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Pet owners like to share all aspects of life with their best friends, but unless skydiving or spelunking becomes safe for pets, we can’t do everything together. Similarly, while it may seem like offering them little bits of our food (or inadvertently making it available) is harmless, this can lead to some pretty big problems.
Fortunately, there’s much we can do to prevent a pet poisoning by knowing which human foods are safe and which are toxic.
Broad Strokes
In addition to the fact that some foods are downright toxic for animals, there are also other hazards associated with human foods. Allergic reactions, bacterial infections, pancreatitis, weight gain, choking, and gastrointestinal obstructions round out the list of reasons people shouldn’t share their food with their pets.
The Food Effect
When it comes to human foods, there are some non-negotiable items to avoid, such as:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Xylitol
- Garlic/garlic powder
- Onions/onion powder
- Chives
- Leeks
- Shallots
- Grapes/raisins/currants
- Macadamia nuts
- Uncooked, yeast dough
Preventing a pet poisoning can be as easy as eliminating possible exposure, but pets have a tendency to sneak food when you aren’t looking. They’re food-driven, highly curious creatures who are seemingly ravenous when it comes to whatever their owners are eating.
Pet Poisoning Facts
If you happen to notice any of the following symptoms of a pet poisoning, please let us know right away:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (with or without blood)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy/listlessness
- Seizure
Sharing is Caring
While you definitely want to limit opportunities for your pet to sneak any dangerous foods, there are many tasty additions you can add to their diet. Always offer clean, fresh, bite-sized pieces to reduce the chance of choking. Special treats can include:
- Fruit (bananas, blueberries, cantaloupe, mangoes, apples, apricots, watermelon)
- Veggies (unsweetened pumpkin, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, peas, lettuce, zucchini, cucumbers, celery, spinach, corn off the cob, ripe tomatoes)
- Fully cooked, bite-sized pieces of lean meat, like chicken or turkey
- Cooked salmon or tuna
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Plain yogurt
- Cheese, like gouda, swiss, or cheddar (only in very small amounts)
- Plain, unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter (be sure it’s free of xylitol!)
- Plain popcorn
It’s normal to share some goodies with your pet, but please be aware of their caloric intake. If needed, adjust their daily meal portions on days when they’ve enjoyed extra snacks. Also increase their exercise time to counterbalance the consumption of yummy people foods.
The team at True Care Veterinary Hospital is always here for you and your pet. Please don’t hesitate to contact your Howell Nj vet with any questions or concerns!