9 foods you should NEVER feed your pet
We’ve all been there. You’re at the dinner table and your four-legged friend comes up to you with big adorable eyes and a wagging tail begging for a little something. It’s hard to resist; surely some leftovers from your plate can’t hurt, right? Well, unfortunately what’s good for us is not always good for our pets. Here’s a handy reference list of foods you should NEVER feed your pet.
Chocolate
While it might be a delicious treat for us, chocolate is toxic to dogs. It contains theobromine which can damage your pooch’s lungs, hearts, kidneys and nervous system. Baking chocolate is particularly dangerous so don’t get your dog to help lick the icing bowl!
Avocados
Put the guacamole down! Containing a substance called persin, avocadoes are harmful to canines.
Grapes and raisins
While tossing a few grapes to your pet might seem harmless, grapes, raisins and currant can cause kidney failure in dogs and cats. Even a small amount can make them ill.
Onion and garlic
Either of these are highly toxic to pets (especially cats) as they destroy an animals red blood cells which can lead to anaemia, breathing problems and weakness. Although your furry friend probably hasn’t begged for these, just remember many of our dishes contain onion and garlic.
Lollies and gum
Lollies and chewing gum are sweetened with xylitol which increases the insulin in your pet’s body. This can trigger a sudden fall in blood sugar and lead to seizures and loss of coordination.
Nuts
Nuts, especially macadamias and walnuts, are harmful to animals. Just a handful can lead to vomiting, pain, swelling and lethargy.
Milk
Movies tell us cats love lapping up a saucer of milk but felines actually become lactose intolerance as they grow older. This applies to your pooch as well so avoid milk; it causes digestive problems.
Salt
If your pet consumes a large amount of salty foods, it can produce excessive thirst and urination. It may even lead to sodium ion poisoning. So don’t share those salty chips!
Yeasty dough
This is for the bakers out there. If ingested, yeast dough can expand in your pet’s stomach which is not only painful but can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Cooked dough is fine though so there’s no problem treating your pet to a bit of bread.