Toxic Foods to Cats and Dogs

With people making the shift towards living healthier lifestyles, many people are becoming avid label readers and finding that a good number of commercial pet foods contain unhealthy ingredients and have shifted instead to sharing the refrigerator and cupboards. While natural, freshly prepared food is far healthier than processed pet foods full of byproducts and preservatives, keep in mind that the foods listed below are known to be toxic to cats and dogs because of the different ways the bodies of animals metabolize them.

Chocolate: Most people are aware chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats and wouldn't even consider giving them even a taste. However, it's something that is commonly left on a table or counter top. Dogs or cats may tear into a box of chocolate candy when the opportunity presents itself. When ingested, depending on the amount - chocolate causes coma and death. In lesser quantities, it will cause gastrointestinal problems including severe diarrhea which can lead to dehydration and death in some pets. The theobromine is the ingredient that is the most toxic to pets. The degree of toxicity to your individual pet depends on the weight of the animal and the amount and type of chocolate consumed. Semi-sweet and bakers chocolate, for instance, contain more theobromine than regular chocolate, making them even more toxic to animals. There are fabulous treats made with carob that will satisfy a dog's sweet tooth without the risk of toxicity.

Grapes & Raisins: Although it isn't exactly known why, grapes and raisins appear to damage the kidneys of both cats and dogs. Avoid giving bits of foods such as cookies or breads that contain raisins.

Garlic and Onions: It doesn't matter if they are fresh, cooked or dried and powdered. Onions and garlic have large levels of sulfoxides and disulfides and can damage the red blood cells in pets and cause lethal anemia.

Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts-no friend to your dog. These nuts are often used in cookies and they are very toxic to dogs. They cause severe gastrointestinal upsets, lethargy, vomiting and muscle tremors or stiffness.

Tomatoes and tomato plants: Tomatoes of all kinds are toxic to cats, as are parts of the tomato plant. Ingesting as little as a cherry tomato can cause severe gastrointestinal upset.

Other foods to avoid include raw potatoes, especially those containing green spots; cantaloupe can cause kidney failure in cats, turkey skin; nutmeg; and anything with caffeine, including tea.

Alcohol and hops should also be avoided as alcohol poisoning can lead to coma and death. Do not allow your pet to rummage through the trash, as moldy food contains toxins that can cause serious illness.

Since many of the signs of toxicity are similar, call your veterinarian immediately if your pet appears distressed, lethargic or in pain. Bloody stools or vomiting are also possible signs of toxic poisoning. Gastrointestinal problems can lead to gas build-up until the stomach becomes distended or bloated and hard to the touch. This is a painful condition that can cause the stomach to burst if not treated. The good news is that, in most cases, treatment for toxic poisoning can be successful if administered in time.

Feeding cats and dogs a healthy, balanced diet of natural foods as described by many veterinarians today is a great improvement over processed commercial pet food. By keeping in mind foods to avoid and feeding your pet a healthy and balanced diet; you can have help your animal companion lead a healthier and longer life.
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