What foods are toxic to cats and dogs? 

Our furry friends always seem to know when there’s food around. Whether they beg by the kitchen counter or jump on your knee whilst you’re trying to eat your lunch, they always want what you’re having. As tempting as it is to give in and share your meal with a cat or dog, never assume that what you’re eating is safe for them.

There are a great many foods and drinks you may consume regularly which should not be shared with your furry friend. Please be aware that the list below is not exhaustive, and you should always exercise caution when giving food to your pet. 

Avocado

You might like it on toast, or chopped up in a salad, but don’t give avocado to your pet. Even in small doses, it can be toxic to both cats and dogs. If a pet eats a large quantity of avocado, they may experience stomach upset, diarrhoea, vomiting, and even heart damage.

Caffeine

Even if your pet is groggy in the morning, caffeine isn’t the answer. As they have a lower tolerance level to caffeine than we do, a cup of tea or coffee should always be kept well out of their way. Caffeine stimulates their central nervous system which can lead to hyperactivity, restlessness, tremors, vomiting, seizures, and even death.

Cheese

Though acceptable in moderation, you should avoid feeding cheese to your cat or dog. It can create digestive issues, cause obesity, and lead to further problems such as diarrhoea and vomiting, flatulence, and general discomfort.

Chocolate

It may be a sweet treat that we humans can’t get enough of, but we must keep chocolate well out of the reach of any paws. Even in tiny amounts, chocolate is toxic to both cats and dogs as it contains theobromine and caffeine.

Cooked bones

Even though bones can be a good source of nutrients and minerals, cooked bones not only present a choking hazard, but they could also be responsible for damaging your pet’s digestive system.

Corn on the cob

If your dog is not allergic to corn, the corn itself is safe for them to eat. However, the cob is indigestible and can cause blockages in your dog’s intestines – they can also sit rotting in their stomach, leading to surgery or worse.

Cats don’t need the amount of carbs that corn contains, eating it can lead to digestive problems and obesity.

Dough

Love baking your own bread? Make sure your pets aren’t lurking in the kitchen when you’re working with dough, particularly if it contains yeast.

Fruit pits and seeds

From apples and apricots to cherries, many fruits contain pits and seeds which are dangerous for cats and dogs if ingested. Cherries themselves are toxic whilst citrus fruits can cause digestive issues, diarrhoea, vomiting, and even nervous system depression.

Garlic, onions, leek, and chives

Great for flavouring a healthy, balanced meal, they’re only intended for human consumption. Feeding leek, chives, onion, or garlic (accidentally or otherwise) to your four-legged companion could lead them to develop anaemia and related blood cell health issues.

Grapes, raisins, currants, and sultanas

Quashing your cravings with grapes and other small fruits will work wonders for you, but not for your furry friends. Sultanas, grapes, currants, and raisins can all cause kidney failure in dogs and cats.

Macadamia nuts

Often used in baking, macadamia nuts give our favourite treats a distinctive flavour and texture. Even though we enjoy them, macadamia nuts are poisonous to dogs and therefore not safe to have around our furry companions.

Raw meat and eggs

Uncooked eggs and raw meat may have their benefits for us, but that doesn’t translate into the diets of our cats and dogs. In fact, they can contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli – and you don’t want to be responsible for exposing your pets to either of them.

Xylitol

Before you ask, it’s a toxic sweetener found in some sweets. Much like chocolate, it’s best to keep any sweets well hidden and never tempt your cat or dog with them. The symptoms of eating Xylitol are more severe in dogs than they are in cats, but the sweetener should be avoided all the same. 

Correct at the time of publication. Information in this article has been gathered from various sources, therefore Swinton Pet cannot be held responsible for any view or opinion expressed herein.