs and these compounds are present in both cooked and fresh forms. Keeping foods that might contain either of these vegetables away from your dog is a wise decision.
2. Raw eggs and raw meat and bones
Raw eggs pose the same risk to cats and dogs as they do to humans. Salmonella can be found in some raw eggs and if we, or our pets, consume a contaminated raw egg, we can have side effects such as stomach pain and severe diarrhea. Raw meat and bones are similar in that some raw meat can contain bacteria and pathogens that are harmful to our pets, just like us.
3. Chocolate
Chocolate being poisonous to dogs is considered pretty common knowledge. But, did you know that it is even more poisonous to cats? Thankfully, cats do not tend to eat anything they can get their paws on like dogs do so that is the main reason this poisoning is not talked about in cats very often. The reason it is poisonous to pets is because it contains theobromine which is something that both cats and dogs cannot digest. Symptoms may take a few hours to show up after ingestion, but they can include vomiting and increased heart rate. If you notice your pet exhibiting these symptoms or anything else unusual after eating some, it is best to monitor and take your pet to the vet if the symptoms become severe.
4. Caffeine
Dogs are cats and are much more sensitive to caffeine than we are. The effects are similar though and if your pet consumes only a small amount, you notice them being hyperactive or barking or meowing more. However, if your pet ingests a lot, their heart rate could dramatically increase and their organs could be at risk. If you think your pet may have ingested a large amount of your coffee or other caffeinated beverage, it might be smart to contact your vet who could recommend you to induce vomiting in your pet before the damage is done.
5. Grapes and raisins
Unlike the other foods on this list that have certain compounds to blame for why dogs and cats should not eat them, grapes and raisins can cause sudden kidney failure in your pet and doctors are not entirely sure why. The symptoms are usually the same though and include lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting. Contact your vet immediately if you notice these symptoms after your pet has eaten grapes or raisins.