Eating well is usually straight-forward, even if it’s not always easy. For the most part, you know what foods are healthy, and what foods aren’t.
But just because a food is healthy for you doesn’t make it healthy for your pets. Dogs and cats have very different dietary needs. And while there’s some overlap, just because you should eat something, doesn’t mean they should.
In fact, some of your favorite people foods can be downright dangerous for Fido or Fluffy.
People food isn’t always pet food
Make sure you aren’t giving your pets the following so-called healthy foods that could make them sick!
1. Avocado:
Since you’re a Healthier Talk reader you already known that avocados are great for us. They’re a terrific source of monounsaturated fats, vitamin and antioxidants.
But in this case, what’s good for you isn’t good for your pet. Avocados contain a chemical compound known as persin that’s bad for pets, especially dogs. Symptoms of persin poisoning in cats and dogs are vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
Persin is in every part of the plant including the leaves, stem, rind and flesh. So you don’t just need to avoid feeding your pets avocado slices. You also should make sure the trash is secure. And any fresh avocado plants you’re growing should be kept well out of your pet’s reach.
2. Chives, garlic, and onions:
While most people don’t eat nearly enough of these pungent, flavonoid rich veggies, your pets shouldn’t be eating them at all. Veggies in the allium family can cause anemia, weakness, vomiting and breathing problems in your furry friends.
The risk to your cat is greater, because it takes a smaller amount to harm her health. However, dogs are at risk as well if they consume enough.
3. Coconut:
While a small amount of coconut probably isn’t going to cause a problem for your pets, sharing your daily dose of coconut oil is a bad idea. The amount of oil and fat in coconut can cause upset stomach, diarrhea and vomiting.
Fido and Fluffy shouldn’t ever drink coconut water either. The water is high in potassium, which is fine for people since we’re often running low on the mineral. But your pets can easily get too much potassium, which can lead to kidney and heart damage.
4. Grapes:
If your dog loves grapes, he’s not alone. Many dogs do. But while grapes may seem like the perfect-sized treat for your pooch, if you’re feeding them to Fido you should stop.
Experts warn grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in pets. And while researchers haven’t yet isolated what compound in the fruit causes the damage, it’s clear they can be dangerous for your fluffy family members.
5. Nuts:
The same oils and healthy fats that make nuts so good for you make them bad for your four-legged babies. They can cause vomiting and diarrhea. But even worse, eating a large amount of nuts could trigger pancreatitis, a debilitating inflammation of the pancreas that in some cases can be deadly.
Although any nuts can cause a bad reaction in your pet macadamias deserve their own special mention. It only takes six of these exotic nuts to make your pup very sick.
Shaking, muscle weakness, vomiting and a high temperature can all be signs your dog got into the nuts while you weren’t looking. If you suspect your pet has eaten macadamia nuts, get him to a vet as soon as possible.
6. Oranges:
The citric acid in oranges and other citrus fruits can be a problem for pets. In small amounts citrus can cause stomach upset. In larger amounts, it can depress the nervous system leading to major problems such as trouble breathing.
Citric acid is in all parts of the fruit: stems, flesh, seeds and peel. So you should be careful if you grow your own citrus, as well as how you dispose of the seeds and peels.
Keep your pets out of harm’s way. Be sure these six healthy people foods stay on your own plate and out of Fido or Fluffy’s bowl.
Healthier Talk
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In your dangerous foods for pets article, I was surprised you didn’t mention chocolate which can be deadly for them.
Hi Jay,
Thank you for your comment.
Yes, you’re absolutely right that chocolate is toxic for your pets too.
There are a number of other foods we could have included as well such as coffee grounds, apples (because of the seeds) and anything containing Xylitol. But for space/length purposes we needed to narrow our list down. Since many pet-owners are already aware that chocolate can be dangerous for their furry friends we decided to use the space for another food that more folks might not be aware of.
But we’re glad you took the time to share it in the comments. The more information people have the safer their pets will be.
Thanks!
The Healthier Talk Team
PS – In an unrelated note, if any Healthier Talk readers would like to do something to help the animals affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas please consider giving to the Humane Society’s Disaster Relief Fund. They already have their Animal Rescue Team on the ground and are working with local officials to help.
Click here to learn more and make a donation.