The Top 8 Toxic Foods Your Pets Should not Eat

There are plenty of myths behind what your pet should and should not eat. To help shed some light, here are Jet Pet Resort’s top 8 toxic foods your pets should not eat.

Top 8 Toxic Foods For Pets

Chocolate

Why: Stimulates the nervous system and the heart.
Poisonous to: All species, but dogs are most likely to eat dangerous quantities.
Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, increased thirst, restlessness, agitation, increased or irregular heartbeat, increased body temperature, tremors, seizures.

Grapes, Raisins

Why: Damage the kidneys.
Poisonous to: Dogs, cats.
Possible effects of poisoning: Increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy, vomiting.

Garlic, Onions

Why: Damage red blood cells, causing anemia.
Poisonous to: Cats, dogs.
Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, red-coloured urine, weakness, anemia.

Xylitol

(Found in sugarless gum and also now in some low sugar peanut butters)
Why: Causes increased insulin secretion, resulting in lower blood sugar levels.
Poisonous to: Dogs.
Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, lack of coordination, seizures, jaundice, diarrhea.

Alcoholic Drinks

Why: Depress the nervous system.
Poisonous to: All species.
Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizures.

Raw Yeast, Bread Dough

Why: Forms gas in the digestive tract; fermentation of yeast causes alcohol poisoning.
Poisonous to: All species, but only dogs typically ingest it.
Possible effects of poisoning: Distention of abdomen, vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizures.

Macadamia Nuts

Dogs like humans can have nut allergies so always be careful with nuts and nut butters.
Why: Cause muscle and nervous-system problems.
Poisonous to: Dogs.
Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, lethargy, weakness, increased body temperature, tremors.

Avocados

Why: Contain persin, which damages the heart muscle.
Poisonous to: Most species―birds are especially sensitive.
Possible effects of poisoning: Vomiting, diarrhea (in dogs), lethargy, difficulty breathing (in birds and rodents).

Debunking this list of toxic foods that our pets should not eat is a tricky one, there are so many different opinions.  Use these 8 toxic foods list as a guide to ensure optimal health for your pet with regards to typical foods around the house.

Do not say we didn’t warn you, it may be extremely hard to say no to those very hopeful puppy eyes as they beg for even just a small morsel of food.  As you gaze back into your pet’s eyes, keep in mind that by not giving in to their temptation is keeping your furry friend safe from any serious harm with toxic foods.