What’s more natural than sharing our favorite foods with our “best friends?” Unfortunately, some of our go-to favorites can have dire consequences for our pets. Knowing what’s safe and what’s an absolute “no-no” is vital! While most people worry about dogs because of their natural quest for table scraps, cats should be protected from these foods as well.
Let’s look at some foods you should NEVER share with your furry BFFs:
- CHOCOLATE…most people have heard that you don’t give chocolate to your pets, but they may not know why. Chocolate contains “theobromine” which is found in cola, tea, and acai berries as well. Humans rapidly metabolize theobromine, but pets process it at a much slower pace, causing it to build to toxic levels in their bloodstream, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, and heart problems. At high enough levels, that toxicity can be fatal.
- XYLITOL…Never share any product containing Xylitol with your pets. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many food products as well as gum, diet beverages, mints, toothpaste, syrups and more. Xylitol causes a rapid drop in blood glucose, leading to collapse, seizures, and potentially death.
- GRAPES AND RAISINS…grapes/raisins are not a treat to be shared with your dog or cat. While vomiting and/or diarrhea may be unpleasant side effects of their consumption, grape/raisin toxicity can produce acute kidney failure with an inability to produce urine!
- ONIONS, GARLIC, LEEKS, SHALLOTS, SCALLIONS, CHIVES…these members of the Allium species are highly toxic to both cats and dogs. Eating any of these can destroy red blood cells resulting in anemia and decreased oxygen transport to vital organs. Signs of toxicity are often marked lethargy and shortness of breath.
- BONES…while this option represents a safe, “natural” treat in the eyes of many dog owners, it isn’t free from potential perils. First, never give a dog a cooked bone of any kind! Cooking dries out the bone and dramatically increases the chances of splintering, and the injuries that accompany splintered bones. Raw bones, while less likely to splinter, come with their own problems from mouth injuries and internal blockages, to salmonella. Close supervision is a must.
- BEVERAGE NO-NOs…caffeine from coffee, colas, and energy drinks can produce hyperventilation, restlessness, and even prove fatal. Obviously, alcoholic drinks are also never to be given to pets.
Meat, certain cheeses, pasta, carrots, green beans and eggs are some of the healthy options you can share and enjoy with your “best friend!” Knowing what’s safe will protect your pet from avoidable illness and injury. Food is a big part of the relationship we have with our pets. If you have questions about your pet’s diet, and whether or not you’re addressing all their nutritional needs, the best place to start is with your veterinarian. Give us a call at (732) 671-3110.