Although you may think that you're showing your pet love when you sneak food to them under the table, you are actually harming their health with food that is unsafe to consume. From chocolate to avocados, there are a long list of foods that people consume that are dangerous for animals to eat. To keep your pet safe and increase their lifespan, here is a list of common foods to avoid feeding them.
1. Grapes
Grapes are a natural and healthy food for humans, but for pets they can cause kidney failure. Although the cause of the toxins is still unknown, it's a fruit that should be kept away from household pets.
2. Onions
Raw onions are known to cause toxicosis in pets due to various compounds that it contains. Animals that ingest the food are known to develop red or orange urine several days after the food is consumed. The good news is most animals won't want to eat large amounts of onions, but it's better safe than sorry to keep it away from them.
3. Cow's Milk
Cow's milk may seem harmless for cats and dogs, but it can be harmful on the digestive system due to the high content level of lactose that it contains. This can cause diarrhea and an upset stomach for several days.
4. Avocado
Avocados are another food that's healthy for humans, but not for pets. It contains persin, which can be toxic to dogs and other pets, especially in large amounts.
5. Garlic
Garlic may be a flavorful ingredient in most dishes that humans eat, but for pets it can harm their health due to concentrated toxins that it contains. Consuming even a small amount of the food can lead to severe poisoning that can be fatal for the pet.
6. Chocolate
Both cats and dogs are prone to scarf down chocolate due to the sweet taste of the food. Unfortunately, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to their health. It can quickly lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.
7. Raisins
For cats, raisins are poisonous and can lead to kidney failure, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and fatigue.
You may show your love for your family pet by feeding it a bite or two off of your plate, but the act can damage their health and lead to death. To protect your pooch or feline, it's important to only feed the animal food that is safe and specifically made for their body. Be sure to take your pet to the vet for prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea after eating different foods. Informational credit to Brimley-Lawrence Animal Clinic.
