Feeding your pet scraps from the table is a common practice, but not all human foods are safe for animal consumption. Here's a breakdown of some common foods that can be harmful to pets.
Foods to avoid
There are a number of foods that are absolutely toxic to most pets:
Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is toxic to dogs and cats even in small amounts. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous.
Xylitol is found in many sugar-free products such as chewing gum and candy and can cause insulin release in many species, which can lead to liver failure and hypoglycemia.
This vegetable can cause gastrointestinal irritation and can lead to red blood cell damage and anemia in pets.
Grapes and raisins have been linked to kidney failure in dogs. Even small amounts can make a dog sick.
Alcohol has the same effect on a pet's liver and brain as it does on humans, but can be much more potent in a pet. Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma, and even death.
Safe practices
Before adding human food to your pet, consult your veterinarian. They can give you advice based on your pet's health, breed and nutritional needs.
Then make sure that foods that are toxic to pets are stored where they are not accessible, especially on vacation or at parties when food is often left out.
Finally, make sure everyone in your household knows which foods are dangerous for pets. This is especially important for children, who may not be aware of the dangers of feeding leftovers to pets. This way, you can help keep your pet healthy and happy.
