People Food: Safe or Toxic

We would love for our pets to be able to have that occasional “people food” treat. Although, we do not encourage those treats frequently we do want our clients to be informed of the foods that are safe for people but dangerous for your pets.

The following foods may be dangerous to your pet:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Apple seeds
  • Apricot pits
  • Candy (particularly chocolate—which is toxic to dogs, cats, and ferrets—and any candy containing the toxic sweetener Xylitol)
  • Coffee (grounds, beans, and chocolate-covered espresso beans)
  • Garlic
  • Grapes
  • Gum (can cause blockages and sugar free gums may contain the toxic sweetener Xylitol)
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Moldy foods
  • Mushroom plants
  • Mustard seeds
  • Nuts – particularly macadamia nuts
  • Onions and onion powder
  • Peach pits
  • Potato leaves and stems (green parts)
  • Raisins
  • Rhubarb leaves
  • Salt
  • Tea (because it contains caffeine)
  • Tomato leaves and stems (green parts)
  • Walnuts
  • Xylitol (artificial sweetener that is toxic to pets)
  • Yeast dough
What to do if you pet ingests one of these food items:
  • Safely remove any remaining poisonous material from their reach.
  • Check to make sure your pet is breathing normally and acting fine otherwise.
  • Collect a sample of the material, along with the packaging, vial, or container, and save it – you will need all that information when you talk to your veterinarian or to a Pet Poison Helpline expert.
  • Do NOT give your dog any milk, food, salt, oil, or any other home remedies.
  • Never induce vomiting without talking to your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline – it may actually be detrimental or contraindicated to induce vomiting! Stronger veterinary prescription medications may be necessary to get your pet to vomit up the poison they ingested.
How will I know if I need to seek medical attention?
Watch for these signs:
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Painful Abdomen
  • Neurological symptoms (disoriented)
  • Tremors
  • Restlessness
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Excessive drinking or urination
  • Lost appetite
  • Excessive drooling or panting
So what CAN our pets eat?
  • Green beans are a recommended addition of fiber to replace calorie content for our “heavier” pets.
  • Canned pumpkin is a great fiber additive as well.
  • Boiled chicken or lean hamburger are often used as a bland diet if your pet is having GI upset. Boiled shredded chicken can also be used as treats.
  • Raw carrots – small size are great for treats and the large size can act as “chew toys”
  • Scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, or rice can also given as a bland diet or added into food.
  • Non starchy vegetables are all acceptable (broccoli, cauliflower, ect.)
So what CAN our pets eat?
Source: petpoisonhelpline.com