Those eyes!
Picture yourself happily munching away on a snack, or sitting down to eat a meal. Next thing you hear the pitter patter of paws, and your pet is suddenly on the scene. Their keen nose has sensed that something good (and tasty) is happening, and they’d like a piece of the action, pretty please!
Sound familiar? When your pet looks at you with those big adorable eyes and that goofy grin, it can be hard to resist. Before you toss them a tasty morsel, it’s worth considering if that’s actually a safe thing to do.
Could a little something from the dinner table really hurt your pet? The answer to that depends on what food it is and what’s in it. While some foods are safe for pets to eat, others shouldn’t be on the menu. Some common foods and drinks can cause discomfort and an upset tummy, while others can contribute to choking and intestinal obstruction. Some foods are even toxic to pets, and can be lethal.
Food and drinks your pet needs to avoid
The following is a list of common foods and drinks that should be avoided by dogs and cats, some of which might even surprise you.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, so always check with your veterinarian if in doubt.
- Alcoholic drinks and foods containing alcohol
- Apple seeds
- Apricot and peach pits
- Avocado
- Caffeinated drinks such as cola, coffee, energy drinks
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits such as limes, lemons and grapefruits
- Cooked bones
- Corn cobs
- Fatty foods
- Fruit with pits such as cherry, plum, peach
- Garlic, onions and shallots
- Grapes
- Macadamia nuts
- Milk and dairy items – most pets are lactose intolerant
- Onions
- Potatoes with growths or sprouts
- Raw and under-cooked meat and eggs
- Sultanas and raisins
- Diet food and drinks (including candy and gum) containing artificial sweeteners
- Yeast dough (expanding dough can cause digestive pain and bloat)
If you suspect your pet has eaten any of these items, contact your veterinarian right away. It’s helpful if you know how much they have consumed.
For peace of mind, it’s best to stick to only feeding a quality pet food such as ADVANCE™ as well as treats specifically formulated for pets. Also avoid offering cats anything that has been designed for dogs, and vice-versa. This will help keep your pet safe and healthy.