Toxic Food for Pets
When meal time comes around for us, some pets become fixtures right next to the table just waiting for us to share. Unfortunately, some of our food can be toxic for them. You may think that you are giving your pet a treat, but you may actually be harming them. So let’s learn what foods to avoid giving to our animals. Most quality pet foods contain all the nutrition that our pets need, so it is best to not give your animal “people food” without first checking with your veterinarian.
What foods are typically toxic to most pets?
Alcohol
Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma, and even death.
Avocado
This is primarily a concern for birds, rabbits, donkeys, horses, and other ruminants like goats and sheep. Rabbits and birds can experience cardiovascular damage and possibly death. While horses, donkeys, and other ruminants experience swollen, edematous heads and necks.
Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine
All of these contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and
urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death.
Citrus
The stems, leaves, peels, fruit, and seeds all contain varying amounts of
citric acid. It can cause irritation and possible central nervous depression if ingested in large amounts. Small amounts, such as eating the fruit, are not likely to present major problems but could cause minor stomach upset.
Coconut and Coconut Oil
When ingested in small amounts, it will most likely not cause any problems for your pet. However, the flesh and milk of fresh coconuts do contain oils that can cause stomach upset, loose stools, or diarrhea.
Grapes and Raisins
It is unclear what toxic substance is contained within these fruits, but
they can cause kidney failure.
Macadamia Nuts
It can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia
in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can
last 24-48 hours.
Milk and dairy
Pets do not have significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks
down lactose). Because of this, dairy products can cause diarrhea or
other digestive upset.
Nuts
Nuts including almonds, walnuts, and pecans contain high amounts of oils
and fats. This can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis.
Onions, garlic, and chives
These can lead to gastrointestinal irritation and lead to red blood cell
damage and anemia. Cats are more susceptible, but dogs are also at
risk if a large enough amount is ingested.
Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs, and Bones
Raw meat and eggs can contain Salmonella and E. Coli that can be harmful
to pets and humans. Raw eggs contain an enzyme, avidin, that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to coat and skin problems. Bones may seem natural since that could occur if your pet lived in the wild but can cause a range of problems in domestic pets. They could choke on the bones or sustain a grave injury if the bone splinters, becomes lodged, or punctures your pet’s digestive tract.
Salt and Salty Snack Food
Large amounts of salt can cause excessive thirst or urination. It can even
lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of ingesting salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures, and even death.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is found in many products, like gum,
candy, baked goods, and toothpaste. In most species it can cause insulin release, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to
hypoglycemia (lower blood sugar). Initial signs of toxicosis include
vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to seizures. Within a few days, elevated liver enzymes and liver failure
can be seen.
Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive
tract. This can be painful, cause stomach bloating, and potentially
twist the stomach, which is a life-threatening emergency. The yeast
can produce ethanol (alcohol) as a byproduct, so a dog ingesting raw
bread dough can become drunk.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested any of the above foods, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control line at 888-426-4435.
Sources:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets