4 Surprising Human Foods That Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs

When it comes to your furry feline or canine companion, you understand the significant role that nutrition plays in their overall health and well-being. You have likely spent a lot of time agonizing over which pet food formula suits their needs, and opt for nothing but the best for your four-legged family member. While a lot of thought is put into these everyday meals, many pet owners do not give a second thought to sharing table scraps.

Fido may look adorable while begging for a taste of your savory lunch, but not all human foods are suitable for canines or felines. In fact, some are downright toxic. Most people know to avoid giving their pets harmful substances like chocolate or caffeine, but the list extends beyond these commonly identified risks:

1. Onion and Garlic

Onion and garlic are two common recipe ingredients that many pet owners may not recognize as a danger. However, either one of these, in any form, can be fatally toxic to your furry family members. Garlic is generally regarded as being around five times more potent to pets than onion, but both should be kept out of your pet's reach. Ingestion of onion or garlic can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and an increased respiratory rate. If you suspect that your cat or dog has ingested onion or garlic, no matter how small of a dose, be sure to seek immediate medical help.

2. Macadamia Nuts

Consuming macadamia nuts poses a risk of nut toxicity in dogs. The symptoms can be mild, in the form of lethargy or vomiting, or severe enough to cause seizures and loss of muscle control. Researchers have not identified one specific toxin that causes this reaction in canines, but even insignificant amounts of these nuts are problematic. Although there is no data that supports the same reaction in felines, most veterinarians advise against taking the risk. Experts do know, however, that the nuts are high in fat and salt, which can present digestive problems in felines.

3. Grapes and Raisins

Grape and raisin toxicity is a well-documented phenomenon. As with macadamia nuts, researchers have yet to identify the specific toxin that causes a reaction in canines and felines. Oddly, some pets seem to be unfazed by grapes or raisins; however, veterinarians advise that all cats and dogs avoid the fruit in both its natural and dried state. This is because consuming even a minimal number of grapes or raisins can lead to kidney failure, coma, seizures and even death.

4. Cooked Bones

Many pet owners make the mistake of sharing cooked bones with their pets. Dogs, after all, love bones and cats can't resist the meaty flavor. Sadly, cooked bones cause major problems for both cats and dogs. They are prone to splintering, which can cause major damage to your pet's teeth and digestive system. Likewise, these bones are a big choking hazard.

Instead of handing over the bone from your chicken dinner, opt for a large uncooked bone or better yet, a commercial chew toy for your canine. Felines, on the other hand, will likely be more satisfied with a portion of your cooked chicken. These options are much safer and healthier for pets. To avoid accidental consumption of cooked bones, be sure to dispose of them carefully so that pets are unable to reach them during unsupervised periods.

Avoiding toxic foods is a crucial part of catering to your pet's health care needs, but it only represents a small fraction of the care needed to maintain optimal canine or feline health. In addition to regular visits to the veterinarian, get more info here if you’re trying to add chewable tablets such as Comfortis to your pet's diet to ward off problematic pests like fleas and ticks.