Ten Things Not To Feed Your Dog Or Cat

I got this list from our pet sitting insurance company and thought I’d share it…

Nellie Playing with a Stick

10 things not to feed your dog:

1. Chocolate, tea, coffee, caffeine – these foods and drinks contain substances that can cause severe or even fatal heart or nervous system problems and should never be given.
2. Grapes, raisins or currants – contain an unknown toxin that can cause kidney failure.
3. Xylitol containing gum or candy – can cause severe low blood sugar or liver failure.
4. Garlic, onion, or chives – contain a substance that can cause anemia. This includes garlic and onion powder in prepared foods.
5. Corn on the cob – pieces of the cob can be swallowed and cause a bowel obstruction.
6. Bones that splinter or can be swallowed – certain bones can cause lacerations to the mouth or digestive tract or cause obstruction.
7. Raw eggs – contain an enzyme in the egg white called Avidin, which prevents the absorption of a B-Vitamin called biotin which can lead to skin and hair coat problems.
8. Avocado – contain a substance called Persin, which causes vomiting and diarrhea.
9. Liver – when fed in large quantities causes Vitamin A toxicity causing bone and muscle problems.
10. Fish – raw, canned or cooked when fed exclusively or in large quantities a Thiamine deficiency leading to anorexia, seizures, an in severe cases death.

10 things not to feed your cat:

1. Chocolate, coffee, tea or caffeine -for the same reason as dogs.
2. Canned tuna for human consumption and raw fish – when fed exclusively or in high amounts can cause thiamine deficiency similar to dogs.
3. Grapes, raisins, or currants – same as dogs
4. Nuts – some nuts like macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin causing intestinal, nervous system or muscle problems. Also if swallowed can cause a bowel obstruction.
5. Xylitol gum or candy – same as dogs
6. Baby food – many times contain onion powder, which can cause anemia when fed exclusively for in large quantities. Also is not completely balanced for a cat.
7. Onions and Garlic raw, cooked or powder – contain sulfoxides and disulfides which cause anemia. Cats are more sensitive than dogs, and onion is more toxic than garlic.
8. Dog food – if fed repeatedly causes taurine deficiency, which can cause malnutrition and heart disease.
9. Bones – can cause obstruction or lacerations of the digestive system.
10. Raw meat – may contain ecoli or salmonella causing diarrhea or vomiting.

Many of the foods listed can be used occasionally or as part of a balanced diet, but if not using a commercially prepared diet consult your veterinarian or an animal nutritionist.